Development Director

Job Title: Development Director

Location: Yampatika Headquarters, Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Position Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Executive Director

Position Overview:

The Development Director is a key leadership role responsible for driving Yampatika’s fundraising and development activities in support of its mission to inspire environmental stewardship through education throughout Northwest Colorado. This position will strategize, implement, and oversee initiatives to secure financial support and build strong donor and community relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy and Execution:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet annual financial goals and support organizational growth.
• Major Gifts and Donor Cultivation: Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Develop tailored strategies to engage high-potential donors.
• Grant Management: Research, write, and manage grant proposals to secure funding from various sources, ensuring compliance with grant reporting requirements.

Donor Relations and Stewardship:

• Relationship Building: Foster and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective donors, ensuring effective communication and engagement.
• Recognition Programs: Create and implement programs to acknowledge and thank donors, including recognition events and personalized communications.
• Special Events: Plan and execute fundraising events, such as Wild Edible Feast, other fundraisers, and community engagement activities, to build awareness and generate support.

Team Leadership and Management:

• Leadership: Work with staff to define financial and capacity needs for programs..
• Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers to support fundraising efforts and community outreach.

Financial Oversight and Reporting:

• Budget Management: Develop and manage the development and marketing budget, ensuring financial resources are used effectively to achieve fundraising objectives.
• Reporting: Prepare and present regular reports on fundraising progress, donor engagement, and financial outcomes to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Community Engagement and Outreach:

• Networking: Represent Yampatika in the Steamboat Springs community and throughout Northwest Colorado by participating in local events, meetings, and networking opportunities to promote the organization.
• Marketing and Communications: Collaborate with staff to create marketing materials, social media content, and promotional campaigns that enhance visibility and attract potential donors.

Other responsibilities include:

• Assists in maintaining a clean, safe and user-friendly office and facility at Yampatika’s Environmental Learning Center at Legacy Ranch.
• Fields telephone calls and on-site inquiries related to all of Yampatika’s programs.
• Supports other Yampatika programs as needed. 
• Maintains accurate and transparent records and open communication.
• Participates in staff training and meetings.
• Miscellaneous duties as needed.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Marketing, Environmental Studies, or a related field. A Master’s degree or relevant certification (e.g., CFRE) is advantageous.
• Experience: At least 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including a successful track record in securing major gifts, grant writing, and managing development teams.
• Skills:
  • Proven leadership and management skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Proficiency with Neon CRM donor management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions.
  • High level of professionalism and ethical standards.