Director of Development

~ Founded in 1993, Potomac Conservancy is a vibrant and growing environmental organization. We are the region's leading clean water advocate, advancing an agenda to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and connected communities. ~

Potomac Conservancy is a fast-growing organization with a budget of $1.8 million and a staff of ten. Its central offices are located in Silver Spring, Maryland, and are Metro-accessible. The benefit of this position will be the satisfaction of helping donors fulfill their passions and interests through giving to Potomac Conservancy.

You will be joining a fun and entrepreneurial team of dedicated staff members who seek to improve the water quality of the Potomac and its tributaries by motivating and activating an impassioned base of local river advocates. Join us and make a difference in your community! 

Position Overview

The Conservancy is seeking a Director of Development to lead a comprehensive fundraising program, with a focus on major individual donors. Candidates should have a demonstrated track record of personally soliciting and closing five-figure gifts; possess the creativity needed to help grow total revenue in difficult economic and changing philanthropic climates; and experience in planning and executing annual and/or campaign fundraising strategies and tactics.

This position offers considerable room for professional development as the Conservancy is considering embarking on a major fundraising campaign.

The successful candidate will focus primarily on building and expanding the Conservancy's base of mid-level and major donors. Special emphasis will be placed on creating strategies for the ongoing identification and cultivation of new prospects and donors.

The Director of Development will report to the President and also work closely with other development and program staff and the members of the Board, including the Development Committee. Strong volunteer management experience is preferred.

Location, Schedule, and Travel

Potomac Conservancy is headquartered in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, with a field office in Winchester, Virginia. This position will be based in Silver Spring and reports to the President. The position requires weekly travel within the region.

Responsibilities

Major duties:

• Manage a portfolio of 100-125 current and potential major donors with a focus on retention and upgrading those donors; this includes 12-20 in-person meetings a month
• Engage Board members and other volunteer leaders in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major gift prospects and stewarding major donors
• Develop, implement, and evaluate annual giving and multi-year fundraising strategies, in consultation with the President and Board Development Committee, for each person in the donor portfolio
• Supervise 2 staff members responsible for government and foundation grants
• Manage and coordinate Conservancy staff, consultants, volunteers, and board members to meet fundraising goals
• Prepare solicitation materials, gift agreements, and presentation materials 
• Make presentations and accompany and support the Executive Director and/or volunteers at donor and prospect meetings

Qualifications

• At least five years of progressively responsible major gift experience encompassing work in all relevant areas such as prospect research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gifts, and reporting
• Demonstrated track record securing mid five-figure gifts from individual donors
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• High energy level and drive for results
• Strong writing skills
• Strong knowledge of the Washington DC philanthropic market
• Capital campaign experience a plus
• Passion for Potomac Conservancy's mission

Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time, hourly position (40 hours per week) with an annual compensation of $80,000 - $90,000. In addition to staff outings, benefits include medical and dental coverage, 18 days paid time off and 10 holidays per year, working with bright, fun coworkers, and interacting with an engaged Board of Directors.

To Apply

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter, salary history, and resume.
• Apply as soon as possible! 

~ Potomac Conservancy is an equal-opportunity employer ~