We’re so glad you found us! This search is complete, but if you're looking for a new role, we encourage you to take a look at our openings page.”

NATIONAL CENTER FOR EQUINE FACILITATED THERAPY
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

 
 

 THIS POSITION REQUIRES THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE BE IN PERSON IN THE WOODSIDE, CA LOCATION 90% to 100% OF THE TIME.

ABOUT NATIONAL CENTER FOR EQUINE FACILITATED THERAPY

Horses. Hope. Healing. Three simple words that when combined have the power to transform lives. NCEFT is centered around helping people. They are about compassion, inclusiveness, and offering the highest level of service to those in need. They accomplish this by harnessing the unique connection between horses and humans. NCEFT is also about community - many of their clients and families describe NCEFT as a place that feels like home with people who feel like family.

Located in Woodside, California on the San Francisco Peninsula, NCEFT is internationally recognized as a pioneer and leader of equine-assisted programs. Since 1971, NCEFT has tapped into the profound rehabilitative power of the human-horse relationship to facilitate healing to thousands of children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and mental health challenges. Typical client diagnoses we treat include, but are not limited to, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome, autism, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, paralysis, stroke, genetic disorders, ADHD, and learning or language disabilities, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, social isolation, grief, and loss.

POSITION OVERVIEW

NCEFT seeks an experienced Development Director to create, execute, and expand an inspiring fundraising program. The Director will build on the organization’s existing development practices to produce a successful fundraising strategy aimed at increasing contributions from a variety of sources, with a focused effort to expand individual and major gifts. The Director will partner closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to support fundraising efforts, create a meaningful donor experience, and further connect donors to the mission of NCEFT.

For more information, please visit https://nceft.org/.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Executive Director. This position oversees one team member, a Development Associate. This position requires the successful candidate be in-person in the Woodside location 90%-100% of the time.

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Salary range is $110,000-$145,000

  • Benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, Vacation, Holiday and Sick Time

  • The opportunity to provide community members, patients, and clients to a powerful source of joy and transformation by harnessing the unique connection between horses and humans.

YOU ARE

  • Experienced fundraiser who is passionate about providing outstanding opportunities for connection to underserved members of the community 

  • Genuine, compassionate, and kind, you lead with optimism and confidence

  • Mission-driven creative; you hold and execute a vision while maintaining flexibility, openness, and a willingness to try new things

  • Dedicated to building deep, sustained relationships with donors, guests, Board Members, staff, Foundations, Corporations, granters, and other key stakeholders

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Implement Major Gift Development plan and management (Individuals, Foundations, Corporations).

  • Conduct research and write grants to targeted foundations, corporations, and individuals.

  • Plan cultivation and stewardship activities (small receptions, meetings with donors/Executive Director/Board members, donor recognition/awards.

  • Collaboratively develop moves management plans that engage donors in meaningful conversations and connections that ultimately inspire them to give, increase giving or get involved. 

  • Develop the fundraising calendar and implement agreed upon development strategies. 

  • Create a planned giving strategy and printed materials to begin securing bequests, charitable remainder trusts and other planned giving gifts-could be used to establish an endowment.

  • Collaborate with the Board to guide and assist them in carrying out their fundraising responsibilities to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors.

  • Develop fundraising reports for and make presentations at Board Meetings.

  • Create and execute a marketing and communications plan, including social media.

  • Design new and/or update current fundraising materials (remit envelope, 3-fold brochure) and Annual Report.

  • Partner with the Development Associate to plan and execute annual events including, but not limited to: Annual Gala, Donor recognition, Community events, and other events as planned on the development and events calendar.

  • Establish and maintain best practices as it relates to solicitations, policies, systems, and procedures.

  • Develop and manage acknowledgement letter process and gift tracking system in accordance with IRS regulations.

  • Ensure the donor database and filing systems are up to date and functioning with maximum accuracy and efficiency.

  • Generate donor and prospect solicitations and reports for mailings as needed

COMPETENCIES

  • Minimum five years’ experience in progressively challenging development roles

  • Demonstrated track record of prospect/donor portfolio management and direct solicitation of major gifts

  • Demonstrated experience partnering with and managing high-level volunteers and donors

  • Exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills

  • Outstanding collaboration skills with internal and external stakeholders

  • Experience designing and implementing fundraising plans

  • Familiarity with San Francisco Bay Area donor population who may be aligned with NCEFT’s mission

  • Event management experience

  • Has the ability to work effectively across cultures and demonstrates a commitment to learning, communicating, and working respectfully with people who are different from themselves

  • Passion for and dedication to the mission, vision, values, and philosophies of NCEFT

  • Bachelor’s Degree required and Master's Degree preferred

EQUITY STATEMENT

We believe that NCEFT’s greatest impact is in sharing the profound power of the human-horse relationship to facilitate healing and hope. Horses unwaveringly prioritize authenticity, respect, physical and emotional safety, leadership and community. We know that our strength and contribution as an organization is dependent upon our own commitment to upholding these same values, both internally and in our larger community.  

We embrace the diversity that each individual brings to our community, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio economic status, education, language, age, and religious beliefs.

We recognize that increasing access, opportunities, and resources for all, particularly for those who have historically been underrepresented or disadvantaged, is essential to creating an equitable environment in which our staff, clients, and community can thrive.

We strive to create an inclusive culture in which differences are celebrated and everyone feels valued and safe. We know that affirming each individual’s uniqueness promotes creativity and compassion, and prepares us to do our best work with our clients, our staff, our volunteers, and our community.

We understand that our commitment to these initiatives requires continual and honest reflection. Identifying and accepting responsibility for the strengths and shortcomings in our history is essential to our growth and success moving forward. 

We acknowledge the limitations of our own perspectives and experiences. Maintaining an open dialog with those in our communities and an active curiosity toward their experiences is an integral part of making NCEFT accessible and welcoming for all.

We envision a community where the power of horses, hope, and healing is accessible and familiar to all.

We are NCEFT.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, or for additional information on the opportunity, please click this link or send a copy of your resume with a cover letter to Victoria Silverman at apply@cooksilverman.com.

All applications and inquiries will receive a response and be kept strictly confidential.

National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.