Development Director

Organization Overview

SORBA Chattanooga is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for, building, and maintaining high-quality, mountain bike accessible trails across the greater Chattanooga region. Through partnerships with land managers, local governments, community organizations, and volunteers, we steward more than 100 miles of trail that support recreation, conservation, and community well-being.

In addition to trail stewardship, SORBA Chattanooga delivers volunteer training, youth and community programs, and community events that foster a strong culture of outdoor responsibility and connection. Our work strengthens Chattanooga’s reputation as a premier trail and outdoor destination while ensuring trails remain accessible and well-maintained.

2025 marked a transformative year for SORBA Chattanooga. We hired our first-ever Executive Director, expanded our Board and committee structure, grew membership by more than 30%, and significantly increased volunteer engagement and trail stewardship efforts. As we enter our next phase of growth, we are focused on building sustainable fundraising systems, deepening community partnerships, and scaling our impact to support the long-term future of Chattanooga’s trail network.

position Overview

The Director of Development will lead SORBA Chattanooga’s fundraising strategy and execution, building a diversified, sustainable revenue program to support trail stewardship, education, and community programs. This role is responsible for planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program that includes individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation support, events, grants and campaigns.

The Director of Development will work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to set fundraising goals, strengthen donor relationships, and build internal systems and practices that support long-term organizational health. This is a hands-on role ideal for a fundraising professional who enjoys both strategy and execution within a growing nonprofit.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned with SORBA Chattanooga’s strategic goals and annual operating budget.
• Grow and diversify revenue through individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, grants, events, and campaigns
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gift prospects.
• Manage corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and community partnerships.
• Plan and execute fundraising campaigns and special events in collaboration with staff, board, and volunteers.
• Seek out and apply for grants relevant to our organizations strategic goals and mission.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, foundations and partners.
• Develop donor stewardship strategies to increase retention, engagement, and lifetime giving.
• Oversee donor communications in collaboration with Executive Director and volunteers, including appeals, acknowledgements, and impact reporting.
• Design donor recognition and stewardship experiences that reflect SORBA Chattanooga’s values

Board & Volunteer Engagement

• Partner with the Executive Director to engage board members in fundraising and donor relationships.
• Provide guidance and tools to support board participation in development efforts.
• Collaborate with volunteers and committees to support fundraising initiatives.

Systems, Reporting & Data

• Implement and manage donor management systems (CRM) ensuring continuity with existing donation tools and the membership app
• Oversee fundraising data to ensure accurate gift tracking and reporting.
• Monitor fundraising performance and provide regular updates and insights to the Executive Director and Board.
• Analyze data to evaluate effectiveness and refine fundraising strategies.

Marketing & Outreach

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop donor-facing communications and storytelling
• Assist with content creation for newsletters, social media campaigns, LinkedIn posts, and fundraising appeals
• Ensure consistent messaging across fundraising and engagement channels
• Support marketing efforts tied directly to development goals (campaigns, events, donor updates)

Organizational Collaboration

• Work closely with staff, committees, and community partners to align fundraising and grant applications with programs, events, and trail stewardship priorities.
• Support a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit development, management, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in individual giving, major gifts, and/or corporate and foundation fundraising.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft compelling donor communications.
• Experience working with boards and volunteers in fundraising roles.
• Familiarity with donor management systems and fundraising software.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative, self-directed, and comfortable working in a growing organization.
• Passion for outdoor recreation, trail stewardship, community engagement, and SORBA Chattanooga’s mission.

Working Conditions and Requirements

• Occasional evening and weekend work required for events and meetings
• Some light physical activity (events, site visits)
• Must be able to travel to and navigate the trails serviced by SORBA Chattanooga
• Home-based position within the SORBA Chattanooga service area.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Health benefits and 401K available. SORBA Chattanooga is committed to building a supportive, flexible, and mission-driven work environment.