Director of Development

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Development (DOD) will assist in building and maintaining a fundraising and communications program for the Open Land Trust (OLT). Responsibilities include creating and maintaining strong donor programs including direct mail, monthly giving, planned giving, and events. The DOD will be responsible for overseeing the growth and success of the membership base overall. The DOD will also design and direct donor and prospect communications to amplify a strong culture of appreciation and increase donor and community engagement across the organization’s seven county service area.

REPORTING AND COLLABORATION

Reports to and works closely with the Executive Director. Collaborates regularly with staff, board members, committee members, vendors, community stakeholders and conservation partners. 

JOB DESCRIPTION & ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Donor Cultivation, Engagement and Stewardship

• Develop a comprehensive development plan to retain current donors and attract new supporters. Work with the Executive Director to ensure the fundraising activities and calendar are strategically aligned with events and organization-wide communications.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive stewardship plan to increase engagement and donor retention.
• Manage donor communication through direct and electronic mailings. Track comments, questions, and suggestions from individuals;
• Identify ways to connect with people based on shared values.
• Assist with preparation and delivery of appeals (currently two per year), including hard-copy and online appeals, related follow-up, customized thank you notes, letters, etc. and oversee donor and prospect segmentations. Work with Executive Director to develop and implement personalized, customized, donor approaches for monthly, major, planned giving, long-term donor relationships, etc.
• Oversee the development of direct mail which may include an annual report, newsletters, other project/donor and community update mailings throughout the year. Draft content with donor-centered, reader-centered writing designed to inspire community support. Prepare fliers and enclosures as needed.
• Work collaboratively with staff, board, and others to develop and share impact stories of OLT projects and successes.
• Meet regularly with the Executive Director to ensure the fundraising and communications program is meeting its goals and supporting OLT’s greatest needs. Communicate issues, challenges, and successes outside of regular meetings as appropriate. Support the Executive Director’s donor relations work.
• Develop a social media and eNewsletter strategy. Support content creation and posting pursuant to the plans. Work with staff to draft press releases to convey the Land Trust’s values, approach, success, and community engagement, working to elevate local voices when possible.
• Ensure accurate and timely updates of the OLT website including drafting of content and posting of related images. Serve as liaison to web support contractor. Oversee website updates with contractors as needed.
• Identify and draft compelling stories about OLT’s land conservation and community engagement efforts, including community benefits of land protection, landowner stories, volunteer inspiration, and donor and community engagement.
• Assist with special fundraising campaigns as needed and requested. Work with designers and consultants as needed, to expand OLT’s reach and impact.
• Assist the Executive Director as needed.
• Maintain, and update systems as needed, including a cataloged digital library of photographs.
• Provide support to Land Trust Alliance accreditation process as needed and requested. (Occurs once every 5-years.)

Database Management

• Work with office administrator to ensure data is entered correctly for targeted list segmentation and personalized communication with individual members. Enter information as needed.
• Track progress and monitor results of all fundraising activity, adapt as needed, and produce reports of results.
• Provide effective and efficient database support to the Executive Director; create goal tracking and gift income analysis reports utilizing the database (Little Greenlight) for program purposes and to meet the needs of the organization.

POSITION SPECIFICIATIONS

• Three+ years of successful, nonprofit, communications and/or development experience.
• Proficient with technology for marketing and social media is essential.
• Ability to solve problems, work independently and as a part of a team;
• Ability to manage budgets and timelines is important.
• Comfortable making direct fundraising asks.
• Proficiency and accuracy in database work including data entry, queries, segmenting, reporting, etc. – experience working in Little Green Light or similar Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is highly desirable.
• Proficiency and experience with digital tools such as MailChimp/Constant Contact, needed. Familiarity with Canva or similar design software desired.
• Excellent project management skills: ability to organize, determine priorities, and follow through promptly; ability to work independently and manage multiple projects and priorities to meet timelines and deadlines.
• Exemplary oral and written communication and story-telling skills; ability to convey the work and needs of the land trust to a variety of people in a compelling manner.
• Professional and engaging customer service on the phone, in electronic communications, and in person; ease in initiating contacts with other individuals and groups.
• High level of discretion and ethical approach to all aspects of the work;
• Passion for OLT’s mission, work, and approach.
• A commitment to excellent service to our many constituent groups; demonstrated learner and willingness to implement new systems and approaches.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee assigned to this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All staff members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time or as needed.