Director of Development

~ Since 1991, the Minnesota Land Trust has been working hand-in-hand with landowners and local communities to protect Minnesota's increasingly threatened lands and waters. ~

We focus our efforts on critical landscapes across the state, protecting undeveloped shoreline, shallow lakes, undisturbed forest, prairies and other important areas. Land adjacent to already protected land (such as state parks, national forests, and Wildlife Management Areas) are prioritized, thus creating effective "complexes" of land that benefits wildlife and improves water quality. 

Position Overview

As a key member of the leadership team, the Director of Development is responsible for designing and implementing vigorous and comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure the resources needed to support the organization's annual operating budget and long-term financial goals. This includes responsibility for membership growth, major individual gifts, corporate and foundation support, and planned giving.

The Director of Development, with the assistance of the Administrative Associate, will work closely with the Executive Director, the Director of Communications, the Board of Directors and other staff on donor cultivation and solicitation, a major component of the position. The Director of Development is also responsible for managing donor information, including the Land Trust's donor data base. 

Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement overall fundraising strategies to generate the financial resources needed to support the Minnesota Land Trust's short- and long-term goals. Provide leadership and vision for overall development program.
• Oversee annual giving program, including membership development, and individual giving, corporate support and foundation cultivation.
• Develop and implement planned giving program.
• Identify, cultivate and solicit gifts from major individual, corporate and foundation prospects utilizing in-person presentations, donor tours and events, written proposals and effective follow-up.
• In coordination with the Director of Communications, drive strategy and results for Minnesota Land Trust events including our major annual fundraising events.
• Develop and manage Board of Directors' fundraising capacity. Support the development committee of the Board of Directors.
• Direct donor research, write and edit proposals, and oversee departmental administrative tasks, including donor tracking and monitoring systems. Maintain donor files, including
• records of meetings and significant phone conversations in donor database.
• Participate in ongoing personal professional development through training, trade organizations and other opportunities.
• In coordination with the Director of Communications, provide supervision to Administrative Associate, a position with shared responsibilities for Development, Communications and office administration. 

Qualifications 

Entrance Requirements: 

• A bachelor's degree and at least 5 years of experience in successful and demonstrated revenue development in either a fundraising or professional sales environment, or a similar combination of education and experience.
• Excellent demonstrated planning, management and fundraising skills and success in developing and implementing a comprehensive development program. 
• Thorough understanding and ability to maximize all components of a diversified funding base.
• Exceptional communication skills, including a demonstrated ability to write persuasively.
• Ability to work with a wide variety of individuals, including staff, donors, trustees, corporate and foundation leaders and volunteers.
• Well organized, self-directed and goal-driven, with a high degree of initiative and personal commitment to the mission of the Minnesota Land Trust. Excellent follow-through and attention to detail.
• Excellent computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel throughout Minnesota and to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Understanding of and passion for land conservation and related field. 

To Apply  

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email you resume and a cover letter. Be sure to indicate "Director of Development."