[Remote] Development Program Manager

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) is dedicated to accelerating the adoption of conservation practices in U.S. agricultural production systems. The Development Program Manager will lead the organization’s fundraising and resource development strategy, focusing on cultivating donor relationships and managing fundraising campaigns to support the nonprofit's mission and programs.

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Skills

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

Benefits

• Medical & dental insurance
• Retirement
• Generous vacation and sick leave

Company Overview