Overview

Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that leads and inspires the climbing community toward sustainable access and conservation of the climbing environment. Access Fund represents more than 8 million climbers nationwide in its work to protect and conserve the land, fight for sustainable access, and build a community of inspired advocates.

Access Fund is looking for an individual who is passionate about fundraising, the outdoor industry, and our mission to protect America’s climbing. The Strategic Partnerships Manager raises funds to support Access Fund’s mission by establishing, nurturing, and deepening relationships with brands, businesses, and indoor climbing gyms across the country. They also promote and increase Access Fund’s brand awareness by engaging with partners and Local Climbing Organizations. We are looking for someone who is passionate about building partnerships and engaging the community. The person in this position also helps represent Access Fund at community and industry events like trade shows and climbing festivals.

The Strategic Partnerships Manager reports to the Director of Philanthropy and works in close partnership with colleagues across the organization. 

Access Fund maintains its national headquarters in Louisville, Colorado. This position is eligible for remote or hybrid work arrangements; however, a preference will be given to candidates within close proximity to a major market (Denver, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; Salt Lake City, Utah; Chattanooga, Tennessee).

Job Responsibilities

Fundraising (60%)

  • Maintain a portfolio of 10-15 individual donors.

  • Maintain a portfolio of 40+ partners (including corporate partners, industry associations, and climbing gyms).

  • Develop and pitch partnership proposals, with both current and prospective partners to meet annual revenue goals.

  • Ensure Access Fund and partners are delivering on partner benefits, including logo usage, representation in marketing materials, community engagement, and more.

  • Identify and cultivate potential new partners and co-venture opportunities to grow revenue and Access Fund’s brand recognition.

  • Manage Access Fund’s employee pro-purchase program.

  • Plan, request, document, and coordinate delivery of donated in-kind goods from corporate partners. Collaborate with staff across the organization to plan in-kind needs for stewardship, marketing, communications, and fundraising efforts.

Events & Community Engagement (30%)

  • Partner with the Director of Philanthropy to support planning of 2-3 events annually, which could include an annual gala, Banff Film Festival, donor climb days, and in-person happy hours.

  • Identify and attend 2-3 events to connect with partners (ex. GoPro Mountain Games, Big Gear Show, Climbing Festivals, Climbing Wall Association Summit).

  • Identify and plan events with existing corporate partners (ex. gym events, in-store movie nights, etc.).

  • Work closely with the programs and regional staff team to identify partner and donor engagement opportunities, such as volunteer days and donor events.

  • Work with the National Affiliate Director to provide resources and training to Local Climbing Organizations to increase LCO and Access Fund presence at community events.

  • Act as a representative of Access Fund in your local community and build a relationship with your region’s LCO(s).

Philanthropic Planning, Tracking, and Analysis (10%)

  • Develop annual revenue and engagement plan, in partnership with the Director of Philanthropy and fundraising team. 

  • Prepare quarterly reports on fundraising initiatives and revenue targets.

  • Initiate, execute, and document proposals, contracts, invoices, and reports on partner commitments; ensure corporate and member gym data is accurately and regularly maintained in the fundraising database.

  • Keep Access Fund staff educated and engaged on the latest developments within the climbing and outdoor industry.

Skills and Experiences We’re Looking For

Your experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, which helps build the competencies, knowledge, and skills that translate directly to our openings. Not meeting all the requirements but still feel like you’d be a great fit? Applying gives you the opportunity to be considered. Tell us how you can contribute to our team in a cover letter.

  • 3-5 years of fundraising experience or outdoor industry sales experience and a proven track record of successfully soliciting gifts of $5,000 and above.

  • Project management experience, excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through. Takes initiative and action, getting work done thoroughly. 

  • Strong customer service ethic and willingness to go above and beyond to help stakeholders.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Ability to work a consistent 40-hour week, with the flexibility to travel and work nights/weekends for industry events. 

  • Be comfortable meeting new people, connecting with others, and speaking to groups about Access Fund’s mission and accomplishments.

  • Demonstrated proficiency with technology, specifically a CRM database. Salesforce experience is a plus.

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with a geographically distributed team.

  • Familiarity with nonprofit organizations and fundraising tasks.

  • Passion for and understanding of, or willingness to learn, JEDI principles as applied to the work of nonprofit and community organizations. 

  • Understanding and interest in technical rock climbing and the work of protecting America’s outdoor climbing areas. 

  • Satisfactory completion of a background check.

Essential Job Functions

  • Majority of work will be performed working at a computer.

  • Travel by air and vehicle approximately 5-6 times a year for trade shows, activations, staff retreats, and partner meetings.

  • Attend events for 4+ hours at a time.

  • Moving and loading boxes weighing up to 30 pounds. 

  • Loading event tables in and out of Access Fund vehicles. 

  • Pitching and sandbagging a 10’x10’ pop-up tent.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary: $60,000 - $70,000/year DOE

  • Full-Time, Exempt position

  • Benefits

    • Generous time off, including paid holidays, 3 weeks of vacation (accrual increases throughout staff’s tenure), sick time, and flex time for nights and weekends worked.

    • Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, as well as 403(b) retirement participation with a 3% match after one year of employment.

    • Flexible schedules are available to our employees.

    • Access to industry pro deals.

    • Climbing gym discounts, depending on location.

    • Relocation reimbursement is not available.

To Apply: To view the job posting in its entirety, please go to accessfund.org/careers. Please send a resume and cover letter (PDF format) describing your professional and personal experience with “Strategic Partnerships Manager” in the subject line to employment@accessfund.org no later than Friday, February 14th.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled at any time. No phone calls, please.

Access Fund is an equal opportunity employer and provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. We seek to attract a skilled workforce that reflects the diverse demographics of current and future outdoor enthusiasts. At Access Fund, we pride ourselves on the health and happiness of our staff. Together, we are building an organization and an industry where great ideas, born from a diversity of experiences, thrive.