Retrieving Freedom, Inc. is growing—and we’re looking for a mission-driven Development Director to help us meet the increasing demand for life-changing Service Dogs.
Development Director
To change lives through the training and placement of Service Dogs for Veterans with disabilities and children with autism.
Retrieving Freedom, Inc. (RFI) is a 501c3 non-profit Service Dog organization headquartered in Sedalia, Missouri with a second facility in Waverly, Iowa. We serve veterans with disabilities and children with autism by placing highly trained Service Dogs from our Assistance Dogs International accredited training program. RFI Service Dogs are placed with zero costs to our clients. In order to meet our increasing demand, we need to grow. Therefore, we are searching for the right Development Director to successfully lead our fundraising team and increase our revenue, so we may further our mission and change more lives.
RFI is looking for a Development Director to increase our annual revenue from multiple donor categories. We focus on relationship-based fundraising with an emphasis on long-term stewardship. This position will focus primarily on fundraising in Missouri and Iowa, with occasional travel out of state. Key aspects of the RFI fundraising plan include establishing recurring annual donations from corporations, major gifts from individuals, grants and foundational support, and fundraising events.
The Development Director plays a key role in the development of our organization’s marketing strategy. The position is based out of our Sedalia, Missouri Headquarters with expectations of a regularly scheduled presence at our Iowa campus. We are open to a hybrid situation which includes a mix of time spent in the office(s) and working from a remote office, with the expectation of a significant amount of time spent meeting with current and potential donors and partners.
The Columbia, Missouri area would be an ideal location for our Development Director to reside. Prior fundraising experience is a must. This is a results driven position with an immediate need. Candidates should have established relationships with sources of funding and philanthropists who would be interested in supporting Veterans with disabilities, children with special needs, and puppies.
Position Summary: The Development Director is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of fundraising and development activities. This role involves creating and implementing strategies to secure financial support from individuals, corporations, foundations, events, and government entities. The Development Director will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer to achieve the organization's fundraising goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising:
- Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising plans to meet annual and long-term financial goals.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and partners.
- Lead efforts to grow corporate partnerships, major gifts, and planned giving.
- Drive innovation in fundraising practices, digital tools, and platforms.
- Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants, and major gifts.
- Oversee the planning and execution of fundraising events and campaigns.
- Manage donor databases and ensure accurate record-keeping.
- Prepare and present regular data driven reports on fundraising progress to the CEO
- Train and support staff and volunteers on fundraising efforts.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and ethical standards.
Marketing:
- Collaborate with the marketing team to create fundraising materials and communications.
- Partner with the CEO to align fundraising campaigns with marketing and communications strategies, ensuring consistency in messaging and donor engagement.
Donor & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with the CEO on donor relations and stakeholder communications to align efforts with organizational priorities.
- Represent the organization at events, meetings, and networking opportunities to increase visibility and donor engagement.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field (preferred)
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in fundraising, development, or a related role.
- Proven track record of successful fundraising and donor cultivation.
- Strong leadership and management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
- Proficiency in fundraising software and donor management systems.
- Passion for the mission and values of Retrieving Freedom
Position Type:
Full time, exempt, 40 hours per week
Hybrid location with scheduled office days at RFI’s Missouri and Iowa campuses
Position requires substantial travel within Iowa and Missouri, and occasionally out of state
Benefits:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance covered in part by employer
Matching retirement plan
Use of company vehicle and gas card
Cell phone stipend
Vacation and paid holidays
Paid Sick Leave
Compensation: Base Salary of $70,000 with additional compensation potential
Location: Retrieving Freedom Headquarters in Sedalia, Missouri
How to Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]
References to be submitted upon request.
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