Director of Development

The Loppet Foundation’s mission is to connect people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community. We value anti-racism, collaboration, growth, inclusion, play, stewardship and well-being. The Loppet provides quality programming for people of all ages and experience levels, produces world class events, and strives to create a welcoming and inclusive community in its operations within Theodore Wirth Park and beyond.

Loppet team members are dedicated and energetic individuals who work together leveraging the various aspects of the organization to create a whole that is more than the sum of its parts.

The Loppet seeks a Development Director to lead our philanthropic efforts. The Development Director works closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors. Additionally, they frequently collaborate with the directors of other program areas within the organization. The Development Director is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive development strategy that encompasses major gifts, foundation giving, sponsor ships, grants, corporate partnerships, annual giving, public funding, planned giving, and donor cultivation events.

They also work closely with the marketing team to align strategic direction for communications including email and social media, solicitations and more.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive development strategy to meet the organization’s fundraising goals.
• Create effective donor communications and appeal letters. Track and analyze campaign effectiveness.
• Supervise and manage the Development team. These management responsibilities include developing individual work plans and ensuring that work plan goals are achieved.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Development Committee of the Board of Directors.
• Build out an annual sponsorship plan to deepen engagement with corporate supporters.
• Maintain a portfolio of (~75) major donors and major donor prospects to steward, cultivate, and solicit gifts.
• Work closely with the Administration and Finance team to ensure accurate data management and reconciliation.
• Plan and coordinate development events strategy across existing and new initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
• In partnership with the marketing team, develop storytelling strategies.
• Enhance systems for grant reporting and reconciliation.
• Participation within your team in advancing the Loppet’s Mission, Values and Strategic Equity Goals
• Other duties as assigned.

• Minimum of seven years of non-profit fundraising experience with a minimum of three years of experience in a senior development position, with a proven track record of success in major gifts, foundation giving, corporate partnerships, grants, annual appeals, and donor events.
• 5 years supervisory experience.
• Strong track record of meeting and exceeding organizational goals.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling donor communications.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience managing a team of development professionals.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to actively listen, and positively represent the organization and live out its mission & values.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, board members, and volunteers.
• Experience with development software and/or CRM donor databases (Neon preferred).
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• CFRE certification

• Access to reliable transportation
• Ability to pass a criminal background check
• Ability to work some evenings and weekend events, as needed.

This is a full-time salaried…