Donor Development Director

Location: ManeGait | McKinney, TX
Status: Full-Time (Flexible Schedule)

Position Summary

Are you a relationship-builder who finds purpose in connecting generosity with impact? Do you have experience in sales, fundraising, or community relations and a heart for service? If so, ManeGait is looking for you. 

As Donor Development Director, you’ll lead donor outreach and fundraising efforts that fuel ManeGait’s mission. This role is central to sustaining and scaling ManeGait programs. You’ll cultivate meaningful relationships, secure major gifts and sponsorships, and bring fresh ideas to deepen donor engagement.

You will be a vital member of ManeGait’s Community Engagement Team—alongside leaders in Marketing and Events. This role calls for a collaborative leader who inspires trust across the organization and models humility, sincerity, and a deep commitment to ManeGait’s values. Success in this position is reflected in the fundraising goals we achieve together, the partnerships we build, and the thoughtful stewardship that honors every gift.

ManeGait is currently engaged in a capital project that is expanding our facility to double the number of clients we serve. Join the team today and be part of an exciting time in our story!

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

  • In partnership with the Community Engagement Team, lead, design, and execute a multi-channel fundraising strategy to exceed $2M in annual revenue 

  • Identify and cultivate major gift prospects and corporate sponsors

  • Build and maintain authentic relationships with donors through personalized outreach

  • Deliver compelling presentations and proposals that connect donor values with ManeGait’s mission

  • Oversee stewardship activities, including recognition and benefit fulfillment

  • Ensure donor satisfaction and retention through timely, thoughtful engagement

Community Engagement & Brand Representation

  • Represent ManeGait at community events, networking functions, and donor gatherings

  • Serve as a highly visible ambassador of ManeGait’s mission, values, and impact

Operational Excellence

  • Maintain accurate donor records and reporting in Salesforce and shared systems

  • Track pledges, process gifts, and manage fundraising documentation with precision

  • Support event planning, grant writing, and cross-functional initiatives

Qualifications & Success Factors

Relevant Experience

  • 7 years in fundraising, sales, business development, or community relations

  • Proven success in securing major gifts, sponsorships, or philanthropic partnerships 

  • 3–5 years of leadership experience, preferably in a small, collaborative organization where versatility, initiative, and cross-functional teamwork are essential

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

  • Familiarity with donor databases (Salesforce preferred) and CRM best practices

Success Factors

  • Approaches fundraising as a form of service—listening deeply, honoring donor intent, and connecting generosity with meaningful impact

  • Thinks strategically and innovatively to meet or exceed development goals

  • Communicates confidently, warmly, and persuasively across all audiences

  • Stays self-motivated and organized to effectively focus on simultaneously supporting current donors and cultivating new ones

  • Practices engaging and meaningful storytelling to connect donors with ManeGait’s mission

  • Leads collaboratively to inspire trust across ManeGait’s staff, Board, donors, clients, and volunteers.

Work Schedule

  • Full-time schedule with flexible hours

  • Generally Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings/weekends for events and donor engagement

About ManeGait

ManeGait is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and one of the largest PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Centers in the U.S., providing weekly equine therapy to 150 children and adults with physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities. Certified instructors, 29 therapy horses, and over 285 volunteers help riders achieve milestones once thought impossible. With a growing waitlist, ManeGait launched The Beacon Project, a capital expansion that will double program capacity by 2027. This new facility enables us to reduce waitlists, scale programs, and strengthen our role as a national leader in equine therapy. ManeGait is powered by a strong, mission-driven team—grounded in our values and committed to exceptional client service, innovation, and collaboration—and by a generous community of donors and volunteers who make our mission possible.

To apply, please send your resume to manegait@manegait.org