Description

Director of Development

Position Summary:
The Director of Development is a key member of Life Adventure Center’s leadership team and serves as the organization’s primary fundraiser. This role is instrumental in advancing our mission to build resilience through outdoor adventure by cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners. Working closely with the Executive Director and leadership team, the Director of Development ensures that all philanthropic efforts and engagement strategies are trauma informed and align with LAC’s mission, vision, and values.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a passion for our mission, a commitment to excellence, and the ability to represent Life Adventure Center professionally with relationship-centric engagement in the community.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Donor Relations (60%)

Lead major gift cultivation and solicitation through trauma informed, personalized, face-to-face engagement, focusing on annual fund needs and long-term strategic priorities such as capital improvements, endowment growth, and planned giving.
Develop and implement short- and long-term fundraising strategies, including tactical plans, progress reports, and donor stewardship initiatives.
Partner with the Executive Director to identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors, including legacy gift planning emphasizing relationship-centered engagement and ethical storytelling.
Engage program alumni and staff to provide authentic, ethical testimonials that inspire donor support.
Manage and grow the annual fund through direct solicitations, mail appeals, year-end campaigns, and the annual fundraising event, The Extreme Adventure Challenge.
Research, write, and steward grant applications and ensure timely reporting.
Maintain the highest standards of donor stewardship, recognition, and confidentiality rooted in safety and trust.
Partner with the Board of Trustees and Philanthropy Committee to deepen their involvement in fundraising.
Oversee donor database management and ensure accurate record-keeping, delegate tasks as appropriate.
       Oversee all 3rd party fundraising events like Bluegrass Gives, Kentucky Gives Day, etc.

Community Engagement (20%)

Represent Life Adventure Center with relationship-centered engagement at community events, public forums, and partner meetings to promote our mission and programs.
Deliver compelling, trauma informed presentations to diverse audiences.
Facilitate connections with potential program partners and volunteers to support organizational growth.
Communications and Media (20%)

Support LAC’s social media presence across platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn).
Oversee basic website updates (training provided).
Coordinate design, production and targeted distribution of marketing materials, including the Annual Report, newsletters, email campaigns, and brochures.
Support other communications and media initiatives as assigned by the Executive Director
Expectations:

Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Ability to lift up to 20 lbs and work in outdoor settings.
Strong alignment with Life Adventure Center’s mission, vision, and values.
Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, Business, or related field.
Minimum of five years of leadership and development experience, including at least three years in nonprofit fundraising. CFRE preferred.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, donor management software, and reporting tools.
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required.
Reports to: Executive Director

Salary: $65,000–$75,000 annually, commensurate with experience, skills, and education.

Benefits Package:

Generous PTO to support work-life balance
Comprehensive health insurance coverage
403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match
Flexible scheduling to accommodate personal and professional needs
Unique work environment: Our office is located on a breathtaking 575-acre farm, offering a serene and inspiring setting

Requirements

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, Business, or related field.
Minimum of five years of leadership and development experience, including at least three years in nonprofit fundraising. CFRE preferred.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, donor management software, and reporting tools.
Valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required.