Director of Development

Director of Development

Steep Rock Association (SRA) seeks a dynamic, experienced, and strategic leader who will lead our philanthropic efforts as Director of Development. The Director will design and implement a high-performing, broad-based, team-focused, fundraising strategy. The ideal candidate is a proven fundraising leader with a strong track record of increasing revenue, designing and executing successful campaigns, diversifying revenue streams, cultivating donor relationships, and meeting ambitious goals. The Director will be able to engage effectively with a diverse community of conservation supporters. The position reports to the Executive Director and supervises the Development Officer position.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Cultivate and steward relationships with Board members, Development Committee members, and individual donors
• Advance cultures of appreciation and philanthropy by engaging, supporting, and motivating staff, board and committee members, and volunteers in development efforts.
• Supervise the Development Officer, providing strategic direction, coaching, and mentoring.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure donors receive timely, accurate, and meaningful information about the organization’s work and impact.
• Create the messaging for and oversee production of fundraising-related marketing and donor communications materials across campaigns and initiatives.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve annual and long-range revenue goals across all campaigns.
• Participate in budget processes to ensure projected expenses are consistent with fundraising goals and expectations.
• Represent Steep Rock Association in donor meetings, major events, and networking opportunities to enhance visibility and strengthen philanthropic relationships.
• Utilize data to evaluate fundraising successes and prioritize projects.

 Major Gifts

• Design and execute approaches to qualify, cultivate, and steward a strong pipeline of new major supporters.
• Deepen relationships with existing donors through direct outreach, relationship-building, and ongoing stewardship.
• Advance the legacy society program to cultivate long-term donor relationships and secure significant future support through estate gifts and planned giving.

 Board/Committee

• Serve as liaison to the Development Committee and its Working Groups by attending meetings, creating donor and fundraising reports, maintaining communications, and preparing minutes.
• Participate in other Board Committee meetings and actions, as appropriate.
• Produce appropriate reports for Board Meetings and as otherwise needed.

 Events

• Lead development-related special events in collaboration with staff, Board, and Committee members, assuming responsibility for planning, logistics, and execution.
• Generate prospecting lists for events through donor networks, new resident information, CRM, and donor research databases.

 General

• Other duties as assigned.

 Candidate Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in fundraising; nonprofit experience preferred.
• Degree in marketing, communications, management, business administration, environmental studies, social sciences, or related field
• Record of success with annual appeals, operating budgets, and major gift donations
• Event planning or project management experience
• Experience working with social media, graphic design, digital marketing, etc.
• Natural passion and aptitude for reaching out to new people, strengthening relationships, seeing the positive in everyone, and serving as an inspiring ambassador for Steep Rock.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage meaningfully with different personality types.
• Self-starter with excellent organizational skills, including ability to juggle simultaneous projects and prioritize responsibilities.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and remotely as dictated by donor schedules.
• Experience working collaboratively with volunteers, donors, staff, nonprofit Boards, community groups, etc.
• Comfortable using donor CRM systems (such as Bloomerang, DonorSearch, etc.) to track, analyze, and advance fundraising and stewardship efforts.
• Certified Fundraising Professional or similar certification (preferred)

Organizational Description:

Founded in 1925, Steep Rock Association, Inc. is a nationally accredited, community-based, nonprofit land trust committed to conserving ecologically and historically significant landscapes in and around Washington, CT, and to enhance the community’s connection to nature through outreach, education, and passive recreation.

Hours & Compensation

This is a full-time, benefited position. Salary range is $90,000-$120,000 negotiable based on demonstrated competency and successful experience. Upon eligibility, SRA benefits include 100% employer-covered health care with employee-paid dental and vision options, Simple or Roth-Deferred IRA retirement plan with a 3% match, 18 days paid time off per year with one additional day per year of service, and potential for some remote work. Schedule is flexible but will include some weekends and evenings.

Ready to Be Part of our Team?

Ready to make a difference engaging our community in environmental conservation? SRA offers a collaborative, team-oriented work environment in which a cooperative spirit and ability to work with staff, trustees, and volunteers are highly valued. To apply, email cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to info@steeprockassoc.org with “Director of Development” in the subject line. Position available immediately and open until filled.

Working with Steep Rock Association
Steep Rock Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer that acts in accordance with laws applicable to employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

To apply, email cover letter, resume, and contact information for 3 references to info@steeprockassoc.org with “Director of Development” in the subject line. Position available immediately and open until filled.