Development Director

Who We Are

The Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) is a non-profit adventure-based education organization that emphasizes personal growth through challenge and experience. For over 60 years our wilderness courses have focused on inspiring responsibility, teamwork, confidence, compassion, and environmental and community stewardship.

Colorado Outward Bound School celebrates diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment for all employees. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nation origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is based on qualifications and business needs.

Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect and will report any suspected abuse or neglect.

We want to be transparent with all applicants that working at the Colorado Outward Bound School means joining a growth‑minded community where we are actively dismantling our organization’s white supremacy culture. This conversation shows up at all levels of the organization – in our trainings, in our meetings, on our courses, and in our daily lives. Anti‑racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion work can be messy at times and we remain committed to navigating that together.

Challenge and discovery are what we do and (un) learning is a fundamental part of our practice. COBS was originally built for and by white men, and now in support of our community members with marginalized identities – at COBS, in the outdoor industry, and beyond – we are actively working on changing that story to support individuals with different identities to empower themselves as we address barriers related to race, culture, socioeconomics, ability, gender, identity, geographic location, and mental health.

While we are committed to learning and making necessary changes, we recognize we have a long way to go and want to notify applicants of that up front.

COBS is seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial, and highly collaborative fundraising leader to serve as our Director of Development. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will lead the Development team and oversee all contributed revenue, with responsibility for achieving an annual fundraising goal of $1.3M+, with a primary emphasis on major gifts, along with foundation, corporate, and community support.

This is a highly strategic and hands‑on role, ideal for a systems thinker who is energized by building a high‑performing development department from the ground up. The Director of Development will design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, personally manage and grow a major donor portfolio, and secure significant philanthropic investments. In close partnership with the Executive Director and Board, the Director will build the systems, tools, and culture needed to sustain long‑term revenue growth, strengthen operational excellence, and deepen donor engagement in COBS’ mission.

• Serve as COBS chief fundraising strategist, partnering with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to set and advance the organization’s philanthropic vision and annual revenue goals ($1.3M+).
• Act as a core member of the senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, financial sustainability, and operational excellence.
• Collaborate with Outward Bound USA to leverage national initiatives and align local fundraising efforts.
• Manage and support the Board Development Committee, partnering with board members to activate networks, maximize donor opportunities, and lead board‑driven campaigns.
• Provide regular, clear reporting to leadership and the Board on fundraising performance, pipeline health, and strategic priorities.
• Support critical incident response as needed, including availability outside of standard work hours when required.

• Provide strategic leadership to the Development team, ensuring…