An Inside Look at Our Organization for Development Director Candidates

Discover our inspiring culture, flexible work, and mission to create jobs that end poverty. Apply now for the Development Director role!

Published on
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January 17, 2025
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Discover our inspiring culture, flexible work, and mission to create jobs that end poverty. Apply now for the Development Director role!
Contributors
Becky Straw
Co-Founder + CEO
Photographer         

Welcome to The Adventure Project

We believe in transparency and we respect your time. If you’re considering applying for this Development Director role, we want you to know exactly who we are, where we stand, and what you can expect. The industry average tenure for a Development Director is only 1.5 years, and we want to ensure this is the right fit for you—a place where you can thrive, grow, and feel deeply connected to our mission and team long-term.

**Alt Text:**   A group of six individuals standing in a field of tall crops, including two older women, a younger woman in a red top, an elderly man in a hat, a young man holding a smiling child, and a middle-aged woman in a blue dress.
Our Organization at a Glance

A Stable Pyramid

We’re not dependent on 1-2 millionaires to sustain our budget. Instead, we have nearly 1,000 supporters who give each year. Gifts range from $5 to $50,000, with over 200 gifts of $1,000 or more each year. Our average one-time online donation is about $200, and we have 400 monthly members contributing a combined $250,000 annually.

This diverse foundation of support keeps us agile, sustainable and committed to serving our community—from kids running lemonade stands to grants from the Dutch government.

A Lean Team with a Growth Mindset

We are a team of six that prioritizes deliberate strategies and calculated risks. We run lean not because we have to, but because we choose to hire exceptional people and invest in tools that make our work efficient and impactful.

A Team of Fundraisers

While this role will focus solely on development, fundraising is a shared commitment across our team:

  • Becky (CEO) and Michael (Chief Growth Officer) both carry fundraising targets and SMART goals.
  • Jody, our Co-Founder, is the ultimate thank-you-note champion—personally emailing each supporter within 24 hours and sending a handwritten note within the week.

Collaboration and shared ownership are key. We want someone who thrives in a team setting where wins are celebrated together.

Flexibility with Purpose

We embrace flexibility—but with focus. Deadlines and extreme ownership are central to our success, yet we also value adaptability. Many of us are balancing work with young kids, unexpected colds, and life’s curveballs. To prevent burnout, we prioritize annual and quarterly planning where we identify the most impactful “rocks” to focus on and drive meaningful results.

A woman wearing a brightly colored headscarf smiles warmly while standing in a lush green field under a clear blue sky.

Tools to Make You Successful

This year, we upgraded to:

  • Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud for improved donor management
  • ActiveCampaign for email marketing and supporter segmentation

While we don’t yet have wealth-screening software, it’s on our priority roadmap. Our systems are designed to give you the insights and tools you need to optimize your work.

Awards to Support Your Success

  • We have a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator
  • We won the LaunchHER award, which will provide $250K in pro bono marketing and PR support in 2025.

High Retention, Strong Relationships

We’re proud of our 57% overall retention rate (compared to a 43% nonprofit average) and our 89% retention rate for major supporters. With just 0.5% churn among monthly members, we work hard to show gratitude, demonstrate impact, and deepen relationships every day.

A Focused Approach

We tend to avoid expensive galas and cold grant proposals. Instead, we prioritize what works:

  • Digital Marketing
  • Personal connections
  • Heartfelt thank-you notes and transparent impact reporting

A smiling woman sits on a patterned couch with two young children beside her. A wooden table in front of them holds a bowl of chopped greens and fresh vegetables, with a colorful poster on the wall behind them.

Why is 30 Hours an Option? Flexibility Without Compromise

We recognize that many talented professionals seek meaningful work while balancing other life responsibilities—whether it’s raising kids, caring for aging parents, or pursuing personal passions. We care more about your expertise, drive, and results than a rigid schedule. If you apply, please let us know whether you're looking for a 30 or 40-hour work week.

Our Recruitment Process: Clear and Thoughtful

We know life as a Development Professional is busy (we’re right there with you!). Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Application Review: Rolling basis, with notifications sent promptly.
  2. Interviews Start in January: Two rounds with our team and one with our board. If schedules and geography align, we may request an in-person meeting.
  3. Written Assessment: A short assignment and a short case study to showcase your skills and experience.
  4. Timeline: We aim to have our new hire start in February. However, we’ll work with you to coordinate an onboarding timeline that fits your schedule.

A group of women standing together outdoors, smiling and raising their hands in celebration. They are dressed in vibrant, colorful clothing and gathered under the shade of trees, with lush greenery in the background.

Join Us

At The Adventure Project, we’re fueled by a vibrant community of givers, a commitment to transparency, and a focus on meaningful, measurable results. We value collaboration, flexibility, and impact—and we’re excited to find the right person to help us grow.

If this resonates with you, we can’t wait to hear from you!

Explore the full job description and apply now