Director of Development

The Kelly Brush Foundation, a rapidly growing and impactful national nonprofit based in Burlington, Vermont, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Development to support and elevate our fundraising efforts. In collaboration with the Chief Development Officer, Executive Director, Events Manager, and the rest of the team, the Director of Development will work to fulfill fundraising objectives and advance the KBF’s mission of inspiring and empowering people with spinal cord injuries (SCI) to lead active and engaged lives. It is the vision of the Foundation that everyone with an SCI can enjoy the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of an active lifestyle.

Please see the full position description below. To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to Todd Munn, Chief Development Officer, at Info@kellybrushfoundation.org.

Director of Development

The Director of Development will support the fundraising success of the Kelly Brush Foundation (1) by engaging a portfolio of donors at all levels, including individual donors, event sponsors, granting organizations, foundations, Kelly Brush Ride team captains, and corporate donors, (2) by entering donor data and actively managing our donor database, (3) coordinating a robust donor stewardship and engagement program, and (4) writing and managing grants to support the Kelly Brush Foundation. In 2025, the goal of the Kelly Brush Foundation is to grow 15% and raise $3.4 million for our initiatives. The Director of Development reports to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and is a key partner in executing strategy, building partnerships, engaging our communities in world-class events, and being a champion of our mission.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategic regional and national donor cultivation and stewardship programs in key markets, including Vermont, Boston, New York City, the Rockies, and San Francisco, to achieve and exceed fundraising goals.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of donor data within the KBF CRM system. Partner with the Chief Development Officer to develop and implement robust donor segmentation strategies and personalized stewardship plans, optimizing the database for efficiency and strategic growth.
• Collaborate with all staff to define KBFs CRM needs, assess current and prospective databases to determine the best solution, and assist in migration to a new CRM if needed.
• Prepare donor stewardship communications in collaboration with the Development team, Executive Director, Marketing team, and KBF Board members.
• Lead and manage the organization’s grant program, maintaining a detailed grant calendar to ensure timely submissions, renewals, and reporting. Conduct strategic research to identify and secure new grant opportunities that align with KBF’s mission and initiatives, driving growth and diversification of funding sources.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive grant growth strategy to increase and diversify grant funding, including cultivating relationships with grant-making organizations, foundations, and other potential funders. Collaborate with program staff to gather necessary data, metrics, and narratives to craft compelling, high-quality grant proposals and reports.
• Conduct donor prospecting by analyzing the organization’s database, leveraging wealth screening tools, and utilizing external research methods to identify high-potential donors. Develop and implement strategies for engaging and cultivating identified prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to expand the donor base and strengthen the organization’s pipeline of supporters.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of entry- and mid-level donors by creating and executing tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans. Focus on building meaningful relationships to elevate donor engagement, increase gift levels, and ensure long-term retention and satisfaction. Conduct regular face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and personalized communications to engage donors and align their philanthropic interests with KBF’s priorities.
• Work closely with the KBF Marketing Department to develop all event assets including invitations, email communications, sponsorship decks, websites, ticket and donation forms, email communications, presentations, signage, follow up, etc.
• Create and manage a robust remote ride experience for riders and captains.
• Grow and enhance the Trailblazers monthly giving program by implementing targeted recruitment strategies, personalized donor communications, and impactful recognition initiatives to boost participation and increase annual giving contributions.
• Assist with other development operations, such as appeals, research, database maintenance, gift stewardship, etc.
• Develop and execute innovative peer-to-peer fundraising strategies for the Kelly Brush Ride, engaging approximately 1,000 participants in-person and remotely. Drive initiatives to meet the $1.4 million fundraising goal by recruiting high-performing participant teams, activating corporate sponsorships, and optimizing peer-to-peer platform.
• Provide leadership and support to cross-functional teams for mission-based programs and events, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Be a team player and assist all staff in areas of greatest need.

Qualifications:

• 7-10 years of fundraising/development experience.
• Proven track record of success in grant writing, grant management, and securing significant funding from foundations and grant-making organizations.
• Exceptional project management skills with the ability to prioritize, multitask, and deliver results. Strong written and verbal communication abilities to effectively engage diverse audiences and inspire action.
• Advanced proficiency in donor database software with a demonstrated ability to manage and analyze data to inform strategic fundraising decisions.
• Experience prospecting, cultivating and stewarding donor relationships.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations and maintain stability and productivity.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• A passionate commitment to our mission.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and additional office technologies.
• Proactive and self-motivated professional with a demonstrated ability to work independently and drive results in a collaborative team environment.

Ideally experience in:

• Experience in the fields of disability and adaptive sports.
• Experience in assessing various databases and their features against the needs of the organization.
• Proven success in developing partnerships and securing sponsorship funds.
• Experience designing and executing events, including virtual events.
• Experience in recruiting and managing volunteer committees.

This position is a remote position and includes national travel as well as some evening and weekend events. 

About the Kelly Brush Foundation:

We are a dynamic and growing Burlington, VT–based non-profit inspiring and empowering people with spinal cord injuries to lead active and engaged lives. We provide direct assistance to individuals with SCI and partner with organizations around the country to help people live their own independent, active lifestyles. We also work closely with the alpine ski racing community to improve safety on the hill. We were founded in 2006 by Kelly and her family after Kelly sustained a spinal cord injury while racing in an NCAA alpine ski race. 

The KBF values all backgrounds, identities, and walks of life because it reflects who we are, who we seek to serve, and because diversity of all kinds makes our organization stronger. If you want to work for an organization that strives for equity and fosters an inclusive culture welcoming you to bring your authentic self to work each day, we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply:

• Join our team and contribute to empowering individuals with spinal cord injuries. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to Todd Munn, Chief Development Officer, at Info@kellybrushfoundation.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.