Fund Development Manager

Position Title: FundDevelopment Manager

Reports to: Executive Director

Employee Classification: Full-time, exempt*

*Willing to consider 30 hours/week for ideal candidate

About Us: We Can Ride is the oldest and largest therapeutic horseback riding program in Minnesota. A non-profit founded in 1982, our mission is to connect humans and horses to transform the lives of individuals with disabilities and meet the evolving needs of our greater community.

Position Overview: The Fund Development Manager, reporting to the Executive Director, will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by spearheading Fund Development efforts. This position entails developing and executing a comprehensive Fund Development plan in collaboration with the Executive Director, Board, committee members, and staff. The successful candidate will focus on cultivating and expanding relationships with individuals, foundations, and corporate donors, while also coordinating fundraising events and special campaigns.

Responsibilities:

· Effectively communicate WCR’s vision, mission, and values to the public.

· Develop and implement a written plan for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding potential individual, corporate and foundation donors.

· Develop corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and in-kind support.

· Manage a portfolio of prospects by developing and implementing written strategies based on capacity and readiness to give, including creation of a cultivation and solicitation calendar.

· Develop and implement strategies for maximizing and measuring donor satisfaction and appreciation.

· Support the Executive Director and Board of Directors major gift work by identifying top prospects.

· Plan and organize WCR’s major fundraising events to maximize attendee impact, including the solicitation of donations and/or gifts from current and potential donors and sponsors.

· Research potential foundation grants. Write and submit grant proposals and reviews.

· Participate as an active member of the leadership team by attending all meetings, keeping team members informed of key details, completing assigned responsibilities, and helping keep programs and events running smoothly.

Required Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, Business Administration, Communications, or related field.

· Minimum of 2 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in individual and corporate giving and grant writing.

· Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

· Proven track record of developing and maintaining relationships with donors, volunteers, and community stakeholders.

· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a deadline-driven environment.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Suites and/or Google Docs and CRM systems.

· Excellent organizational and project management skills, with meticulous attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

· 3+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in individual and corporate giving, grant writing, and event planning.

· Proficiency in Salesforce CRM.

· Experience creating and launching social media fundraising campaigns.

Benefits and Work Environment:

· Salary range $45,000-$55,000 annually.

· Primarily remote office work, with occasional onsite requirements.

· Some nights and weekend work to support programming or development events.

· Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, HSA, and paid time off if full time employee.

· A collaborative and supportive work environment dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.

How to Apply:
If you are passionate about fundraising and eager to make a difference in the non-profit sector, we invite you to apply for the Fund Development Manager position at We Can Ride. Please email your resume, along with a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role, to Nita Hughes, Executive Director at nitah@wecanride.org with the subject line “Fund Development Manager” by May 31, 2024.

We Can Ride is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion.