Development Director (Full-time, Remote)
Job Title: Development Manager
Location: Remote (U.S.-based)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer
Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt
About the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health
The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health (JRF) is dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. We fund groundbreaking research, provide patient and family support, promote life-saving education, and empower communities with the knowledge and resources. Inspired by the legacy of John Ritter, we are a small but mighty team driven by heart, science, and impact.
Position Summary
The Development Manager will play a key role in building and managing fundraising strategies to support and grow the Foundation’s mission. This position is ideal for someone who is a relationship-builder, highly organized, and excited to contribute to a fast-moving nonprofit environment. The Development Manager will oversee individual giving campaigns, donor stewardship, event fundraising (including Team Ritter endurance events), and development operations.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Donor Management (40%)
- Develop and execute fundraising plans to meet annual revenue goals
- Cultivate and steward individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners
- Manage donor database (AffnetZ or other), ensuring accurate records and tracking donor communications
- Create donor communications including appeals, thank-you letters, and impact updates
- Lead on portfolio of donors up to $5,000
Annual Fund/Aortic Dissection Awareness Week Campaign Strategy & Execution (20%)
- Lead strategy for Annual Fund “Aorta Angel” campaign
- Assist in strategy for ADAW
- Create (with marketing team) email and mailing campaign
- Execute strategy to raise at least $65,000 during annual fund end-of-year campaign
Grants & Institutional Support (10%)
- Assist in researching and drafting proposals and reports for foundation and corporate grants
- Track deadlines, outcomes, and submission schedules
Events & Stewardship (30%)
- Support the planning and execution of JRF’s annual gala, donor cultivation events, and community gatherings
- Assist on fundraising and planning for Team Ritter Endurance events like NYC Marathon and Ritter Rally
- Lead staff partner for third party donor events nationwide
- Develop strategies to recognize and retain donors across all giving levels
- Track and analyze fundraising metrics and suggest improvements
Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit development or fundraising roles preferred
- College degree preferred
- Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and interpersonal
- Experience with donor databases preferred
- Comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines independently- must be highly self-motivated
- Passion for JRF’s mission
- Event experience and/or peer-to-peer fundraising experience preferred
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: $60,000
- Generous PTO and flexible remote work
- 403b plan with 3% match
- Currently not offering health & disability benefits
- Opportunity to travel for events (1–4 times/year)
- Join a mission-driven, collaborative, and compassionate team making a national impact
To Apply
Please send your resume and a short cover letter to Meredith.oneal@johnritterfoundation.org with the subject line “Development Manager Application – [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
The John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences to apply.