Development Director

About Western Landowners Alliance (WLA): Founded in 2012 by landowners and managers, the organization aims to increase the wellbeing of working lands in the American West and the living communities, including human and wildlife, that depend on them. 

Position Overview: Western Landowners Alliance is seeking a dynamic and experienced Development Director to design and implement a comprehensive development plan to support our mission and programs. The Development Director will be a key member of the leadership team responsible for developing and executing an overall fundraising strategy that engages individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, government grants, and events.

Amount of Time & Status: 40 hours a week, exempt, Monday-Friday

Location: This position is remote with residency required in the American West. Periodic travel will be required. 

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer 

Direct report(s): Major Gifts Officer, Partnerships Manager, Membership and Outreach Coordinator

Compensation: $85,000 – $115,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. Western Landowners Alliance offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, parental and medical leave, 403b retirement savings account with a discretionary match, life insurance, short-term disability benefits, and an employee assistance program

Duties/Responsibilities Include: 

• Develop, implement, and lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy for individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government grants in partnership with executive leadership
• Solicitation and execution of major gifts portfolio in partnership with Major Gifts Officer
• Solicitation and execution of planned giving development strategy
• Establishing and directing specialized fundraising campaigns
• In partnership with the team, develop fundraising strategies that align with WLA’s mission and values
• Manage development budget and maintain responsibility for achieving fundraising goals
• Serve as primary development resource within the organization. Work in conjunction with the CEO and provide support, training, and guidance to the board in their donor stewardship efforts, as needed
• Oversee all database activities, monitoring for accuracy and analyzing data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed
• Oversee all donor communications, acknowledgement processes, and recognition
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop and execute effective donor and marketing materials
• Monitor and analyze fundraising data and analyze revenue streams to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed
• Manage partnerships manager, membership and outreach coordinator, and major gifts officer, providing guidance, training and support as needed. Work closely to set annual goals, and expectations, monitor performance, and provide feedback to ensure fundraising goals are met
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience with non-profit development efforts
• Demonstrated experience with customer relationship management software required.
• Knowledge about agriculture and conservation in the American West, strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to develop positive relationships and effectively communicate organizational activities both internally and externally
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and trends
• Prior experience with donor identification and wealth screening software preferred
• Demonstrated successful with development event planning and implementation
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; detail oriented, strong independent work ethic; and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment
• Creative and positive approach to communication and problem solving
• Willingness and ability to maintain confidential information and work with diverse populations
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Working Environment/Physical Activities: Work environment is an office and field setting. Physical activities include sitting at a desk and working on a keyboard and computer several hours a day; conducting business over the telephone and via email; standing and walking for long periods of time for field visits; traveling long distances by vehicle (including traveling on unpaved roads). Must be able to work in a variety of environments, including outdoor activities in a variety of weather conditions. This position may also require moving materials up to 25 pounds.

Target start date: Immediately