Job Title: Development Director
Status: Full-Time
Location: Preferably residing in or near the Midwest (frequent regional travel required)
Reports To: CEO
About Pass It On Outdoor Mentors
Mission: Empowering young people through outdoor experiences and mentorship. Vision: By using mentored hunting, fishing, and shooting experiences as a platform to mentor young people, we are making a generational impact through the outdoors and passing on our outdoor heritage. We strive to create a future where every child has access to meaningful outdoor experiences and mentorship that nurtures confidence, respect for wildlife, and a love of the outdoors.
Position Summary
Pass It On Outdoor Mentors is seeking a relationship-focused, mission-driven Development Director to serve as the organization’s primary major gifts officer. This role is responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity donors to ensure long-term philanthropic investment in our programs and mission.
The Development Director will manage a robust portfolio of individual donors capable of significant gifts, conducting face-to-face meetings, developing personalized cultivation strategies, and guiding donors through the full stewardship cycle.
Depending on experience, the role may also oversee select grants, corporate sponsorships, and foundation relationships—including proposal development, reporting, and long-term partnership cultivation. This position plays a crucial role in expanding the organization’s fundraising capacity, strengthening donor relationships, and advancing our mission through deep, authentic connections.
Key Responsibilities
Major Gifts & Individual Giving (Primary Focus)
- Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, moving them through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Conduct regular one-on-one donor meetings and create individualized strategies to grow long-term investment.
- Develop compelling proposals, case statements, and giving opportunities tailored to donor interests.
- Ensure timely acknowledgments, follow-up, and stewardship touchpoints that build trust and deepen engagement.
- Maintain accurate portfolio records, moves management tracking, and pipeline reports within the CRM (EveryAction).
Fundraising Strategy & Leadership
- Lead execution of an annual development plan focused on major gifts, individual giving, and sustainable revenue growth.
- Analyze giving trends and donor data to strengthen the pipeline and elevate giving capacity.
- Provide strategic recommendations to senior staff on fundraising opportunities, portfolio expansion, and donor engagement.
Corporate, Foundation & Grants (as experience allows)
- Cultivate and solicit select corporate sponsors and foundation partners aligned with organizational priorities.
- Work with external grant writers and internal staff to identify opportunities, prepare proposals, manage deadlines, and oversee reporting.
- Build long-term relationships with corporate and foundation funders to expand philanthropic investment.
Events, Campaigns & Public Presence
- Support key fundraising events, receptions, and donor gatherings by identifying prospects, securing donor participation, and stewarding attendees.
- Partner with the communications team to develop donor-facing materials, impact reports, and campaign messaging that inspire support.
Internal Collaboration
- Collaborate regularly with the CEO, Board of Directors, and communications team on fundraising strategy, donor insights, and organizational messaging.
- Work with program staff to translate program outcomes into compelling donor stories and investment opportunities.
Quantifications
- Post-secondary education preferred with 5+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including success with major gifts.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills to engage donors, partners, and stakeholders.
- Proven ability to plan and manage fundraising campaigns with strong project management and organizational skills.
- Familiarity with fundraising tools and platforms (e.g., EveryAction, Wealth Engine) and donor stewardship best practices.
- Willingness and ability to travel for key donor engagements and events.
Performance Metrics
- Growth in major gifts and overall donor revenue
- Number of substantive donor meetings and solicitations
- Donor retention, upgrade rates, and movement through the pipeline
- Increase in corporate/foundation support (if part of the role)
- Timely and accurate stewardship, reporting, and CRM tracking
Compensation & Benefits
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition to base compensation, Pass It On Outdoor Mentors offers:
- Performance-based bonuses
- Health insurance stipend
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off (PTO) and flexible scheduling for weekend events
- Recognition opportunities for outstanding contributions
- Opportunities for professional development
- Outdoor retreat and field visit opportunities
Please send your resume and a cover letter (as 1 PDF) outlining your interest and qualifications to: careers@outdoormentors.org by Friday, December 5th
Pass It On – Outdoor Mentors is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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