Development Senior Manager / Director in Colorado, Texas at Anderson Ranch Arts Center

Anderson Ranch seeks a strategic, relationship-driven development leader to spearhead our National Council membership and Annual Fund programs. This person is a planner and an organizer who understands that success lives in the details — from the follow-up after a renewal call, to the seating chart at the annual Gala, to the thank-you note that goes out on time. They enjoy building one-on-one relationships with donors, and they bring the discipline to manage a small team while staying hands-on with the work. They are highly organized, growth-driven, present at events and on campus, and energized by the rhythm of the Ranch’s fundraising calendar.

Position Summary:

The Development Senior Manager / Director leads Anderson Ranch’s National Council membership and Annual Fund fundraising programs, driving growth, renewal, and unrestricted giving. The Senior Manager / Director also partners with events staff and vendors to ensure the successful execution of the organization’s fundraising-focused events which have historically included five signature events: the Ranch Gala, the Community Picnic, the National Council Summer Celebration, the Winter Benefit Dinner, and the President’s Weekend gathering. This individual leads a small development team and maintains a consistent on-campus presence to support donor cultivation, staff management, and event readiness.

Core Responsibilities:

• National Council – Membership, Stewardship & Growth: Lead the strategy, stewardship, renewal, and growth of the National Council. Build strong individual relationships with members, encourage deeper engagement in Ranch programs and events, and maintain consistent, thoughtful follow-up. Identify and cultivate prospective members through existing supporters, the broader community, workshop participants, event attendees, and other Ranch relationships, moving them toward membership and increased philanthropic support.
• Annual Fund: Lead Annual Fund strategy and year-round solicitation across unrestricted individual giving below National Council levels. Develop coordinated, multi-touch renewal and acquisition campaigns combining broad-based communications with targeted personal outreach. Identify and follow up on prospective donors through Ranch programs, workshop participation, events, and referrals from colleagues, with a focus on growing participation and annual support.
• Team & Staff Management: Directly supervise 1-2 development staff members, providing day-to-day direction, performance management, and professional development. Clarify staff roles, portfolio assignments, and performance metrics across the team. Coordinate closely with the senior leadership team on donor strategy, campaign efforts, and organizational priorities.
• Systems & Reporting: Maintain development systems, workflows, activity and contact tracking, reporting — including Raisers Edge data integrity — to support accurate pipeline tracking and revenue reporting against National Council and Annual Fund goals.
• Organizational Presence & Community Representation: Serve as an ambassador to Anderson Ranch with a presence and support at events and on campus, and engage with guests. Attend Ranch fundraising and cultivation events, including evenings and weekends as required, and actively represent the Ranch in the community and advocate for community engagement and support.

Core Expectations:

• Donor-Centric Approach: Build authentic, long-term relationships with donors by learning their interests, values, and philanthropic goals. Help donors see the impact of their partnership with Anderson Ranch and thoughtfully guide them toward meaningful opportunities to engage and give.
• Organizational Representative: This role is critical in representing Anderson Ranch’s reputation and interests in the community at the highest level, exhibiting utmost discretion and professionalism at all times.
• Data-Driven Strategy: Proactively use the database to identify prospects, set relationship-cultivation strategies, and build engagement with supporters. Follow through by recording interactions and next steps, which is critical to our work as a team now and our long-term organizational success.
• Goal Setting and Benchmarking: Lead goal-setting strategy, benchmarking progress, and communication plans to ensure optimal planning and execution across the organization.
• Organizational Engagement: As a representative of the organization and our activities to this important group of supporters, it is essential that this individual attend talks, visit workshops and actively engage in the Ranch events. They should help facilitate connections between staff and supporters that deepen connections across the community.
• Mentoring Colleagues: Anderson Ranch believes that “Everyone is in Development,” from the artistic team to the operations and business teams. This position serves as a collaborative resource and mentor, helping colleagues recognize, cultivate, and strengthen relationships that advance the Ranch’s mission and philanthropic goals.

Expected Skills & Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate this organization’s mission and impact to diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Thorough understanding of or ability to quickly learn donor management systems, databases, and administrative software. Raisers Edge experience a plus.
• Passion for and commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
• Ability to keep confidential information secure and private.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 3-5 years (Senior Manager) or 6+ years (Director) of professional experience in fundraising and non-profit organizations.
• Solid experience in membership/annual giving programs and event-based fundraising.
• Substantial direct fundraising experience required.
• Familiarity with philanthropy in the Roaring Fork Valley strongly preferred.