Summary
Description
About the Role
Lead the signature programs of a congressionally designated National Heritage Area. As Program Development Director, you’ll own the calendar, content, and creative direction for events like the Poudre River Forum, Pub Talks, and Capture the Cache, bringing to life the story of the river that shaped Western water law along 45 miles of the Cache la Poudre. In a small, collaborative team, you’ll design programs, build partnerships across Larimer and Weld Counties, secure programmatic resources, and see the direct impact of your work on residents and visitors.
About Poudre Heritage Alliance
The Poudre Heritage Alliance (PHA) is the managing entity for the Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Area (Cache NHA), with administrative offices in Windsor, CO. The Heritage Area includes 45 miles of the river corridor, from the Roosevelt National Forest to the confluence of the Poudre with the South Platte River. PHA serves a population of over 600,000 people in Larimer and Weld Counties through programs that PROMOTE history and culture, ENGAGE the public in the river corridor, and INSPIRE learning, preservation, and stewardship.
General Statement of Duties
A dynamic ambassador of the mission of PHA and is responsible for developing and executing annual programs and events that are effective, well-integrated, and engaging for visitors and residents alike. This position secures programmatic resources through grant writing, community partnerships, and sponsorships, and supports non-federal resource development. This position requires excellent project management skills, communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. The Program Development Director will establish and maintain effective working relationships with partners, funders, municipalities, consultants, the public, and businesses that align with PHA's work. The Director will track and document all program and event related activities, participants, and metrics to assist the Executive Director in quarterly and annual data collection and other grant reporting requirements. All activities are carried out in alignment with federal grant compliance requirements and programmatic goals.
What You’ll Do
- Design, plan, and lead PHA’s annual program and event calendar, including the Poudre River Forum, Pub Talks, Capture the Cache, and new initiatives.
- Lead program and event content from concept through execution.
- Establish timelines, coordinate vendors, and lead staff and volunteers to execute programs and events.
- Develop and manage program and event budgets.
- Build public awareness and participation in Cache NHA programs.
- Cultivate partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, chambers of commerce, visitors’ bureaus, and tourism organizations.
- Research, write, and submit program grant proposals and manage program grant reporting.
- Solicit, secure, and renew corporate cash and in-kind sponsorships.
- Identify, cultivate, and steward individual donors.
- Track program and event participation, outcomes, and metrics to support future planning and grant reporting.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 2–4 years’ experience planning and executing public-facing programs or events.
- Demonstrated experience securing grant funding, sponsorships, and new donor relationships—not solely stewarding existing ones.
- Experience developing and managing program or event budgets.
- 1–3 years’ experience with donor/CRM databases.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
- Familiarity with federal grant reporting and 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), or willingness to train.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience producing large public events or festivals, including vendor and sponsor management.
- Experience writing or managing government or federal grants.
- Established relationships in Northern Colorado’s business, tourism, or civic community.
- Interest in Northern Colorado’s history, rivers, or outdoor recreation.
Why Join PHA
- Leadership of a year-round program calendar at a nationally designated heritage area.
- Flexible scheduling and one remote day per week.
- Structured onboarding during 2027, working alongside the team member who built PHA’s current programs.
- Direct partnership with the National Park Service, municipalities, and community organizations across Northern Colorado.
- Full benefits, including health stipend, dental, vision, AD&D, 401(k) matching, employee assistance program, and paid time off for vacation, sick, and holidays.
Time Allocation
To comply with 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance):
85% Allowable Federal Activities: program design and implementation, community engagement and outreach, community partnerships, and program grant writing and reporting.
- 15% Non-Federal Activities: sponsorship solicitation and individual donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Work Requirements
Valid driver’s license; ability to travel and work evenings/weekends as needed.
Compensation & Benefits
$62,000–$72,000, based on education, experience, and tenure with the organization.This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with full benefits. PHA offers flexibility in scheduling and the opportunity to work from home one day per week. Benefits include health stipend, dental, vision, AD&D, paid time off for vacation, sick, and holidays, an employee assistance program, and 401(k) matching.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume to sstoker@poudreheritage.org with “Program Development Director” in the subject line.
Application deadline: October 30, 2026
- Poudre Heritage Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and actively recruits, selects and promotes qualified employees and volunteers, broadly representative of the community served and administers its personnel practices without discrimination. PHA prohibits harassment of one employee by another employee or supervisor. Discrimination on the basis of age, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, race, color or ethnicity, nationality, disability, genetic information or religion, is prohibited in accordance with the Office of Civil Rights.
