Director of Development

~ Six River's mission is to conserve, sustain and connect natural areas, lands and waters that make the places we live special. ~

We protect and steward diverse lands ranging from pristine natural areas within Genesee, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties to places in more developed areas closer to the cities of Flint, Pontiac and Detroit. To date, Six Rivers has protected 35 properties totaling over 2000 acres of land, including natural areas that are open for all to enjoy. 

Position Overview

Six Rivers Land Conservancy is seeking a committed, proven development professional to join an organization that preserves the natural, agricultural and recreational lands that sustain the quality of life in our region.

The Director of Development will lead the task of formalizing and institutionalizing a development program supporting operations and projects and enabling the organization to fulfill its mission and potential.

The Director of Development is responsible for all fund development activities to support organizational operations and growth. Six Rivers Land Conservancy is a local, community based organization that has been in operation for 25 years and that is seeking to significantly expand its capacity and impact. The current annual operating budget is $490,000, planned to increase to $750,000 over the next three years.

The Development Director will manage the private and public phases of a capacity building campaign to reach operating revenue targets, direct and execute operational and project related fundraising and ensure all communications support fundraising goals. Other responsibilities include representing the organization to the public and working with the Board of Directors and Committees.

• Reports To: Executive Director.
• Hours of Work: Full time. 9:00 - 5:00, Monday - Friday. Some evenings and weekends and travel will be required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage strategies designed to meet the organization's financial goals, over both short (one year) and mid (5-year) terms.
• Direct annual giving, including developing target materials for prospective donors and securing and retaining contributors.  
• Identify, cultivate and secure gifts from major donors and foundations, engaging Executive Director, board members, and others as appropriate.
• Research and cultivate grant-making opportunities, prepare and administer grants, and assist staff and trained volunteers in responding to foundation grant requests.
• Coordinate special events, including donor cultivation activities, donor appreciation events, and larger fundraising events.
• Ensure communications and marketing efforts support fundraising.
• Launch and oversee planned giving efforts.
• Serve as staff liaison to Development Committee, working directly with them and other staff and volunteers to design and manage the private and public phases of a capacity building campaign.
• Generate timely and accurate reports on fundraising progress.
• Oversee donor database, appeal production and distribution, gift acknowledgements and processing, newsletter production, and electronic and social media communications, working in coordination with Operations Manager who shares responsibility for execution in these areas.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with vendors as needed. 

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree and minimum 3 years fundraising experience.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising efforts and major gift development.
• Familiarity with all aspects of development, including major gifts, foundation giving, planned giving and annual campaigns.
• Non-profit experience or clear understanding of non-profit organizations.
• Experience with conservation or environmental organizations preferred.
• Experience working with boards, committees and/or volunteers.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize donor and organizational information for use in developing fundraising strategies.

Compensation: Development Director compensation will be commensurate with qualifications, experience and industry standards. Salary range: $52,000-$62,000 with health care benefits available.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your résumé, cover letter, and salary history by April 29, 2016 with Development Director in the subject line.