Director of Development & Communications

Job Summary:
The Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association is seeking a skilled Director of Development & Communications to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all fundraising and communication efforts. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in nonprofit management and fundraising/communication strategies.
Reporting to the Board President, the Director of Development & Communications will plan, develop and implement all fundraising and communication efforts for the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association.
DEVELOPMENT
 

• The ideal candidate will be an innovative leader and a team player with a strong sense of purpose, commitment, and personal responsibility to the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association and to fostering a culture of philanthropy in the organization.
• The ideal candidate will cultivate, steward and oversee donor relationships; design and implement creative and innovative fundraising strategies; recruit, organize, train and supervise volunteers; assure adherence to fundraising time schedules; oversee budgets; meet with individuals, corporations, and foundations to solicit funds for the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association.
• The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, visionary, dedicated to creating connections with current and future donors and volunteers.
• Prepare annual campaign plan and events, including goals, objectives, calendar, budget, and process. With a focus on expanding the donor base.
• Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward new and existing donors, building a robust network of those with influence and affluence
• Recruit, select, train, support, motivate and empower fundraising volunteer leadership
• Identify sponsorship and naming opportunities
• Monitor and report on fundraising progress

COMMUNICATIONS
 

• Create marketing plan and strategy for the organization.
• Build and sustain strong organization brand internally and externally; maintain integrity of brand and identity.
• Oversee and provide vision for all communications including collateral, videos, social media presence.
• Develop social media marketing strategy.
• Elevate CATRA’s profile and brand through comprehensive strategies including relationships with key stakeholders and media.
• Support staff and board in developing their communication skills and messaging through training.
• Manage communications for the organization including electronic newsletters, social media and other outreach efforts.
• Serve as primary public relations representative for the organization and maintain a rapport with donors, supporters, grantors, city/state government, neighborhood associations, local newspapers, and other media outlets.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. or B.A. required
• Minimum 5 years' experience in professional fundraising, fundraising management and volunteer management.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive Certification (CFRE) preferred.
• Experience in event planning, annual campaign planning, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, strategic planning, database management and budgeting.
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.
• High energy, positive “can-do” attitude, flexible, detail-oriented, and high degree of initiative.
• Excellent organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail and follow-up.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship building and leadership skills.
• Understanding the value and nature of the volunteer/professional partnership.

• Familiarity with Constant Contact or similar email marketing platforms.
• Ability to manage social media platforms effectively.
• An ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Agency Information:
The Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA) provides quality equine and animal-assisted therapeutic programs to the people of the Capital area.
Our vision is to be a center of excellence where equines and other animals enrich the lives of people of all abilities to enhance physical, spiritual, intellectual, mental, emotional, and social well-being through a holistic approach.