Director of Development

Director of Development

American Mountain Guides Association

Denver Metro

Nonprofit, Full-time

$120,000 - $140,000

Position Summary:

The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) seeks an entrepreneurial fundraising leader to design and build a fundraising program capable of generating an additional $500,000 annually within five years while refining the systems, culture, and relationship stewardship necessary for long-term philanthropic growth. The successful candidate will develop and implement the systems, strategies, relationships, and infrastructure necessary to grow philanthropic revenue and diversify AMGA's funding sources to drive the AMGA mission. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, staff, members, industry partners, and donors, this individual will create a comprehensive development program that includes major gifts, annual giving, grants, planned giving, stewardship, donor communications, and fundraising operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Development Leadership

Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year fundraising strategy.

Establish annual fundraising goals and performance metrics.

Build a donor pipeline strategy from identification through stewardship.

Create a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization by providing education and mentorship to the staff and board.

Fundraising Infrastructure & Systems

Assess and improve current fundraising practices.

Select, implement, and manage donor CRM systems and reporting tools.

Design processes for donor stewardship.

Establish fundraising dashboards and key performance indicators.

Develop policies, procedures, and fundraising workflows.

Create annual fundraising and stewardship calendars.

Major Gifts & Individual Giving

Build and manage a portfolio of major donor prospects.

Develop cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Conduct donor meetings and fundraising asks.

Grow an annual giving program.

Collaborate with Membership Manager to convert members to donors.

Develop planned giving opportunities.

Foundation & Grant Funding

Identify foundation and grant opportunities.

Develop grant strategies and proposals.

Manage grant reporting and stewardship.

Build relationships with foundation program officers.

Communications & Stewardship

Develop donor communications strategy.

Create impact reports and stewardship materials.

Lead fundraising campaigns and appeals.

Ensure consistent donor engagement and recognition.

Board & Volunteer Engagement

Train and support board members in fundraising.

Develop board fundraising expectations and tools.

Support volunteer fundraising initiatives.

Provide regular fundraising reports to leadership and the board.

Supervision & Support

Supervise the AMGA Partnerships Manager.

Required Qualifications:

At least 7 years of progressively responsible nonprofit fundraising experience.

Demonstrated success securing five- and six-figure gifts.

Experience building fundraising systems and infrastructure.

Experience managing donor databases and fundraising technology.

Strong project management and strategic planning skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of outdoor recreation, climbing, skiing, or mountain guiding.

Experience in membership organizations.

Experience working with boards and volunteer leadership.

Experience leading fundraising growth initiatives.

Benefits

Salary: $120,000-$140,000 Full time, exempt position; reports to Executive Director

Health Insurance: Employer-sponsored medical and dental coverage for full-time employees, with AMGA covering 100% of employee-only premiums for the base plans. Employees may choose alternative plans or dependent coverage at their own cost. Employees who waive AMGA medical coverage and maintain qualifying coverage elsewhere may be eligible for a taxable opt-out payment.

Retirement: All employees are eligible to participate in AMGA's 401(k) plan with traditional pre-tax and Roth contribution options. AMGA currently provides a matching contribution of up to 4% of compensation, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.

Paid Time Off (PTO): Full-time employees accrue paid time off based on years of service, beginning at 15 days (120 hours) annually. Employees with longer tenure may be eligible for increased PTO accrual, subject to applicable eligibility requirements and approval.

Sick Leave: Full-time employees receive 56 hours of paid sick leave annually.

Holidays: Full-time employees receive paid holidays, including 10 designated holidays, as well as paid time off during the year-end office closure between Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Half-Day Fridays: AMGA observes a 1:00 p.m. office closure every other Friday, subject to operational needs and Executive Director discretion.

Nature Days: AMGA recognizes the importance of spending time outdoors for health and well-being and encourages employees to take advantage of outdoor activities throughout the year. Full-time employees receive four (4) Nature Days per year.

Cell Phone Stipend: Eligible full-time office employees receive a cell phone stipend of $520 annually, paid through regular payroll installments, to help offset work-related use of a personal mobile phone.

AMGA Program Discount: Eligible full-time employees may receive discounted tuition for select AMGA Mountain Guide Programs, subject to program availability, employment tenure, and supervisor approval. Program eligibility and discounts vary by course type and length of service.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to View email address on click.appcast.io with "AMGA Director of Development" in the subject line, no later than September 4, 2026. The AMGA offers the opportunity to work with a dynamic, engaged team of outdoor industry professionals in a growing and successful nonprofit organization. As an equal opportunity employer, the AMGA is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.