Development Director

Position title: Development Director

Reports to: Executive Director

Benefits: Health & dental insurance, Simple IRA, paid time off, sick leave, 16 holidays, cell phone stipend, long-term disability and life insurance, and pro deals

ABOUT US:

Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) was founded in 1982 and is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of public lands in Southern Colorado. RMFI is committed to protecting and enhancing the ecological health of our land and water resources by completing projects focused on watershed restoration, forest health, and creating sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities. By prioritizing the involvement of community volunteers and youth, RMFI envisions a world where our work fosters vibrant and healthy natural systems that are respected and cared for by the public.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Development Director is a member of Rocky Mountain Field Institute's senior leadership team and is responsible for driving donor programs, fundraising campaigns, grant writing, and other community engagement initiatives. The Development Director will be crucial in increasing RMFI's visibility, expanding the donor base, and securing financial support to advance the mission. This role will manage and grow all individual and corporate giving programs, assist with government and foundation grants. This role will require hustle, and the successful candidate will need to be entrepreneurial and fearless while also being flexible.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Development and Fundraising

•    Plan, organize, and execute fundraising campaigns and events to generate a diverse portfolio of financial support.

•    Oversee individual and corporate fundraising to achieve fundraising goals.

•    Manage annual fundraising plan and budget.

•    Provide monthly donor reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

•    Maintain the donor database.

•    Conduct donor research and identify potential high-value donors to grow the organization's major gift program.

•    Build relationships with key donors, board members and stakeholders to support the mission and work for RMFI.

•    Manage and grow RMFI's corporate philanthropy and sponsorship including monetary and in-kind donations for projects and programs.

•    Oversee fundraising and outreach events such as the annual ShinDig!, season kick-off parties, and other fundraisers.

•    Implement strategies to engage and retain existing donors while attracting new supporters.

•    Forecast annual and quarterly contributed revenue, as well as donor renewal and acquisition.

•    Assist the Executive Director and other members of the team to cultivate and nurture relationships with civic groups, businesses, institutional partners, and nonprofit partners in support of increased community engagement and fundraising goals.

•    Coordinate the production of the annual report and other fundraising/outreach materials.

•    Manage RMFI's profile on external sites such as Colorado Gives Day, GuideStar, Better Business Bureau, etc.

Grants

•    Research and identify grant opportunities that align with the organization's mission and goals.

•    Maintains grants calendar of all upcoming applications: keep relevant RMFI staff apprised of upcoming deadlines.

•    Write delegated grant applications and reports on time: ensure the accuracy of information submitted.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

•    3-5 years minimum fundraising experience.

•    Foundation relationship and grant writing experience.

•    Familiarity with fundraising database management.

•    Post-secondary degree in a relevant field or related work experience.

•    Strong written and verbal communication skills.

•    Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

•    Proficiency in computer skills, including QuickBooks, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database management.

•    Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

•    Ability to pass criminal and driving background checks.

•    Ability to represent RMFI core values (stewardship, integrity, community, inclusive, excellence) in actions and behaviors.

DESIRED SKILLS

•    Established member of the Pikes Peak Region with a proven history of building strong community relationships.

•    Effective leader with strong self-awareness, professionalism, and interpersonal skills.

•    Previous experience in the nonprofit sector and a genuine passion for RMFI's mission.

•    Self-starter who demonstrates the ability to take initiative, set goals, and achieve them independently and cooperatively as a team member.

•    Excellent people skills, a sense of humor, and a positive attitude are a must!

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•    Ability to lift and move a minimum of 30 pounds on unlevel natural surfaces; stoop, bend, and stand for long periods.

•    Operate standard office equipment that may require continuous and repetitive arm, hand, and eye movement.

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a full-time (exempt) salaried position based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Flexible schedules and a hybrid remote/onsite schedule are possible. To fully meet the job requirements some travel, evening, and weekend work is required. $70,000-$80,000 depending on experience. 

Rocky Mountain Field Institute is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applicants for all positions equally without regard to their race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any disability as provided in the Americans with Disabilities Act. Your application will be given every consideration, but its receipt does not imply that the applicant will be employed.