Development Director

Development Director

Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) is seeking a Development Director to join their senior leadership team. This role is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and reports to the Executive Director. The Development Director will be responsible for driving donor programs, fundraising campaigns, grant writing, and other community engagement initiatives to increase RMFI's visibility, expand the donor base, and secure financial support to advance the mission.

RMFI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization founded in 1982, dedicated to the conservation and stewardship of public lands in Southern Colorado. The organization focuses on watershed restoration, forest health, and creating sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities, prioritizing community volunteers and youth involvement.

The Development Director will manage and grow all individual and corporate giving programs, assist with government and foundation grants, and require hustle, entrepreneurial spirit, and flexibility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and execute fundraising campaigns and events to generate financial support.
• Oversee individual and corporate fundraising to achieve 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.
• Build relationships with key donors, board members, and stakeholders.
• Manage and grow RMFI's corporate philanthropy and sponsorship.
• Oversee fundraising and outreach events.
• Implement strategies to engage and retain existing donors and attract new supporters.
• Forecast annual and quarterly contributed revenue, donor renewal, and acquisition.
• Assist in cultivating and nurturing relationships with civic groups, businesses, institutional partners, and nonprofit partners.
• Coordinate the production of the annual report and other fundraising/outreach materials.
• Manage RMFI's profile on external sites.
• Research and identify grant opportunities.
• Maintain grants calendar and keep staff apprised of deadlines.
• Write delegated grant applications and reports on time.

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, and database management.
• Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to pass criminal and driving background checks.
• Ability to represent RMFI core values 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. Salary: $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.