Development Program Manager

JOB SUMMARY

The Development Program Manager leads the organization’s fundraising and resource development strategy to support the nonprofit’s mission and programs. This role is responsible for cultivating donor relationships, managing fundraising campaigns, securing grants, and building sustainable funding streams by leveraging philanthropic interests in nature-based solutions, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, water quality, water supply, nutritious food, climate mitigation, climate resilience, renewable energy, and rural economic development within the agricultural sector. This position reports directly to the Executive Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy & Planning

• Write and implement an annual development plan aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, goals, and strategic priorities.
• Develop & implement a comprehensive foundation fundraising program with annual and long-term goals and engagement strategies to generate gifts from diversified revenue streams, including foundations, donor-advised funds, high-net-worth individuals, private companies, corporate partnerships, public funding, competitive private funding, board members, and individuals.
• Develop guidance and preparation for board members engaging in fundraising activities.
• Prepare fundraising updates, reports, and presentations for board and committee meetings.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and steward relationships with foundations, donor-advised funds, high-net-worth individuals, private companies, corporate partners, public funding, competitive private funding, Board members, and other individuals.
• Lead RIPE’s annual fundraising management lifecycle, including prospecting, pitch development, grant writing, reporting, and budgeting.
• Lead donor meetings, presentations, and follow-up communications.
• Research and recommend funding opportunities, prioritizing foundations that align with RIPE’s mission.
• Maintain a comprehensive fundraising pipeline, grant calendar, and library of standard grant materials, financial documentation, and organizational metrics.

Fundraising Campaigns & Events

• Plan and oversee donor outreach, fundraising events, and special initiatives.
• Collaborate with communications staff on fundraising materials.
• Track campaign performance and adjust strategies as needed.

Data Management & Reporting

• Oversee donor database management and fundraising tracking systems. This includes internal systems and Bloomerang as a CRM.
• Analyze fundraising performance and donor trends.
• Prepare regular reports on fundraising revenue, donor engagement, and grant application outcomes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, philanthropy and development, communications, business, public administration, or a related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or development, with an ability to demonstrate a trajectory of increasing successes required.
• Proven success in securing major gifts or grants, and/or developing fundraising campaigns.
• Experience working with nonprofit boards and senior leadership.
• Experience with or willingness to learn about critical environmental issues in agriculture including climate, ecosystem services, and sustainable farming.
• Excellent interpersonal, written/verbal communication, & collaboration skills; ability to work effectively with people, especially in a small team environment.
• Excellent problem-solving & analytical skills with attention to detail & accuracy.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills; able to balance & prioritize multiple projects to meet deadlines.
• Self-sufficient, independent, & eager to learn; able to perform independently while staying in regular communication with supervisor.
• Strong research skills to develop a pipeline of funding opportunities as well as access internal & external resources in support of performing the role.
• Able to respond quickly to opportunities with short deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with donor management systems.
• Experience managing capital campaigns or major gift programs.
• Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising regulations and best practices.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a full-time, exempt remote position, operating during standard business hours, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, M-F within the continental United States with up to 10% domestic travel. It may also require occasional evening or weekend work to support events, campaigns, or media opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@riperoadmap.org. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We respectfully request no follow-up calls or emails. Please include the job title in the subject line. This is a full-time position with an annual salary range of $60,000-$90,000 (based on experience), plus benefits that include medical & dental insurance, retirement, and generous vacation and sick leave.

ABOUT RIPE

RIPE is working to accelerate the adoption of key conservation practices in U.S. agricultural production systems by ensuring farmers and ranchers receive a fair value for voluntary agricultural stewardship. Traditional agricultural methods can degrade the soil and other natural resources, yet the widespread adoption of key conservation practices has been lacking due to barriers faced by producers. RIPE wants to remove these barriers and create the conditions for producers and rural communities to benefit from agricultural production systems that adequately incentivizes those who adopt key conservation practices. These practices enhance our soil, water, and biodiversity while building climate resilience and producing healthier food. Our ultimate success will be measured by the public benefits created by widespread adoption of conservation practices by all producers, growing all commodities, in all geographies, and at all scales.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

RIPE is committed to building diverse and inclusive teams and partnerships that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We strongly encourage candidates from communities historically underrepresented to apply.