Development Officer

The Development Officer is responsible for managing and growing Wings Over the Rockies' annual fund program and corporate partnerships up to $5,000. This role leads the organization's individual donor cultivation and stewardship at the annual giving level, manages key fundraising campaigns, and builds corporate relationships that support the museum's mission. The Development Officer works closely with the Director of Development to advance a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Annual Fund Management

• Own and manage all annual fund campaigns
• Develop and execute campaign strategies, timelines, and messaging in collaboration with the Director of Development and Chief Marketing Officer
• Build on existing annual fund campaigns to grow donor participation, retention, and revenue year over year
• Identify, cultivate, and steward individual donors giving up to $5,000
• Track and analyze campaign performance and donor metrics to inform future strategy
• Manage acknowledgment and stewardship for all annual fund donors in accordance with organizational communication standards

Corporate & Programmatic Partnerships (Up to $5,000)

• Identify, cultivate, and manage corporate sponsors and partners at the up to $5,000 level
• Secure and steward sponsorships for the Space Race 5K and Annual Fundraiser (Spreading Wings Gala) at the up to $5,000 level
• Support programmatic funding relationships up to $5,000, connecting corporate partners to mission-aligned programs
• Develop and deliver sponsorship proposals, agreements, and benefit fulfillment for all corporate partners in portfolio
• Ensure all corporate partners receive timely, accurate, and meaningful stewardship

Relationship Management & Stewardship

• Respond to all inbound donor and partner inquiries within one business day
• Send thank-you communications to all donors and partners
• Conduct proactive outreach to all active donors and partners on a regular cadence leading with gratitude and impact
• Represent Wings Over the Rockies at networking and community events to build pipeline and visibility

CRM & Data Management

• Log all donor and partner contacts, interactions, agreements, and pipeline activity in Altru 
• Maintain accurate and current records for all donors and partners in portfolio
• Generate and review reports to track campaign progress, donor activity, and pipeline health
• Adhere to all organizational data standards and communication protocols

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with the Director of Development on strategy, priorities, and portfolio management
• Collaborate with Marketing on campaign materials, messaging, and donor communications
• Partner with the Development Coordinator on administrative support, mailings, and event logistics
• Contribute to a positive, mission-driven team culture

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field; or equivalent experience
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in sales, nonprofit fundraising, development, or donor relations
• Demonstrated experience managing fundraising campaigns or donor portfolios
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with donor management or CRM systems
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Self-starter with a proactive, ownership-oriented approach to work

Preferred

• Master's degree in nonprofit management, philanthropy, or related field
• Experience with Altru or similar fundraising CRM
• Familiarity with aviation, aerospace, science, or cultural institutions
• Experience building or growing an annual fund program

Compensation and Benefits

The hiring for this position is $60,000 - $75,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, education, internal equity, and market factors. This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus based on individual and organization performance.

Benefits Summary

• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account options
• Retirement plan with discretionary match
• Short-term disability and supplemental coverage options
• Generous vacation, sick and personal leave
• Potential annual bonus
• Membership to the museum and other museums

ADA/Working Conditions

Wings Over the Rockies® is an air and space museum and operates in a historic aircraft hangar environment. This role requires working in a dynamic, active setting that includes proximity to aircraft, operational equipment, and public guests.

This is a full-time position, generally requiring 40 hours per week. Work schedules will vary based on operational needs and will include regular weekend hours, occasional evenings, and holidays. Weekday hours may vary depending on programming, events, and organizational priorities.

The role requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods, move throughout large indoor and outdoor spaces, and occasionally lift or move objects. The position may also involve working in varying environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations typical of a hanger setting.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

About Wings Over the Rockies

Wings Over the Rockies®, a Colorado-based non-profit organization and Colorado’s official Air and Space Museum, is committed to educating, inspiring and exciting all people about aviation and space endeavors of the past, present and future. Wings is one organization with two locations. Located in Denver’s historic Lowry neighborhood and established in 1994, the Museum features nearly 100,000 square feet of world-class historical and educational exhibits. In addition to more than 60 impressive aircraft and spacecraft, visitors discover exciting personalities, stories, and events about every aspect of aviation and space exploration. Exploration of Flight is located at Centennial Airport. Opened in 2018, it features 18,000 square feet of interactive experiences and, aviation-focused events. Visitors to the two locations come from all 50 states and more than 34 countries. For more information about Wings Over the Rockies, please visit WingsMuseum.org.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Wings’ reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other responsibilities as necessary to meet organizational needs.

Work schedules and hours may be adjusted based on other operation requirements.

Nothing in this job description creates an employment contract, expressed or implied. Employment with the Museum is at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or Wings at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable laws.