Director of Development and Marketing

Job Title: Director of Development and Marketing

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent, Exempt

Location: Chelsea, MI

Salary: $80,000 - $90,000

About Barn Sanctuary

Founded in 2016, Barn Sanctuary has rapidly grown into one of the largest and most well-known farmed animal sanctuaries in the country. Currently, over 100 rescued farmed animals including cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, donkeys, and goats call Barn Sanctuary home. Our mission is simple: to rescue and rehabilitate abused and neglected farmed animals by creating a safe haven where these individuals can recover, thrive, and serve as an example for why we strive to lead society towards a plant-based lifestyle.

Position Summary

We're seeking an ambitious and dynamic Director of Development and Marketing to accelerate Barn Sanctuary's next phase of growth. This entrepreneurial leader will design and implement strategies to significantly expand our donor base, launch a comprehensive mid-level giving program, and identify untapped major gift prospects. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role will oversee our Marketing and Development Managers while serving as a key liaison to our Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate is a strategic innovator who can build new revenue streams while strengthening existing relationships. We're looking for someone who can identify and cultivate new major gift prospects, design creative donor acquisition campaigns, and develop robust mid-level giving pathways. This role will help scale our fundraising operations to match our ambitious vision for farm animal protection.

Beyond maintaining current funding streams, this position will focus on:

• Launching and scaling a structured mid-level giving program
• Identifying and qualifying new major gift prospects
• Creating innovative donor acquisition strategies
• Developing new corporate partnership opportunities
• Building a sustainable pipeline of planned giving prospects

Management Structure

• Reports directly to the Managing Director
• Directly supervises Marketing Manager and Development Manager
• Presents regular reports at Board meetings
• Collaborates with senior leadership team on strategic initiatives

Core Responsibilities

Leadership and Management (10%)

• Provide direct supervision and mentorship to Marketing and Development Managers
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and resources
• Present monthly reports and updates at Board meetings
• Contribute to strategic planning with senior leadership team and its founders
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven team culture

Fundraising and Development (50%)

• Lead all fundraising activities with a focus on sustainable growth, managing a comprehensive development program targeting individual donors, foundations, and corporate partnerships
• Create and execute strategic fundraising campaigns that connect our mission with donor values
• Develop and maintain relationships with major donors, managing a portfolio of high-impact supporters
• Oversee grant writing and reporting processes
• Plan and execute engaging donor events, both virtual and in-person, that showcase our sanctuary's work
• Design and implement planned giving programs to ensure long-term sustainability

Marketing and Communications (40%)

• Lead the creation and execution of marketing strategies that amplify our residents' stories and mission
• Oversee social media strategy, website content, email communications, and printed materials
• Develop compelling narratives that showcase our sanctuary's impact and inspire support
• Collaborate with staff to create engaging content featuring our animal residents
• Manage media relationships and public relations initiatives

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit fundraising and marketing
• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising with five-figure donations
• Strong project management and team leadership abilities
• Excellence in written and verbal communication
• Experience with donor database management systems
• Passion for farm animal protection and sanctuary work

Working Environment

• Full-time position based at our sanctuary in Chelsea, Michigan
• Regular interaction with sanctuary residents and animal care team
• Some evening and weekend work required for events and sanctuary activities
• Must be comfortable working in an outdoor farm environment in various weather conditions
• Criminal background check required
• Competitive benefits package, including a generous paid time off policy; health, dental, and vision insurance

Equal Opportunity Employer

Barn Sanctuary is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by ap