Colorado Outward Bound School · 15 hours ago
Development Director
United States
Full-time
Remote
Director/Executive
$100K/yr - $120K/yr
6+ years expThe Colorado Outward Bound School (COBS) is a non-profit adventure-based education organization that emphasizes personal growth through challenge and experience. COBS is seeking a strategic and collaborative fundraising leader to serve as their Director of Development, responsible for leading the Development team and achieving an annual fundraising goal of $1.3M+.
Education
Responsibilities
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 alignment with organizational priorities and revenue goals
Hire and supervise a team of Development professionals, setting clear performance expectations and providing ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development support
Convene the Development team regularly to assess progress, align on strategy execution, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and address challenges
Foster a positive, collaborative work environment that promotes engagement, accountability, and professionalism
Champion and help build an organization-wide culture of philanthropy that engages staff, leadership, and the Board
Partner with the Executive Director, Board leadership, and Development Committee to expand the major donor pipeline through strategic prospecting, research, and network leverage
Lead and coordinate all aspects of major gifts fundraising, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Manage a personal portfolio of major donors and prospects to achieve annual fundraising goals
Strategically support and advance the Executive Director’s major gifts fundraising efforts through planning, preparation, and follow-up
Design and implement meaningful donor recognition and stewardship opportunities, including leadership and legacy giving circles
Conduct donor research and collaborate with the Development team to develop comprehensive profiles and engagement strategies for major donors
In partnership with the Development team, plan and execute small- to mid-sized donor cultivation and stewardship events
Oversee COBS foundation fundraising strategy, working closely with the Executive Director, and the Development team to align proposals with organizational priorities
Develop and implement strategies to grow corporate partnerships and sponsorships
Reinvigorate and grow the organization’s planned giving program, ensuring alignment with long-term sustainability goals
Partner with the Marketing Manager to develop compelling planned giving and alumni communications
In partnership with the Development team, plan and execute small- to mid-sized donor cultivation and stewardship events
Utilize the donor database (Salesforce) to track relationships, analyze giving trends, and inform fundraising strategy
Oversee monthly fundraising and financial reports to ensure progress toward annual revenue and budget goals
Partner with the Finance Department to ensure accurate tracking, forecasting, and reporting of contributed revenue
Lead the refinement of development and financial reporting tools to support decision-making and transparency
In collaboration with the Marketing Manager, oversee the creation of donor-facing communications, including newsletters, appeals, social media, and digital content
Ensure digital platforms and social media are used strategically to deepen donor engagement and expand COBS’s reach
Qualification
Required
Commitment to COBS's mission of changing lives and values of compassion, service, inclusion, integrity and courage
Minimum of six years of progressive experience in professional fundraising, including demonstrated success in leadership roles
Proven ability to personally solicit, secure, and steward five-figure and larger gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations
Working knowledge of capital campaigns, planned giving, and endowment development
Experience fundraising for education, youth development, outdoor education, or related mission-driven organizations
Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, revenue forecasting, and donor database management (Salesforce experience preferred)
Demonstrated experience leading teams, mentoring staff, and fostering professional growth and accountability
An exceptional public speaker and relationship builder with the ability to effectively communicate COBS's funding needs to a wide variety of stakeholders
A service ethic and willingness to help where needed and requested, including areas outside of traditional job responsibilities
Bachelor's degree or a minimum of four additional years of relevant experience
Preferred
Salesforce experience preferred
Benefits
Benefits eligibility for medical, dental, and vision insurance, where COBS pays a significant amount towards health care premiums and provides employer-paid short- and long-term disability coverage and basic life insurance.
PTO (approximately 20 days per year) and sick leave prorated by months worked.
401k eligibility available after one year of service.
Pro-deal eligible.
Company
Colorado Outward Bound School
Colorado Outward Bound School has been delivering challenging outdoor adventure programs for people of all ages and walks of life.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase