Vice President of Development / US Lead

Ripple Effect U.S; New Albany (IN); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Ripple Effect US seeks a dynamic Vice President of Development / US Lead to drive major gifts nationwide, focusing on donors $5,000+ and partnering with the Board to advance fundraising goals.

Reports to CEO, Brooke U.S. as management partner; role is full-time, remote, travel up to 40% including international, with evenings/weekends for donor meetings. You will manage a portfolio of 75–100 donors, solicit and steward, develop strategies, and collaborate with board and volunteers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of direct experience in major gift fundraising with a proven track record of closing gifts at $5,000+.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in donor database systems.
• Willingness to travel nationally and occasionally internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead the major gifts program to meet annual revenue targets.
• Manage a portfolio of 75–100 high-potential donors and prospects, conducting 100–150 meaningful donor interactions annually.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit new major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and donor-advised funds.
• Develop and execute strategies to move prospects from cultivation to solicitation and closure.
• Partner with the Board and volunteers in donor engagement, including hosting events and meetings.
• Support grant proposals and other fundraising initiatives as needed.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor relations

Portfolio management

Campaign strategy

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Donor databases

Job description

Location: Remote (must live in the United States near a major airport)
Reports to: CEO, Brooke U.S. (day-to-day)
Works closely with: Ripple Effect US Board of Directors

Role Summary

Ripple Effect US is seeking a dynamic Vice President of Development / US Lead to drive the organization’s major gifts and overall fundraising program nationwide. This role is primarily focused on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors giving $5,000 or more, while strategically partnering with the Board of Directors to advance fundraising goals.

The Director of Development reports day-to-day to the CEO of Brooke U.S., Ripple Effect US’s management partner, who provides mentorship, guidance on strategy, support for Board interactions, and oversight of fundraising performance and budget. The Vice President of Development will also collaborate closely with the Ripple Effect US Board of Directors on major donor engagement and fundraising initiatives.

This is a full-time, national role requiring occasional travel (up to 40%, including international), evenings, and weekends for donor meetings and events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the major gifts program to meet annual revenue targets.
• Manage a portfolio of 75–100 high-potential donors and prospects, conducting 100–150 meaningful donor interactions annually.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit new major gift prospects, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and donor-advised funds.
• Develop and execute strategies to move prospects from cultivation to solicitation and closure.
• Partner with the Board and volunteers in donor engagement, including hosting events and meetings.
• Support grant proposals and other fundraising initiatives as needed.

Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management

• Maintain high-quality communication with donors, ensuring timely recognition, documentation, and appreciation.
• Develop personalized stewardship strategies to strengthen long-term relationships.
• Engage with donors, prospects, and partners as a professional ambassador of Ripple Effect US.

Board & Organizational Support

• Partner with the Board of Directors to support fundraising initiatives and provide strategic guidance for major donor engagement.
• Assist with agenda preparation, meeting materials, and scheduling for 4–5 Board meetings annually.
• Support budget planning, financial tracking, and preparation of materials for audits and Form 990 in collaboration with the Treasurer and bookkeeper.

Data, Systems & Reporting

• Manage and maintain accurate donor records in the CRM system.
• Track major gifts progress, report on portfolio activity, and provide regular updates to the CEO of Brooke U.S. and Ripple Effect US Board.
• Monitor key performance indicators and contribute to the development of organizational fundraising strategy.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of direct experience in major gift fundraising with a proven track record of closing gifts at $5,000+.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and donor database systems.
• Willingness to travel nationally and occasionally internationally.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree or relevant advanced certification.
• Knowledge of international development, global health, or economic sustainability.
• Experience working with boards in a fundraising capacity.

Skills & Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to cultivate and close major gifts.
• Professional maturity and discretion to inspire confidence among donors and partners.
• High energy, interpersonal skills, and a “can-do” attitude.
• Ability to represent Ripple Effect US in public and donor-facing events.

Working Conditions

• Remote/home-based office with a quiet, private workspace.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required.
• Travel is up to 40%, including international travel as needed.
• Physical demands may include lifting boxes and traveling by car or plane.
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

About Ripple Effect US

Ripple Effect and Ripple Effect US work alongside families in rural Africa to increase food security, income, and resilience. Our programs empower farmers and their communities to lift themselves out of poverty sustainably, with a focus on improving the welfare of working animals essential to rural livelihoods.