Critter Barn | Development, Partnerships & Growth

Salary: Based on experience

Status: Full-Time, Salaried

Schedule: Primarily weekdays with flexibility for evenings and occasional weekends to attend events and meetings

Position Overview

The Business Development Coordinator plays a critical role in advancing Critter Barn’s mission by building relationships, securing funding, and supporting long-term organizational growth. Working closely with and reporting directly to the Executive Director, this position helps cultivate donors, manage development systems, coordinate communications, and support fundraising strategies that sustain and expand Critter Barn’s impact.

This role requires someone who is confident, relational, organized, and comfortable representing Critter Barn with high-level stakeholders, donors, and community partners—either independently or alongside the Executive Director.

Key ResponsibilitiesDonor Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, sponsors, partners, and community stakeholders
• Attend meetings independently or alongside the Executive Director, supporting or leading conversations as appropriate
• Represent Critter Barn at community events, social gatherings, and networking opportunities
• Assist with donor stewardship, follow-up, and ongoing communications

Fundraising & Revenue Growth

• Support and pursue funding opportunities through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships
• Work toward generating revenue that covers the cost of the position and significantly exceeds it
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on annual fundraising strategies and goals
• Assist with year-end giving efforts and donor campaigns

Grants & Partnerships

• Identify grant opportunities aligned with Critter Barn programs and growth goals
• Collaborate with Education, Programming, Event, and Livestock Coordinators to gather content and data for grants
• Assist with writing, submitting, and tracking grant applications and reports
• Support partnership development with schools, businesses, and community organizations

Event-Based Fundraising

• Work closely with the Event Planner and Executive Director on Derby Night (gala) planning and execution
• Support sponsorship development, donor engagement, and follow-up related to events
• Assist with other fundraising and community events as needed

CRM & Development Systems

• Oversee and maintain donor and stakeholder records in Boomerang (CRM)
• Ensure accurate data entry, tracking, and reporting
• Support segmentation, communication lists, and donor analytics

Strategic Growth & Capital Campaign Support

• Work alongside the Executive Director on future growth initiatives and capital campaigns
• Assist with donor communications, proposals, and campaign materials
• Support cultivation strategies and coordinated asks

Staff Goals & Expectations

Critter Barn staff are expected to:

• Be professional, relational, and mission-driven
• Communicate clearly and follow through consistently
• Collaborate across departments to support shared goals
• Represent Critter Barn with integrity and enthusiasm

Reporting Structure

• Reports directly to the Executive Director
• Works collaboratively with Education, Programming, Event, Livestock, and Administrative staff

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, business development, or related fields
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Confidence interacting with high-level donors, sponsors, and stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Comfort working independently and as part of a leadership team

Preferred Qualifications

• Grant writing experience
• Experience with donor CRM systems (Boomerang preferred)
• Experience supporting or participating in capital campaigns
• Background in nonprofit, education, agriculture, or community-based organizations

Work Environment

• Combination of office, on-farm, and off-site meetings
• Occasional evening and weekend commitments for events and donor engagement

About Critter Barn

Critter Barn is a nonprofit agricultural education organization dedicated to connecting people of all ages to animals, food systems, and farming through hands-on learning. Our work is supported by strong community partnerships, donor engagement, and meaningful educational experiences.

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest in nonprofit development and relationship-based fundraising.

Employment Terms

This is a position classified as exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employment with Critter Barn is at-will, meaning that either the employee or Critter Barn may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person