The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) protects more than 33,000 acres of the region’s undeveloped lakeshores, rugged gorges, rolling forests, and scenic farmlands. The Land Trust owns and manages a network of nature preserves that are open to the public and holds conservation easements on properties that remain in private ownership.

The FLLT  focuses on protecting critical habitat for fish and wildlife, conserving lands that are important for water quality, connecting existing conservation lands, and keeping prime farmland in agriculture. The organization also provides programs to educate local governments, landowners, and local residents about conservation and the region’s unique natural resources.

The FLLT has 20 dedicated staff members and more than 200 active volunteers.

Position Summary

The Development Specialist will serve as a member of the FLLT Development and Communications team to engage individual, corporate, and foundation donors to significantly increase the financial support of the organization. The Development Specialist reports to the Director of Development and Communications.

The role is responsible for sustaining and improving FLLT fundraising practices including, donor research and cultivation, special events planning, and supporting annual appeal and membership mailing. This role will provide high-level development support to the Director of Development and Communications and President to advance fundraising goals with an emphasis on mid-level and major donor fundraising.

The ideal candidate should be collaborative, creative, resilient, adaptable, and confident in creating meaningful connections with colleagues, members, and donors supporting the FLLT mission.

Donor Research and Relationship Development

Collaborate closely with the Director to foster meaningful connections with members to increase the overall level of giving of donors, with special emphasis on cultivating and growing mid-level ($1,000 – $9,999) and major donors ($10,000 to significantly higher.)

• Conduct research and outreach to cultivate existing and prospective donors, including individuals, corporations, and family foundations with the capacity and inclination to support our organization.
• Engage in one-on-one conversations with donors, community stakeholders, and potential partners to discover opportunities for support and engagement with our mission.
• Prepare proposals and supporting materials for donor meetings that align donor interest with identified project priorities and organizational mission.
• Develop donor engagement and solicitation strategies in collaboration with the Director of Development and Communications, including planned giving, next-generation donors, and other donor segments.
• Perform accurate data entry, analysis, maintenance, and retrieval using Raiser’s Edge.
• Ability to craft persuasive donor communications, updates, proposals, and solicitations.
• Ensure ongoing engagement and recognition of donors through effective stewardship practices, including personalized updates, impact reports, events, and appreciation initiatives.

Special Events Planning

• Provide leading support and direction for donor engagement, cultivation, and stewardship events including donor receptions, fundraising events, nature preserve dedications, and others as needed.
• Work with local wineries and breweries to secure in-kind donations to support events.
• Represent the FLLT at networking and partner events across the Finger Lakes region.
• Travel as needed across the 12-county Finger Lakes region to engage with donors. Some evenings and weekends are required.

Annual Appeal and Membership Mailing Support

• Assist in determining annual ask amounts based on capacity, giving history, and interest of donors.
• Help to ensure the Development Associate and Development Assistant have the information needed to accurately record gifts and grants in the database, generate acknowledgment letters, and create analytical reports.
• Support the team with all direct mail solicitations, including annual appeal mailings, major donor mailings, and campaign mailings.

Other Responsibilities

• Assist with other projects, activities, and events as requested by the Director of Development and Communications and the President.
• Provide input and support for Development and Communications staff on events, appeals, special campaigns, and content for digital, print, and in-house communications and publications.
• Provide support to members of the team, and across the organization.
• Provide a high degree of discretion and a strong ability to positively represent the FLLT by engaging in meaningful dialogue with members, community partners, and donors.

Qualifications

Required

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent judgment and possess a strategic and collaborative mindset.

Bachelor’s degree and three or more years of experience in fundraising, alumni affairs, or donor relations OR six or more years of demonstrated success in non-profit fundraising/development, sales/customer service, or equivalent.

Ability to interact effectively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds including staff, board members, volunteers, donors, community leaders, government officials, etc.

Computer literacy and demonstrated proficiency with programs and software including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, Raiser’s Edge, or equivalent fundraising software.

Strong initiative, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential.

This position must possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license.

Passion for and an understanding of the environment, land conservation, and public outdoor recreation.

Additional Information

This full-time position salaried position is located in Ithaca, NY with a salary range of $53,000-$68,000, commensurate with experience. The Finger Lakes Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including (but not limited to) people of color, women, LGBTQ+, veterans, people with differing abilities, and those with lived experience.

To apply

Please send a cover letter and resume/CV to:

Director of Development and Communication Dawn Cornell at dawncornell@fllt.org by Friday, October 18, 2024.

Or mail to:

Finger Lakes Land Trust
c/o Dawn Cornell
202 E. Court St.
Ithaca, NY 14850

The position will be posted until filled.