Executive Director at Sunrise Horse Rescue

Sunrise Horse Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 and operates from the Napa Valley in Northern California. Our organization currently provides for the direct care of 24 horses and provides resources and assistance for offsite horse care.

Our Mission: To rescue and provide sanctuary for abused and neglected horses in Napa and surrounding counties, to educate the public about current issues affecting horse welfare, and to provide community members with the unique benefit of equine assisted learning and therapy.

Sunrise Horse Rescue is a recognized leader in the Northern California region, dedicated to making a positive impact on our community by providing essential services for horses in desperate need of care, shelter and veterinary attention, and by bringing community members and horses together through meaningful Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy programs. We rely heavily on fundraising to sustain our programs and services, and as such we are seeking an Executive Director to lead our organization and its fundraising efforts.

Position Overview: The Executive Director (ED) will plan, implement and manage strategies to promote the organization's mission while ensuring the organization’s sustainability and growth. This includes leading in the attainment of long- and short-term goals and objectives set in conjunction with the Board of Directors, and building an effective team by providing guidance and support to both staff and volunteers.

This position will oversee all operations while spearheading and supporting fundraising, donor retention, annual campaigns, capital campaigns, major gifts and financial operations. The ED is a key representative for community partners, foundations, grantors, and donors. The successful candidate will work closely with the Board of Directors to develop fundraising goals and strategies, including planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program that includes major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving, and special events. Additionally, the ED will be responsible for the continued development and management of new and existing major donor relationships.

The ED reports to the Board of Directors and is the predominant liaison between staff and the board. This is a full-time position with a competitive salary ($90-130K). If you are a highly motivated and experienced fundraising professional, with a passion for our mission and making a difference in the community, we encourage you to apply.

Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management:

• Create strategic plans to support the sustainability and growth of the organization’s mission and programs.
• Acquire a strong understanding of the organization’s financial positions; plan and monitor a $600,000 annual budget in conjunction with Treasurer and Finance Committee.
• Prepare monthly board meeting packets in collaboration with the Executive Committee.
• Manage staff, including the hiring and onboarding of new employees.
• Oversee volunteer programs.

Fundraising & Development:

• Develop, implement, and lead a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to meet the organization’s annual revenue goals.
• Manage and continue to develop new and existing major donor relationships.
• Identify and cultivate major gift prospects, as well as corporate and foundation donors.
• Prepare and write grant proposals and maintain positive relationships with key grantors and foundations.
• Manage and lead ad-hoc fundraising committees, providing guidance, training, and support as needed.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors and Planned Giving Consultant to expand planned giving and endowments.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
• Implement strategies to grow monthly donor program.
• Lead in organizing a future capital campaign to assist in funding future physical improvements to the current facility (barn, paddocks, visitor center and covered arena).
• Plan and execute special events that engage donors and raise funds for the organization.

Marketing & Community Engagement:

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies across all channels (website, email, social media, newsletters, print) to effectively grow sponsorships and showcase our work, impact, events and programs supporting our mission.
• Create and distribute compelling press releases to promote Sunrise’s events, activities and newsworthy developments.
• Represent Sunrise Horse Rescue at external functions and events and work collaboratively with community partners to promote awareness of our mission.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field, preferred but not required).
• 3+ years experience as an Executive Director in nonprofit fundraising, with a proven track record of success in closing major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, and special events.
• Preferred candidate is a “horse person” who is familiar with the challenges that equines face in today’s society and are passionate about their advocacy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling donor communications, grant proposals and marketing materials.
• Experience developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising plan including portfolio management, annual and planned giving, grants and special events.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Experience managing staff.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance principles.
• Prior experience successfully being awarded grants.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, Board members, and volunteers.
• Experience with fundraising software and donor databases (preferably DonorPerfect).
• Ability to be an “eloquent advocate” to the mission and values of our organization and awareness of fragility of equine welfare.
• Track record of building successful relationships with donors and team members coupled with the ability to be a self-motivated, independent thinker.
• Ability to work remotely.