Director of Advancement About Dreams on Horseback: Dreams on Horseback is the largest equine therapeutic riding center in the State of Ohio, hosting over 35,000 participant hours each year of […]

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Director of Advancement

About Dreams on Horseback:

Dreams on Horseback is the largest equine therapeutic riding center in the State of Ohio, hosting over 35,000 participant hours each year of horse-partnered learning at our premier accredited center in Blacklick, OH. Major programs include: therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities; social-emotional learning and vocational training programs for over 1,100 school children; free programs for members of the military and their family members; and, our Minis on the Move external relations program where miniature horses travel throughout Central Ohio for therapeutic support and educational programs.

Our Mission: Enriching Lives with Horses

Position Summary:

The Director of Advancement is a mission-critical leadership role responsible for all philanthropic, donor engagement and marketing/communications programs. Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Advancement will be a relationship-driven fundraiser and program builder who can create strategy while also executing day to day work.

Classification: Full-time, salaried, exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan to attract annual and major gift support, grants, corporate giving and sponsorship, and other philanthropic support
• Responsible for major gift solicitations, solo or in partnership with the Executive Director and/or Board members
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors in the planning and execution of capital campaigns and other special fundraising initiatives
• Lead and design donor cultivation, stewardship, donor retention strategies and prospect research
• Manage and implement all internal and external communications including but not limited to: social media and website content creation; crafting of compelling donor communications; writing and designing newsletters, promotional materials, brochures; and, media relations
• Develop and manage the Advancement budget, grow and manage the Advancement team, and monitor/analyze fundraising performance and data
• Advise Executive Director as a senior leadership team member and attend all leadership team, Admin and Board meetings
• Represent Dreams on Horseback professionally in community events and partnership meetings

Required Experience & Competencies:

• Minimum of 5 years of proven fundraising experience across all areas of development
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Demonstrated success running annual and major gift campaigns, and success from multiple donor channels and methodologies such as personal solicitations, direct mail, grants, events or Galas, planned giving
• Successful project leader with an entrepreneurial mindset
• Skilled in establishing, cultivating and expanding relationships with colleagues, peers and members of the greater community
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills; thrives in detail-oriented, fast-paced environments
• Technologically fluent, especially with Google Suite and cloud-based scheduling and a fundraising CRM
• Excellent writer, skilled in creating written and oral communications
• Outgoing, strong interpersonal and communication skills; personable, approachable, empathetic, and collaborative
• A deep belief in and commitment to the mission of Dreams on Horseback.

Supervisory Responsibilities & Support:

The Director of Advancement supervises the Finance & Grants Manager and the part-time Special Events Coordinator who plans and oversees the Gala. There is also an organizational data entry/admin support position of 24 hours per week for data entry needs.

Compensation: $75,000 to $85,000

Benefits:

• Flexible work schedule/hours and environment, including the opportunity to work from home periodically
• Three weeks paid vacation

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to: erich@dreamsonhorseback.org

Or, send via surface mail to:

Erich Hunker

℅ Dreams on Horseback

1416 Reynoldsburg – New Albany Road,

Blacklick, OH 43004

9/28/26

Company

Dreams on Horseback

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Director of Advancement

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About Dreams on Horseback:

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• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan to attract annual and major gift support, grants, corporate giving and sponsorship, and other philanthropic support

• Responsible for major gift solicitations, solo or in partnership with the Executive Director and/or Board members

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors in the planning and execution of capital campaigns and other special fundraising initiatives

• Lead and design donor cultivation, stewardship, donor retention strategies and prospect research

• Manage and implement all internal and external communications including but not limited to: social media and website content creation; crafting of compelling donor communications; writing and designing newsletters, promotional materials, brochures; and, media relations

• Develop and manage the Advancement budget, grow and manage the Advancement team, and monitor/analyze fundraising performance and data

• Advise Executive Director as a senior leadership team member and attend all leadership team, Admin and Board meetings

• Represent Dreams on Horseback professionally in community events and partnership meetings

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Minimum of 5 years of proven fundraising experience across all areas of development

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erich@dreamsonhorseback.org