Summary
Description
About Colorado Pet Pantry
Colorado Pet Pantry started in 2013 with a single bi-monthly pet food bank at a human food bank partner to keep pets in their loving homes. Recognizing the significant need, we expanded to four monthly pet food banks by 2014 under a fiscal sponsor. In 2018, we became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to ensuring families have the resources to consistently feed their pets and prevent shelter surrenders. Demand skyrocketed during the 2020 pandemic, catalyzing statewide expansion of our work. Today Colorado Pet Pantry is the largest organization of its kind in the U.S., distributing pet food at more than 100 monthly pet food banks across 35 Colorado counties and supporting more than 100 animal rescues statewide.
Currently, we have 17 staff members and more than 1,400 volunteers, working together to build out and enhance organizational systems that support our programs, staff, volunteers, and partners.
About the Position
The Colorado Pet Pantry’s Development Director is a salaried, exempt, full-time position that plays a pivotal role in crafting and implementing the organization’s fundraising strategy in support of the mission, vision, and strategic goals. The position requires a high level of involvement and commitment to establish and maintain professional relationships with major and corporate donors, as well as colleagues and fundraising volunteers. The organization has grown significantly in the past four years and the trajectory demonstrates continued growth and the need for resources to support the organization, staff, and programs. This position is at the center of supplying the funds to ensure that this $3.5 million organization can survive and thrive ($1 million in funds and $2.5 million in in-kind pet food and supplies donations). This role will report to the Executive Director.
Essential Functions of the Job
- Develop and implement annual and long-term fundraising strategy and plans.
- Cultivate and increase Colorado Pet Pantry donors
- Create, write, and manage strategic and thoughtful donor communications materials – including asks, acknowledgements, Impact Reports, Annual Report, and more
- Oversee the planning and coordination of fundraising and donor events
- Assist with updating website and donor platform as needed
- Oversee the management of Colorado Pet Pantry’s donor database, reports and grants calendar, and web-based giving platforms
- Annually develop and meet fundraising budget and goals based on organization needs
- Participate in and represent the organization at public events, media relations, public speaking engagements, and company functions, as needed
- Research, propose, create and implement fundraising partnership opportunities for fundraising, in-kind pet food and pet supplies donations, and outreach with Colorado’s business community via existing or proposed corporate programs (major brands, strategic partners, breweries, retailers, restaurants, etc)
- Maintain a positive work attitude by acting and communicating in a manner conducive to positive interpersonal relations (e.g., helpful, courteous, pleasant) with clients, all public, co-workers and managers, in accordance with the spirit of CPP’s mission
- Mentor organization’s statewide staff and volunteers in fundraising best practices and implementation
- Assist at pet food banks occasionally for cross-training and mission fluency
- Prepare two Impact Reports and one yearly organization Annual Report
- Manage and solicit in-kind pet food and supply donations from major brands
- Cultivate and connect with donors
- Oversee and support Ambassador Program
- Occasional travel
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Strong leadership skills, initiative, adaptability
- Strong diplomacy skills especially related to the needs of clients, employees, volunteers, partners, donors, and other stakeholders
- Ability to engage with executive team and board of directors on matters of strategy and execution
- Strong budgeting and reporting experience
- Strong project management and presentation skills
- Creative, resourceful, compassionate, with an interest in problem solving
- Ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a cross-functional team environment
- Strong drive, especially to succeed and learn
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Relates well to and understands the needs and interests of individual and corporate donors to develop relationships between them and the organization.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, credibility, and use professional discretion
- Marketing and website content creation, or story-writing background a plus
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions
- Team-oriented and self-directed, able to work independently and effectively with minimal supervision
- Excellent interpersonal skills and high level of professionalism
- Understanding of strategic gifts and non-cash assets
- Ability and comfort to discuss estate planning and legacy giving
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Required/Preferred Education and Experience
- High School graduate or equivalent required, Bachelor’s degree preferred
- At least five years of experience working in development management role required, experience working for a nonprofit sector like a human food bank, human services, animal welfare organization, or aligned nonprofit preferred
- Demonstrated project planning and organizational skills required
- Demonstrated group facilitation skills and diplomacy required
- Demonstrated solution-orientation, able to recognize and resolve problems using sound judgment required
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail and accuracy required
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite and Google Suite, and a willingness to learn WordPress, Bloomerang (donor database), and a Custom CRM/Client Database required
- Strong public speaking skills preferred
Additional Details
- Colorado Pet Pantry recognizes that the team members we hire come from all walks of life. We believe that people from underrepresented backgrounds not only help us to be stronger, but also allow our team to connect, belong, and grow. If you share our values and our desire to build meaningful, diverse, and lasting relationships, we highly encourage you to apply.
- If you don’t meet 100% of the criteria above but are interested in the role, please apply. No one checks every box and we are open to a bold, talented individual with transferable experience.
Work Environment
- Hybrid onsite (Denver/Englewood & Boulder) and remote work environment
- Workforce passionate about pets and advocacy
- Team environment
- Professional, fun atmosphere
Physical Demands
- Ability to attend to fundraising and outreach events (including evenings, weekends and occasional holidays)
- Ability to lift 40 pounds
- Ability to work extended hours, as needed
Pay & Benefits
- $70,000 annually
- Two weeks paid vacation per year, accrual begins on first day
- Seven holidays and one floating holiday
- Wellness Stipend: $400 monthly (subject to funding)
- Maternity/paternity leave, up to 6 weeks at 50% average pay after one year of employment
- Flexible schedule
- In accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, the approximate annual base compensation range is listed above. The actual offer, reflecting the total compensation package and benefits, will be determined by a number of factors including the applicant's experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity among our team.
This Colorado Pet Pantry job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. All employees report to and perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
At The Colorado Pet Pantry, we celebrate and welcome diversity within our workforce. We strive to hire from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives because we know we are a stronger advocate for others when all voices are represented.
The Colorado Pet Pantry is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes qualified applicants without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law.
How to Apply
Write a cover letter detailing your experience and why you’re passionate about this role. Send your cover letter and resume to job@coloradopetpantry.org. Job posting will close once the right candidate is selected.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Colorado Pet Pantry is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to provide an overview of responsibilities and qualifications. Duties and expectations may evolve as organizational needs change. Employment is subject to Colorado Pet Pantry’s policies, procedures, and employee handbook.
