Summary

Reporting to the CEO, the Development Manager will collaborate closely with the programming team—who contribute to grant writing within their respective areas—and play a pivotal role in advancing the Park’s preservation, education, and engagement goals. This includes support for a capital campaign to preserve the historic Four Mile House and expanding the Park’s donor base and visibility in the Denver metro region.

Description

Overview

Four Mile Historic Park seeks a strategic, mission-driven Development Manager to lead and grow the organization’s fundraising initiatives in alignment with its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. This position is responsible for raising $250,000 in contributed income annually through a comprehensive development program that includes individual giving, grants, corporate sponsorships, membership, and special events.

Description

This full-time, on-site role requires regular evening and weekend availability to support signature events and donor engagement efforts. This is not a remote position. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, results-oriented professional with excellent communication skills and a passion for historic preservation and community-centered programming.

Fundraising & Development

Develop and execute strategies to meet or exceed the organization’s $250,000 annual fundraising goal.

Support the full lifecycle of grant funding—including research, writing, submission, compliance, and reporting—with the programming team.

Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, major gift prospects, and corporate partners.

Lead solicitation and stewardship of corporate sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and event-based partnerships.

Plan and implement annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, Colorado Gives Day, and digital fundraising.

Maintain accurate donor records, ensure timely acknowledgments, and oversee the donor database and CRM tools.

Oversee the membership program, driving acquisition and retention strategies aligned with the Strategic Plan.

Support the launch and execution of capital campaign efforts for the preservation of the Four Mile House.

Event Leadership & Support

Serve as development lead for Four Mile’s annual gala and fundraising events, managing donor outreach, auction planning, and sponsor recognition.

Collaborate with the events and marketing teams to maximize donor engagement and brand visibility at public events (e.g., Egg Hunt, Pumpkin Harvest Festival).

Represent the organization at both internal and community events to promote awareness and philanthropic support.

Administrative & Organizational Support

Partner with the CEO and Board Fundraising Committee to align fundraising efforts with strategic goals and governance best practices.

Track and report on fundraising metrics, donor engagement trends, and grant performance.

Prepare materials for development-related meetings, including proposals, reports, agendas, and presentations.

Support general operations, including but not limited assistance with visitor services or event logistics as needed.

Evening and weekend work required to support public and fundraising events.

Qualifications

Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or a related field.

Demonstrated success in securing grant funding, managing donor relationships, and executing development campaigns.

Experience with SCFD-funded organizations and knowledge of the regional philanthropic landscape preferred.

Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities with attention to detail.

A collaborative team player who works well independently and cross-functionally.

Interest in Colorado and Western history, historic preservation, and community-based education.

Skills & Tools

Proficiency in GSuite; familiarity with donor databases and grant management platforms.

Excellent writing, editing, and copyproofing skills.

Experience in planning and coordinating fundraising or public events.

Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and initiative.

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

Comfortable working in both indoor office settings and outdoor environments during events.

Must be able to stand for extended periods and engage with the public in a professional manner.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Four Mile Historic Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the community we serve.

About Four Mile

Four Mile Historic Park is a gateway to Denver’s Western heritage, offering a vibrant 12-acre oasis with a working farm around Denver’s oldest standing structure, the Four Mile House Museum. The museum houses an extensive collection of mid to late-1800s Western artifacts, serving educational, historical, curatorial, and research purposes.

Proudly acting as a custodian of cultural treasures, the museum evolves with contemporary approaches to artifact interaction and historic interpretation, aspiring to be an immersive and inclusive cultural attraction that explores the diverse experiences of the American West. Visitors actively participate in a dynamic experience that brings history to life.

The Park is a hub of cultural and outdoor exploration, offering a wide array of educational programs centered around Colorado history. Guided tours of the iconic Four Mile House, field trips, and outreach programs provide an immersive journey into the past, inviting visitors to connect with the heritage that has shaped Denver and to make new history with us at our signature events.