Director of Development

~ The mission of New Jersey Conservation Foundation is to preserve  New Jersey’s land and natural resources for the benefit of all. ~

We protect threatened natural areas and farmland through land acquisition and stewardship, promote strong New Jersey land use policies and forge partnerships to help safeguard water and other natural resources.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation was formed in 1960 as the Great Swamp Committee. Within a few years, a small group of citizens successfully fought a plan by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to build the region’s fourth major airport in the middle of the ecologically-critical Great Swamp near Morristown.

This fight led to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge —New Jersey’s first National Wildlife Refuge, and the first federally-designated wilderness east of the Mississippi.

Position Overview 

The Director of Development serves as a member of the Senior Management Team, working closely with and reporting to the Executive Director and a highly engaged Board of Trustees to increase support for our organization and its mission. The Director of Development is an experienced professional with a track record of demonstrated success in raising money and leading development team members.  

The Director of Development manages and oversees all aspects of development including but not limited to major giving, annual fund and membership, fundraising events, capital campaigns, planned giving and corporate and foundation giving.

The Director of Development will be an important internal and external voice in promoting conservation philanthropy. The position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced fundraiser who feels a deep commitment to land conservation.

Responsibilities

• Plan, direct and implement a comprehensive development program that incorporates the full spectrum of fundraising approaches – major gifts, fundraising events, membership, planned giving, and corporate and foundation support.
• Expand and strengthen our membership base, with emphasis on long term retention. 
• Oversee the success of all fundraising and major donor cultivation events such as: Field & Fashion Gala, President’s Reception, major donor van tours and cocktail parties
• Assist the Executive Director, senior staff and trustees with developing a portfolio of major donor prospects and support fundraising efforts with strategy sessions, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and closing assistance.
• Manage a personal portfolio of major donor prospects.
• Lead, inspire and coach three development professionals and coordinate closely with two communications professionals.
• Supervise the full documentation of gifts, bequests and donor contacts; oversee gift tracking and information systems.  Ensure ethical and appropriate administration of contributed income, including compliance with all gift and grant requirements.
• Implement a proactive planned giving program and increase support through planned gifts.
• Assist with board development through fundraising information and training sessions, and assessment of board strengths and needs. 
• Draft and edit fundraising correspondence, acknowledgments, proposals, presentations and other communications materials.
• Effectively and visibly communicate mission, programs and funding needs to donors, philanthropic opinion leaders, prospects and the community at large.
• Strengthen organizational relationships with donors, partner groups, foundations, corporations, public agencies, and the community at large.
• Ensure a collaborative relationship with staff members outside the development team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• A strong personal commitment to land conservation and the mission of New Jersey Conservation Foundation.
• A bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of successful experience in fundraising or related professional field.  
• A track record of success in nonprofit fundraising and broad experience with individual donors, major gifts, planned gifts, institutional giving, membership, annual fund programs, capital campaigns and fundraising events.
• Excellent presentation skills and the ability to convey the mission persuasively.
• Experience serving as a contributing member of an organization’s senior management team, and proven success working collaboratively and in harmony with other staff members.
• Creative and strategic thinking skills, with demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate fundraising projects.
• Experience with and knowledge of client relationship management software such as Salsa, SalesForce or Raiser’s Edge.
• Proven ability to work effectively with board members.
• Strong supervision, organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, 401k plan, and generous vacation and leave policies. Offices are in a historic house and garden setting within Morris County Parks system. .

To Apply

• Qualified candidates should click "Apply" below to email a cover letter and resume.
• For additional information about this position and working for us, please visit the careers section on our our website.  

New Jersey Conservation Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.  We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply.