Fundraising Manager

The Fundraising Manager plays a critical role in expanding ASHBA’s base of philanthropic support by focusing on donor acquisition, retention, and growth. This individual is responsible for designing and implementing peer-to-peer fundraising efforts, annual campaigns, and donor engagement programs that build a sustainable pipeline of support.

The Fundraising Manager will craft donor journeys, manage recurring giving initiatives, and create strategies that encourage broad participation while also securing event sponsorship opportunities. This is a remote role that will spend 50 – 75% of their time traveling. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, creative campaign manager, and enthusiastic fundraiser who thrives on growing community support and developing donors over time. This is a remote role, ideally based in Kentucky.

Key Responsibilities:

Annual Giving & Campaign Strategy

• Plan and execute annual giving campaigns, including digital appeals, mailings, and recurring donor programs.

• Develop and manage a broad portfolio of donors, focusing on growing participation and long-term donor engagement.

• Design and implement peer-to-peer fundraising models to increase grassroots support.

• Create donor upgrade strategies to move supporters into higher giving tiers over time.

• Coordinate matching gift opportunities, workplace giving programs, and event sponsorships.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Maintain regular, meaningful contact with donors through personal outreach, impact reports, and updates.

• Coordinate and participate in cultivation activities such as facility tours, donor appreciation events, and community-driven campaigns.

• Ensure proper acknowledgment and recognition of gifts in a timely and meaningful manner.

• Collaborate with the marketing team to highlight donor and peer fundraising stories.

Collaboration & Program Integration

• Work with ASHBA staff, board members, and volunteers to support development initiatives and leverage networks.

• Partner with program leaders to align fundraising efforts with key programs and initiatives.

• Support the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns and events, including sponsorship solicitation.

• Partner with ASHBA staff, volunteers, and program leads to identify funding opportunities and match them with donor interests.

• Support board and committee members in their fundraising efforts by providing background, talking points, and solicitation support.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate donor records and engagement activity in the association’s database.

• Track and report on fundraising progress, campaign status, and donor pipeline metrics.

• Analyze giving trends to inform strategy and identify new opportunities.

Sponsorships

• Research and identify prospective individual and corporate funders for general support.

• Draft and submit sponsorship packets in coordination with the Executive Director.

• Secure event sponsorships to support fundraising campaigns and special initiatives.
  Provide stewardship reports for sponsors and grant funders as needed.

Committee & Council Liaison

• Serve as a liaison to related committees and councils, ensuring effective communication between members, leadership, and staff.

• Support committee chairs and council leaders in scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and tracking action items.

• Facilitate collaboration between committees, councils, and the ASHBA Board to align efforts with the organization’s strategic goals.

Events & ASHBA Representation

• Represent ASHBA at conventions, horse shows, educational programs, meetings, member events, and other organizational activities as assigned.

• Provide professional ASHBA assistance to members, exhibitors, breeders, owners, and other participants at events.

• Assist with ASHBA booths, informational displays, educational activities, and member outreach.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, fundraising, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of 1- 3 years of fundraising experience, with a focus on annual campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraising, or donor engagement.

• Demonstrated success in running fundraising campaigns and growing donor participation.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse supporters.

• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, including donor appeals and campaign messaging.

• Proficiency in CRM and donor database systems (e.g., DonorPerfect, Salesforce, Bloomerang).

• Organized, self-motivated, and results driven.

• Passion for the equestrian industry and familiarity with the American Saddlebred breed is a plus.

• Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 25 pounds for transporting and setting up event materials, sponsor displays, etc

• Travel: 50 to 75%, including overnight and weekend travel to horse shows, donor visits, conventions, and board meetings.

• A valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and reliable transportation

• Ability to travel by air and car, including multi-day trips

• Ability to work independently from a home office with minimal day-to-day supervision

Why Join ASHBA?

• Be part of a passionate team dedicated to preserving and promoting the American Saddlebred breed.

• Work in a dynamic role that allows for creativity and direct impact on membership and volunteer engagement.

• Engage with a vibrant community of equestrians, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

• Opportunities for professional growth and networking within the equestrian world.

• Generous benefits package including:

• 180 hours of paid vacation, 68 hours of sick leave, and 14 paid holidays as well as the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage with ASHBA covering much of the premium

• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with an employer match of up to 3%

• As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, ASHBA is a qualifying employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

ASHBA is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements. Duties and responsibilities may be modified as organizational needs change.