Fortiuscap
The Development Director is VVMTA’s lead fundraiser, responsible for growing philanthropic revenue through relationship-based fundraising. This role builds and manages a portfolio of donors and potential donors, develops and executes an annual fundraising plan, leads donor-centered fundraising events, including the annual Trails Forever fundraiser, and expands membership and corporate support.
The Development Director reports to the Executive Director and works in partnership with the Board of Directors and staff to achieve goals. While this position does not lead communications, marketing, community events, or grants, it provides development focused support to these efforts, helping translate outreach and impact storytelling into fundraising opportunities, deeper donor relationships, and progress toward VVMTA financial goals.
The Development Director’s fundraising efforts directly enable VVMTA to serve our community through our mission, providing the philanthropic resources needed to advance our programs, trails, and stewardship projects. By growing and sustaining support from donors, members, and partners, this role strengthens VVMTA’s long term financial sustainability and capacity to deliver lasting impact across Eagle County.
POSITION DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Fundraising and donor relationships (about 60%):
Build and maintain strong relationships with key donors, board members, sponsors, and community stakeholders to advance VVMTA fundraising goals Create and implement a multi-year fundraising plan that drives donor engagement, including moves management steps for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship Manage an individual portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, with clear next steps and consistent follow-up Develop personalized proposals and ask for annual, multi-year, and restricted gifts aligned with donor interests and organizational priorities Grow the major gifts program by upgrading existing donors and identifying new prospects, in partnership with the Executive Director and Board Actively prospect and solicit new donors, including donor research and discovery meetings Identify new funding opportunities that contribute to a diverse and comprehensive fundraising plan Lead the development and execution of the annual fundraising plan, including goals, strategies, timelines, and performance tracking Work in partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to create and grow a VVMTA endowment and to plan for future comprehensive campaigns that support organizational capital needs, including raising capital funds for priority trail and conservation projects Donor-focused fundraising events (about 20%):
Lead donor-centered fundraising events, including but not limited to VVMTA’s annual Trails Forever fundraiser, to achieve financial goals and strengthen donor relationships Develop event strategy, budget, timeline, run of show, and staffing plan Drive event sponsorship and underwriting strategy, including outreach, asks, fulfillment, and stewardship Partner with the Executive Director and Board to identify sponsors, table sales, ticket sales, auction items, and key donor potential donors connected to events Support and attend other community events that advance VVMTA visibility and relationship building, with a focus on cultivation and donor engagement Individual and Corporate Membership Program (about 15%)
Grow VVMTA membership revenue by strengthening the member journey from acquisition through renewal, using donor and member-centered messaging and clear value propositions Develop and execute membership campaigns, including seasonal pushes and year-end efforts, in coordination with VVMTA communications and outreach Build and maintain relationships with business and community partners to increase corporate support through sponsorships, cause marketing, workplace giving, and in‑kind contributions Create and refine membership and corporate support packages, proposals, and benefit fulfillment practices that improve retention and renewals Maintain an active pipeline of membership and corporate potential sponsors and manage timely outreach, follow‑up, and stewardship Development operations and collaboration (about 5%):
Ensure accurate gift processing, acknowledgement, and stewardship follow‑through using the CRM and consistent donor experience practices Provide regular fundraising reports and pipeline updates for the Executive Director and Board Support the Executive Director and staff with fundraising‑aligned communications and marketing, including donor updates, appeals, sponsorship materials, and impact storytelling Support the Executive Director and staff with grant‑related work as needed by providing narrative inputs, gathering supporting materials, and assisting with reporting and stewardship updates Other Duties:
Represent the VVMTA, its partners, and local land managers in a respectful and competent manner Participate in organization‑wide team projects and initiatives that support the work of the organization’s goals Actively fosters an inclusive work environment, promoting equity and belonging within the organization and the communities we serve Ability to work in an office environment and perform administrative tasks Wear “many hats” and perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:
Five (5) or more years or equivalent experience of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in relationship‑based fundraising Experience managing a donor portfolio and making direct solicitations Strong proposal writing and donor communications skills Experience leading fundraising events and securing sponsorships Comfort with CRM systems, reporting, and pipeline management Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends Required to be a self‑starter, motivated, and able to work in an entrepreneurial environment Experience working in the nonprofit sector Passion, integrity, adaptability, and positive attitude Passion for trails, stewardship, and the importance of a balance between recreation and conservation Ability to use email and Google Workspace products, including spreadsheets and documents Personable and able to work within a customer service‑based environment involving routine interaction with the public U.S. Citizen with required forms of identification BENEFITS:
Healthcare reimbursement plan through a QSEHRA 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution Mental health support through the Mountain Strong EAP Access to outdoor industry pro deals Gas/fuel and cell phone stipend Wellness stipend (ski pass, gym, health, etc.) Access to professional development and training opportunities COMPENSATION:
$70,000-$85,000
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Fundraising and donor relationships (about 60%):
Build and maintain strong relationships with key donors, board members, sponsors, and community stakeholders to advance VVMTA fundraising goals Create and implement a multi-year fundraising plan that drives donor engagement, including moves management steps for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship Manage an individual portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, with clear next steps and consistent follow-up Develop personalized proposals and ask for annual, multi-year, and restricted gifts aligned with donor interests and organizational priorities Grow the major gifts program by upgrading existing donors and identifying new prospects, in partnership with the Executive Director and Board Actively prospect and solicit new donors, including donor research and discovery meetings Identify new funding opportunities that contribute to a diverse and comprehensive fundraising plan Lead the development and execution of the annual fundraising plan, including goals, strategies, timelines, and performance tracking Work in partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to create and grow a VVMTA endowment and to plan for future comprehensive campaigns that support organizational capital needs, including raising capital funds for priority trail and conservation projects Donor-focused fundraising events (about 20%):
Lead donor-centered fundraising events, including but not limited to VVMTA’s annual Trails Forever fundraiser, to achieve financial goals and strengthen donor relationships Develop event strategy, budget, timeline, run of show, and staffing plan Drive event sponsorship and underwriting strategy, including outreach, asks, fulfillment, and stewardship Partner with the Executive Director and Board to identify sponsors, table sales, ticket sales, auction items, and key donor potential donors connected to events Support and attend other community events that advance VVMTA visibility and relationship building, with a focus on cultivation and donor engagement Individual and Corporate Membership Program (about 15%)
Grow VVMTA membership revenue by strengthening the member journey from acquisition through renewal, using donor and member-centered messaging and clear value propositions Develop and execute membership campaigns, including seasonal pushes and year-end efforts, in coordination with VVMTA communications and outreach Build and maintain relationships with business and community partners to increase corporate support through sponsorships, cause marketing, workplace giving, and in‑kind contributions Create and refine membership and corporate support packages, proposals, and benefit fulfillment practices that improve retention and renewals Maintain an active pipeline of membership and corporate potential sponsors and manage timely outreach, follow‑up, and stewardship Development operations and collaboration (about 5%):
Ensure accurate gift processing, acknowledgement, and stewardship follow‑through using the CRM and consistent donor experience practices Provide regular fundraising reports and pipeline updates for the Executive Director and Board Support the Executive Director and staff with fundraising‑aligned communications and marketing, including donor updates, appeals, sponsorship materials, and impact storytelling Support the Executive Director and staff with grant‑related work as needed by providing narrative inputs, gathering supporting materials, and assisting with reporting and stewardship updates Other Duties:
Represent the VVMTA, its partners, and local land managers in a respectful and competent manner Participate in organization‑wide team projects and initiatives that support the work of the organization’s goals Actively fosters an inclusive work environment, promoting equity and belonging within the organization and the communities we serve Ability to work in an office environment and perform administrative tasks Wear “many hats” and perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:
Five (5) or more years or equivalent experience of progressive fundraising experience with demonstrated success in relationship‑based fundraising Experience managing a donor portfolio and making direct solicitations Strong proposal writing and donor communications skills Experience leading fundraising events and securing sponsorships Comfort with CRM systems, reporting, and pipeline management Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends Required to be a self‑starter, motivated, and able to work in an entrepreneurial environment Experience working in the nonprofit sector Passion, integrity, adaptability, and positive attitude Passion for trails, stewardship, and the importance of a balance between recreation and conservation Ability to use email and Google Workspace products, including spreadsheets and documents Personable and able to work within a customer service‑based environment involving routine interaction with the public U.S. Citizen with required forms of identification BENEFITS:
Healthcare reimbursement plan through a QSEHRA 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution Mental health support through the Mountain Strong EAP Access to outdoor industry pro deals Gas/fuel and cell phone stipend Wellness stipend (ski pass, gym, health, etc.) Access to professional development and training opportunities COMPENSATION:
$70,000-$85,000
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