Director of Development

About Mohonk Preserve:

Located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. Our mission is to protect the Northern Shawangunk ridge and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. We manage over 8,000 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields, and streams and welcome over 300,000 members and visitors each year who come to hike, run, rock climb, boulder, bike, cross-country ski, snowshoe and enjoy and experience nature.

Based in a vibrant university community, Mohonk Preserve, “Home of the Gunks,” offers a great working environment in one of New York’s greenest counties, with all-season recreation, access to Preserve lands, a dynamic, committed team of conservation professionals and long legacy of conducting ecological research and environmental education. The Preserve is also the home of one of America’s premier rock-climbing destinations.

Position Overview:

The Director of Development is responsible for leading a multi-faceted fundraising and membership program that raises over $3 million annually in support of a total organizational budget of $5 million. Working closely and strategically with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, Development Committee, and members of the Development Department, they plan and implement annual and long-range fundraising strategies and oversee all philanthropic and government support for the Preserve.

They serve as the Development department team leader and are a key member of the senior Leadership Team, working in a collegial and integrated manner with all departments. The work of the Development department includes major gifts, special events, grants, membership, government relations, planned giving, and volunteers.

The Director of Development reports to the President & CEO.

Essential Job Functions:

• Partner with the President & CEO, Development Committee and Board of Directors to establish a long-term development plan/strategy that meets the needs of the organization’s Strategic Plan.
• Develop a strategic annual fundraising plan aimed at achieving annual budget goals while advancing long-term growth and sustainability.
• Lead individual donor program. Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward current, long-standing, and prospective individual donors, including major donors and the Board of Directors.
• Oversee the management of the staff solicitation team and their individual portfolios (50-150 donors per solicitation team member).
• Lead an experienced high-performing Development team totaling eight full and part time staff, fostering teamwork and a collaborative spirit while achieving annual Development goals.
• Oversee Membership programs to ensure success, including achievement of annual budget goals and meaningful engagement with members with an eye towards renewal/retention, donations and planned giving.
• Provide regular, consistent, meaningful support to Membership team to encourage big picture, strategic thinking.
• Ensure strong administrative and technological infrastructure.
• Working with the Associate Director of Development and Grants and the Senior Manager for Government and Funder Relations, identify strategies and actions to maintain and expand the Preserve’s base of foundation and government funders.
• Ensure the strongest possible return on investment from events and volunteer programs by facilitating/leading follow-up opportunities with attendees to further philanthropic support.
• With President & CEO and Nominating & Governance Committee, identify potential Board and Committee members.

Desired Skills and Experience:

At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

• Minimum of seven years’ experience as a successful non-profit fundraiser, with a solid track record of closing high-level individual solicitations, overseeing large-scale and small cultivation events, managing a high-functioning team, and leading a comprehensive fundraising program.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success in developing, planning and implementing large-scale fundraising strategies, such as major donor cultivation, major gift solicitation and planned giving.
• Applied understanding of basic fundraising principles and development best practices including fundraising compliance requirements and regulations.
• People person with passion for communicating and interacting with various stakeholders from different backgrounds and perspectives.
• Strong team management and supervisory experience which includes building and retaining engaged and cohesive teams that include staff and volunteers, and skilled in providing regular and consistent support, clear objectives, expectations, motivation and feedback.
• Advanced computer skills required, including experience with Salesforce or similar CRM databases; Microsoft Office 365; remote work platforms (Teams, Zoom)
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to ensure that all people are respected and welcomed at the Mohonk Preserve. This includes participating in ongoing education and other work the organization undertakes to develop and incorporate these principles.
• Willingness to work occasional irregular hours, including some weekends, evenings, and/or holidays, including participation in Preserve and community
• Valid driver’s license; clean driving record; ability to pass background check.

Physical Demands:

• Minimal to light physical effort is required in performing duties in an office environment. This position requires the ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Occasionally work outdoors with the ability to be on-land and spend time outside.
• May require sitting, standing, walking, hiking, climbing stairs, stooping, bending, carrying equipment.
• Events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a permanent, full-time position with a full benefits package including health insurance (generous employer contribution toward premium for individual; 50% for family), retirement plan, generous vacation, sick and other paid time off.

• Salary: $110k – $115k per year based on experience
• Mohonk Preserve membership for the duration of the position
• Access to lands and activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort

Eligibility for certain benefits is dependent upon a variety of factors including length of employment.

Location:

Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. This position requires a minimum of three days in the office. Remote work options are available coordinated with the supervisor. While daily schedules are flexible, general working hours are weekdays 9am-5pm. Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

The anticipated start date of this position is mid-late June 2024. No phone calls please.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. Successful candidates will be equity-minded and committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). Mohonk Preserve encourages applications from women, minorities and/or other underrepresented groups.

This job announcement is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.