Development Director

Reports To: Executive Director
Employment Type: Exempt, Full-Time

About the Role

Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) is seeking an outgoing, energetic, and highly organized Development Director who loves people, believes deeply in mission-driven work, and knows how to turn relationships and data into meaningful impact.

This senior leadership role is ideal for someone who thrives at the center of the action—building donor relationships, leading signature events, mentoring staff and volunteers, and keeping fundraising efforts moving forward with momentum and heart. If you are energized by ambitious goals, collaborative teamwork, community engagement, and a well-built Excel spreadsheet, this may be the perfect fit.

The Development Director serves as a key ambassador for NTRC and plays a critical role in ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising & Donor Engagement

Design and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with NTRC’s mission and strategic priorities

Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, foundations, and corporate partners

Partner closely with the Executive Director to expand the donor pipeline and identify new funding opportunities

Create meaningful donor recognition and stewardship experiences that encourage long-term engagement and loyalty

Event Leadership

Plan and lead NTRC’s signature fundraising events, including the Bootstrap Boogie Barn Dance and Kentucky Derby Party

Manage event budgets, timelines, logistics, vendors, and volunteer leadership

Collaborate with marketing and communications to promote events and maximize attendance and impact

Conduct post-event evaluations and drive continuous improvement year over year

Grants & Institutional Giving

Research and pursue grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government entities

Prepare compelling grant proposals and oversee submission processes

Lead and support the Grants Coordinator, ensuring grant activity flows smoothly from research to submission to stewardship

Collaborate with program staff to gather outcomes, success stories, and budget information

Ensure timely reporting, compliance, and strong relationships with institutional funders

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Supervise and mentor development staff and volunteers, fostering a positive, mission-driven culture

Engage and support the Board of Directors in fundraising and donor engagement efforts

Serve as a key member of the leadership team and contribute to organizational planning

Represent NTRC at donor meetings, community events, and public functions

Data, Systems & Reporting

Oversee donor database and CRM systems, ensuring accuracy and best practices

Track fundraising performance and prepare regular reports on donor activity, events, and campaigns

Use data and analytics to evaluate trends, inform strategy, and improve results

Confidently use Excel and enjoy learning and optimizing CRM systems

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)

Minimum of 5 years of nonprofit development experience

Demonstrated ability to meet or exceed fundraising goals

Strong relationship-builder with excellent written and verbal communication skills

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities

Comfortable using fundraising databases, CRM systems, and Microsoft Office (especially Excel)

Passionate about NTRC’s mission and community impact

Apply at https://www.indeed.com/job/development-director-43b711d4d927aad5