Director of Development

River Valley Riders is a Minnesota 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Our mission is to create a supportive community where people with special needs connect with horses and experience life-changing benefits.

We do this by providing programming involving horses, both for riding and carriage driving.

We are positioned for growth, to provide year-round programming.

Position Summary:

• Part-time: 20 hours/week. Could lead to full-time position.
• Remote job position: leading fundraising strategy, managing donor relations (major gifts, grants, events), overseeing the development team, collaborating with CEO/CFO/board, and reporting results, requiring strong leadership, communication, data skills, and experience in securing diverse funding to ensure organizational financial sustainability.
• River Valley Riders’ office located in Afton, MN: training, meetings, special projects.
• Other locations: event location for fundraising activities, donor meetings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategy & Leadership:
  Partner with CEO/CFO/Board to set goals, create strategies, and manage development team/budget.
• Donor Relations:
  Cultivate major gifts, oversee annual giving, grants, and corporate sponsor ships.
• Events & Campaigns:
  Manage capital campaign and signature fundraising events.
• Data & Reporting:
  
  Maintain records for donors and other constituents
• -- Data base management: data entry, updates and reporting
• -- Mailings including tax and thank you letters
• -- Track metrics, report to CEO/CFO.
• Communications:
  Develop donor communications and marketing materials.

Qualifications & Skills:

• 5+ years of nonprofit development/fundraising experience.
• Proven track record in securing funding (capital campaign, major gifts, grants).
• Strong communication skills including ability to write and speak persuasively about River Valley Riders.
• Experience with donor databases and fundraising software.
• Working knowledge of e-communications, social media, Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Workspace.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail, procedures, and branding standards.
• Ability to solve problems and work independently.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Requirements:

• Computer, internet access and printer for remote work.
• Transportation to Afton site and other locations.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• A passionate team and mission-driven environment.