Apply Here

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Colorado TU seeks a candidate with successful fundraising experience including developing strategic fundraising plans for campaigns or organizations, with strong interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to coldwater conservation, to serve as the organization’s Development Director. Colorado TU relies on a diversified mix of funding including government and private sector grants and other restricted gifts, unrestricted individual and corporate giving, and events including an annual gala. The Development Director will be primarily focused on unrestricted revenue from individuals, corporate gifts, and sponsorships for major events (River Stewardship Gala; Troutfest). The position is based in Colorado, with a preference for Front Range with comfortable access to the Denver Colorado TU office.

The position work plan includes: 

Development Strategy.  In the first six months of this position, create an overarching strategic plan for Colorado Trout Unlimited donor development. Bring expertise and prior experience to develop a plan for identifying and prioritizing targets for cultivation, managing relationships, and culminating in meaningful asks that grow unrestricted (and restricted) revenue for CTU programs. Coordinate and collaborate with the Executive Director and other staff, CTU board, National Trout Unlimited development staff, event organizers, and other stakeholders in developing and executing the strategy. Drive the strategic plan to tactical activities and execute those activities.  Review and revise the strategic plan as needed on a recurring basis.  

Individual donor cultivation and management. Oversee Colorado TU individual donor giving programs including annual established giving levels (River Stewardship Council and Century Club), as well as larger planned gifts. Recruit, build and maintain direct relationships with key donors and prospective donors. For high-potential donors, develop and implement cultivation plans linked to the Development Strategy. Coordinate with Executive Director and Communications Coordinator to ensure timely and compelling recurring contact with donors to maintain and enhance their long-term support. Work with Communications Coordinator to guide online giving campaigns including crowdfunding initiatives and annual Colorado Gives Day campaign.

Corporate donor cultivation and management. Help manage existing relationships and recruit new corporate partnerships, for both restricted and unrestricted support. Recruit, build and maintain direct relationships with existing and prospective business supporters. Coordinate with Executive Director and Communications Coordinator to ensure timely and compelling recurring contact with donors to maintain and enhance their long-term support. Work to secure major sponsors for Colorado TU events, most notably the annual River Stewardship Gala (late winter) and Troutfest Colorado (spring/early summer). 

Other duties.   While the Development Director’s primary role will be in developing broad fundraising strategies and managing individual and corporate giving programs under that strategy with emphasis on unrestricted funds, a smaller portion of the position’s time will contribute to other fundraising administration and engagement tasks.

• Utilize and keep current the donor management software system with support from CTU’s Administrative Assistant.  

• Through corporate relationships, help secure larger donated items for Gala auction where donors prefer in-kind contributions over cash donations to TU. 

• Assist in developing and submitting restricted fund grant requests with prospective donors identified through the Development Strategy.

• Lend expertise to local Trout Unlimited chapters in support of their community fundraising efforts. May include leading volunteer training (such as at the annual Rendezvous), advising on local fundraising efforts, and collaborating on key local relationships for prospective corporate/individual giving.

• Provide relevant development content for the Colorado TU blog, website and social media outlets

• Contribute to Colorado TU’s equity practices, promoting a welcoming, inclusive culture on-the-ground, in our communications and in conservation engagement

• Participate in core Colorado TU governance events including the (fall) Rendezvous and Board of Director meetings.

Requirements

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated experience and success in creating strategic fundraising plans for an organization and/or campaign. Direct experience in donor development, ideally including both individual and institutional donor cultivation. Ability to effectively engage with volunteers. Dedicated commitment to conservation.  Ability to travel statewide (~15% of time) and to work weekend and evening hours when needed.

This position is based from Colorado TU’s Denver office, but with the opportunity for remote and/or hybrid work from an in-state location with comfortable travel access to the Front Range and other donor/partner locations statewide. The position will report directly to the Executive Director.

Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important to personal health, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package. The approximate salary range is $60,000 – $65,000 depending on experience and with opportunity for performance bonuses. 

At TU, we value a diverse representation of staff, and we encourage candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically under-represented in conservation and those who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout and their watersheds. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome you to read more about TU’s equity practice and values at https://www.tu.org/equity/.

With your application, please provide three professional references as well as your resume and cover letter.