Advancement Director

Position Summary:

The Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) seeks an organized, detail-oriented, creative full-time Advancement Director to support LRCT’s vital work of land conservation and stewardship in the 31-town Lakes Region of central New Hampshire.  The LRCT Advancement Director is responsible for the organization and implementation of LRCT’s development activities, including annual fundraising for operations, land and stewardship project campaigns, and planned giving and endowment-building efforts.  The Advancement Director is also responsible for coordination of LRCT external communications to ensure consistency and synergy of messaging and fundraising efforts.

The Advancement Director reports to the President, oversees the Membership and Database Coordinator, and works closely with other staff members, Board of Trustees members, and volunteers involved in fundraising and communications activities.

Principal Responsibilities:

1.    Fundraising:  Planning, coordination, and implementation of LRCT’s fundraising campaigns, including but not limited to (1) campaigns for operating funds, (2) land protection and stewardship project campaigns, and (3) endowment-building/capital campaigns and planned giving.  These activities involve assessing feasibility and setting campaign goals, identifying and evaluating potential donors and other funding sources, producing fund development materials, planning and executing fundraising events, and personal solicitation of donors.

2.    Donor Relationships:  Cultivation of and maintenance of relationships with donors, including developing strategies for donor identification and retention, planning activities and events, assisting Trustees and others in developing their relationships with donors and potential donors, and personal contact with donors, particularly current and prospective leadership-level donors.

3.    Development Team and Program Oversight:  Engagement and coordination of the activities of Trustees, Development Committee members, and other volunteers in LRCT’s fundraising and donor cultivation, including (a) coordination, training, and oversight of personnel involved in fundraising and donor cultivation activities; (b) with the Development Committee Chair, planning and coordinating Development Committee meetings and activities; (c) ensuring optimal use of LRCT’s donor database, including data entry procedures and data reporting and analysis; and (d) ensuring that LRCT’s donor communications and fund development records are compliant with IRS and other legal requirements and land trust accreditation standards.

4.    Grants:  Identification and pursuit of grant funding from foundations and government programs, including familiarity with grant opportunities, preparation of grant applications, and recordkeeping and reporting to grant-makers.

5.    Communications:  Coordination of LRCT external communications and public outreach activities (e.g., newsletters, annual reports, press releases, e-blasts, website, social media, public presentations) to ensure consistency and synergy of messaging and fundraising efforts to sustain and increase donor and community support for LRCT.

Qualifications and Skills:

Enthusiasm for and commitment to LRCT’s land conservation and stewardship mission.
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least three years of relevant professional experience and demonstrated ability in the field of non-profit fund development, including work with major donors and preparation of grant applications.
Demonstrated leadership and initiative to manage, inspire, and advise staff, Board members, and volunteers assisting with development activities.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal, listening, and relationship-building skills.
Excellent organizational abilities, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Competency in Microsoft Office.
Competency in DonorPerfect, or demonstrated ability to attain such competency, to ensure effective use, analysis, and reporting of donor data.
Demonstrated work ethic, energy, creativity, initiative, and ability to work as part of a team.
Availability to work occasional weekend and evening hours and access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s license for work-related travel within the Lakes Region (with mileage reimbursed at the IRS rate).
While not required, familiarity with the Lakes Region and its geography and demographics is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits: The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $75,000 depending upon the individual’s qualifications and experience.  This position has a competitive benefits package, including contribution to health insurance coverage, match for contributions to SIMPLE IRA, short-term disability insurance, and paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.