Job Description
Development Director
La Puente Home, Inc.
Alamosa, Colorado
Salary: $54,000–$58,000 per year (DOE)
Full-Time
About the San Luis Valley
The San Luis Valley is located in beautiful south-central Colorado. Known as the world’s largest alpine valley, it comprises six counties: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, Mineral, Rio Grande, and Saguache. Nestled between the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountain ranges, the Valley is culturally rich and home to 35 vibrant communities. Agriculture is the region’s largest industry, producing some of the freshest and most diverse harvests in the state.
About La Puente
La Puente is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Colorado’s San Luis Valley by providing food, shelter, and advocacy for individuals experiencing homelessness and those in crisis. Founded in 1982, La Puente strives to meet immediate needs while empowering people to live independently with dignity.
The organization operates a network of vital services, including:
- A homeless shelter and soup kitchen
- A network of 15 food pantries
- Homeless prevention and permanent supportive housing programs
- After-school and summer trauma-informed programs for at-risk children
- Rural and street outreach services
- A family resource center
- A community garden and nutrition education program
Position Summary
The Development Director ensures the financial health and sustainability of La Puente’s mission through strategic fundraising, donor stewardship, and grant management. This role oversees contributions from foundations, corporations, individuals, faith-based partners, and government entities. The Development Director also provides primary oversight of the Legacy Fund, La Puente’s permanent endowment, and supervises two full-time Development Associates.
This position reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.
Key Responsibilities Fund Development & Strategy
- Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals.
- Identify revenue opportunities and address budget gaps.
- Monitor and evaluate fundraising initiatives to ensure targets are met.
- Track regional trends and adapt strategies accordingly.
- Oversee the use of Little Green Light CRM.
Foundation & Government Grants
- Research and pursue grant opportunities.
- Write and submit competitive grant proposals.
- Oversee grant tracking, compliance, and reporting.
- Collaborate with the Finance Department to ensure accuracy and accountability.
- Manage grant recognition and stewardship.
Individual Donor Engagement
- Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors.
- Coordinate donor recognition and appreciation initiatives.
- Maintain knowledge of charitable tax incentives.
Relationship Building
- Strengthen relationships with donors, foundations, civic groups, and faith-based organizations.
- Engage with corporate sponsors, state agencies, and local governments.
- Foster collaboration within the La Puente team.
Events & Communications
- Oversee three annual fundraising events.
- Support community education efforts, publications, and public presentations.
- Represent La Puente at community engagements and speaking opportunities.
Legacy Fund Oversight
- Provide primary leadership of La Puente’s endowment.
- Organize quarterly board meetings and prepare reports.
- Develop and implement planned giving strategies.
- Coordinate fund allocations with financial partners.
Organizational Promotion
- Advance awareness of La Puente’s mission and programs.
- Support communication strategies that maximize public engagement and donor support.
- Promote a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
QualificationsEducation
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required.
Experience
- Minimum of three years of fundraising, nonprofit, or related experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Expertise in fundraising and donor stewardship.
- Experience with grant writing and compliance.
- Knowledge of special events planning and management.
- Proficiency with CRM systems, databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and organizational abilities.
Core Competencies
- Ethical and mission-driven leadership
- Relationship building and collaboration
- Strategic planning and innovation
- Effective communication and public speaking
- Donor-centered engagement
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace
Work Environment
- Full-time position based in Alamosa, Colorado.
- Standard hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
- Occasional evenings, weekends, and travel required for events and outreach.
- Office-based role.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $54,000–$58,000 annually, depending on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package (details available upon request).
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the San Luis Valley community.
La Puente Home, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Pay: $54,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
- Work Location: In person