The Park People works with communities throughout Denver to plant trees and improve parks for a healthy, resilient future. Join a growing team working at the intersection of some of today’s most pressing issues – climate change, equity, health, urban sustainability. Help us grow our impact and make a difference for the future, our communities, and the planet.
Position Summary: The Park People (TPP) seeks an experienced and passionate Development Director who is excited to join our team and lead our fundraising initiatives. The Development Director is a new, key leadership position that will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy to secure funding for the organization’s operations, programs, and growth. This individual will play a critical role in cultivating new and existing relationships with donors, foundations, corporate and government partners, and community stakeholders, ensuring short- and long- term financial sustainability and growth for TPP. The Development Director will work closely with and report to the Executive Director. The Development Director will also oversee the organization’s communications, supervising the Communications Manager, raising TPP’s profile, and ensuring alignment between communications and fundraising efforts
Duties & Responsibilities:
● Work with Executive Director, Board Trustees, and key team members and partners to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy supporting and growing: 1) an organizational budget of $2,000,000; 2) fundraising efforts for the organization’s capital projects; and 3) focused growth of individual, foundation, and corporate giving
● Develop and orchestrate a well-defined donor cultivation and solicitation strategy to: 1) broaden the base of potential supporters; 2) steward and upgrade existing individual donors; and 3) cultivate a portfolio of 50+ prospective major donors
● Oversee donor and prospect relationships, including tracking relationships, donation data and trends, gift acknowledgements, etc.
● Identify and cultivate relationships with the business community and foundation representatives
● Oversee grant research, writing, and reporting efforts managed by our contract Grants Coordinator
● Assist in planning and overseeing local fundraising events and campaigns
● Work with Communications Manager and Executive Director to build communications strategy and messaging to help build brand awareness and support activities, collateral fulfillment, social media/marketing, public relations, and community outreach
● Metrics of success may include number of visits, major gift and leadership annual gift solicitations, dollars raised, etc.
● Other duties as needed
Desired Qualifications:
● Demonstrated success fundraising and building relationships with new and existing donors
● Five or more years of successful, paid fundraising experience with a nonprofit organization
● Experience working with individual and corporate donors, major gifts, and grant solicitations
● Completion of four years of higher education, or equivalent experience
● Proven ability to work with both a high level of independence and as part of a highly collaborative team, to maintain confidentiality, prioritize assignments, and manage time effectively December 2024
● Proficiency with software including Salesforce or other CRM, word processing, spreadsheet applications, and email ● Fluency in data management and analysis
● Knowledge of and deeply held commitment to addressing environmental and community challenges through activities and programs of TPP
● Demonstrated ability to engage and fully leverage cross-functional teams of colleagues, volunteers, Board Trustees, and organizational leaders toward closure of transformational gifts
● Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
● Excellent analytical, organizational, and time management skills
● Enthusiastic, dedicated, and adaptable team player
● Valid driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance (required)
What Will Set You Apart:
● Fundraising certification
● Existing networks and connections in the Denver community
● Management experience and leadership attributes
● Experience in marketing, communications, public relations, and social media
Hours/Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time (40-hour week), exempt, salaried position with a hybrid work schedule (in-office and remote), as well as work in community, with some evenings and weekends required. In addition to the opportunity to work with passionate people and make a difference, TPP offers three weeks of vacation, paid holidays, a two-week office closure at the end of the calendar year during which work is limited to specific duties, a $400.00 benefits stipend for full-time employees, and a 403b retirement plan. Compensation range is $75,000-105,000, commensurate with experience. The Park People is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment of any applicant or employee on the basis of age, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to hair texture, type and length, and protective hairstyles), color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, creed, ancestry, disability (mental or physical), sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, citizenship, immigration status, military or veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, child birth or other related conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic or status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. If you are excited about our mission but do not feel you meet all desired qualifications, we still encourage you to apply!
To Apply: Please send resume, cover letter describing your qualifications, and a writing sample by January 19, 2025 to sandra@TheParkPeople.org (subject line “Development Director”).
