Development Manager

Bonsai Leadership Group is excited to support Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project in its search for its first Development Manager.   

ABOUT NUESTRA TIERRA CONSERVATION PROJECT​​​​ 

Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project proudly stands at the forefront of the conservation and equity movement. With a deep commitment to our mission and a history of impactful initiatives, they lead the charge in creating a resilient and more inclusive conservation community. Nuestra 

Tierra ensures that historically and deliberately excluded communities have access to the outdoors and that our history, values, and people are authentically reflected in public land and water management decisions. Nuestra Tierra accomplishes this mission through education, advocacy, and empowerment at the local, state, and national levels. 

Though Nuestra Tierra is still relatively young, they have spearheaded a number of successful state and national campaigns. The work remains place-based, with firm roots in the southern New Mexico borderlands. Today, Nuestra Tierra continues to push the envelope on what conservation looks like in the 21st century. 

At Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project, you will find a passionate team committed to making a difference in the community and the world. Nuestra Tierra offers a supportive and collaborative environment where your work will directly contribute to advancing environmental conservation and justice. This is an opportunity to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact. 

Learn more about Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project at: https://www.nuestra-tierra.org.  

THE OPPORTUNITY 

As a growth-minded fundraiser, the Development Manager will be crucial in partnering with the executive team to strategize, plan, and execute fundraising efforts that align with Nuestra Tierra’s vision and strategic plan. The Development Manager will help create and support ​a ​fundraising infrastructure to ensure the organization can secure philanthropic resources and respond quickly and effectively to short-term financial objectives. This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Operations Director.   

The Development Manager will have the following key ​​responsibilities: 

• Collaborate with the executive team to create and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to secure $2M in funding annually. 
• Conduct proactive research to identify new potential donors and funding opportunities aligning with organizational mission and goals. 
• Craft accurate and compelling grant proposals, reports, and donor communications that effectively convey impact of the work and the need for support. 
• Oversee the management of grant tracking, proposal calendars, and donor systems to ensure timely submissions and reporting. 
• Work closely with the Communications team to ensure fundraising messages are consistent, compelling, and aligned with our organization’s brand and mission. 
• Develop and manage an annual development calendar with relevant dates for solicitations, appeals, applications, renewals, and stewardship reporting.  
• Maintain and update the donor database with accuracy and privacy compliance, ensuring an organized and efficient tracking of all fundraising activities and donor interactions. 
• Prepare donor prospect profiles for ​​​​the Executive Director and others on the Executive Team to support successful donor meetings and engagements.  
• Collaborate with the Operations Director on the preparation of annual operating plans and long-term financial strategy to support strategic activities.  
• Proactively manage and make recommendations on restricted, unrestricted and board-designated funds to ensure timely and strategic expenditure and reporting. 
• Coordinate and manage regular internal development meetings to inform the organization’s priorities and development focus. 
• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with federal, state, and local laws, maintaining the highest standards of ethics and transparency. 

EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES  

The ideal candidate will possess many of the experiences and qualifications described below but need not possess them all for consideration: 

• Proven experience (minimum of 3 years) in fundraising/development roles, preferably within a nonprofit environment.  
• Demonstrated experience creating and executing development plans, including strategies for individual giving, major giving, institutional support, sponsorship, and events.  
• Exceptional written and verbal communicator who understands aligning donor passion with programs.  
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.  
• Familiarity with donor database management and ​​​​fundraising software. 
• Passion and commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and access within the organization and the environmental movement. 
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. 

TRAVEL 

10​​​​ – 15% of U.S.-based travel 

LOCATION  

Remote with a preference for Las Cruces, NM, or within the Southwest United States.  

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS  

The salary range for this position is ​​$70,000 – $80,000 annually, with an anticipated starting salary dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the hired candidate. In addition, Nuestra Tierra offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:  

• ​​​​​100% Employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance 
• 15 days Paid Time Off (PTO) and six days of sick leave
• 17 days Holiday Pay
• Family and Bereavement Leave