What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Director position at Mane Stream?
About Mane Stream
Mane Stream has been providing adaptive horseback riding, therapy services, and other equine-assisted programs for children and adults with special needs since 1972. Located in central New Jersey, Mane Stream serves nearly 600 individuals annually. The Development Director is a key member of the leadership team, responsible for securing the financial resources necessary to sustain and expand our mission.
Position Summary
The Director of Development is responsible for leading, managing, and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to ensure the financial health and growth of Mane Stream. The focus of this role is on planning and directing the organization's overall fundraising program through a wide range of activities, including annual giving, grant and foundation funding, events, and major gifts. A critical aspect of this position will be designing and implementing a major gifts program to ensure the organization's long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Execution
- Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to set ambitious yet achievable contributed revenue goals.
- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to meet or exceed Mane Stream's revenue goals from diverse sources, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and strategic goals.
- Lead and expand the major gifts program, identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a portfolio of high-net-worth individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
- Create and oversee a comprehensive donor stewardship program, including donor recognition, impact reporting, and regular communications to increase donor retention.
- Oversee all grant writing and reporting activities, researching new opportunities and maintaining relationships with current foundation and corporate funders.
- Plan and execute special events (e.g., galas, cultivation receptions) that engage the community and maximize revenue.
- Manage the annual giving program, including appeals, and online fundraising efforts.
- Develop and implement multi-year fundraising strategies aligned with organizational growth and sustainability goals.
Leadership, Management, and Administration
- Monitor, analyze, and report on fundraising performance metrics to the Executive Director and Board on a regular basis, using data to inform and refine strategies.
- Assume accountability for financial and activity KPI's aligned with portfolio goals.
- Oversee the management and integrity of the donor database (Raiser's Edge NXT) and gift processing, ensuring accurate record-keeping and reporting.
- Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to develop persuasive, consistent, and mission-aligned donor materials (print and digital).
- Maintain strong diplomacy and relationship-building skills to effectively engage with donors, colleagues, volunteers, and board members.
Experience and Requirements
- Minimum 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, including designing and implementing strategic development programs, with a focus on building a major gifts portfolio.
- Bachelor's degree required.
- Significant in-person, donor-facing time commitment required.
- Proven ability to meet goals, independently drive activity, and close five-plus figure gifts.
- Working knowledge of Raiser's Edge or another CRM strongly preferred.
- Experience in marketing or donor communications preferred.
- Strong alignment with Mane Stream's mission and values.
- Demonstrated success managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Campaign experience preferred.
- Planned giving experience a plus.
- Ability to be creative, flexible, and well-organized
Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position, reporting to the Executive Director. The role offers a hybrid schedule, with a combination of remote and on-site work. Proposed salary range is $90,000-$100,000. Mane Stream offers health insurance, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off (PTO), eight paid holidays, and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest with a current resume or curriculum vitae, along with contact information for three professional references, to
Mane Stream is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We are committed to an inclusive community and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
Salary : $90,000 - $100,000