The Finger Lakes Land Trust seeks a strategic and creative leader to serve as its Director of Development. Reporting to and in partnership with the President, the Director of Development (DoD) is responsible for the management, oversight, and integration of all fundraising programs including a department of three full-time employees. The Director of Development also works closely with the Director of Communications to ensure alignment of both functions.

Position Summary

Fundraising responsibilities include securing public and private sources of funding to support an annual operating budget of over $2 million and frequent project campaigns. The DoD oversees all aspects of donor identification, acquisition, solicitation, and cultivation. The DoD is part of a leadership team that is headed by the President and also includes the Director of Stewardship, Director of Conservation, and Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic management of a comprehensive development and outreach program. Use data to optimize effort and approaches.
• Build and advance strong relationships with Land Trust members and friends that result in philanthropic contributions, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Lead the Land Trust’s major gift program, planned giving, annual fund, and any other special project fundraising.
• Responsible for directly managing relationships with a portfolio of major donors.
• Work closely with the President, Board of Directors, relevant board committees, and volunteers in planning and executing strategic initiatives with a focus on the integration of long-term development strategies. Engage the Board of Directors to maximize their impact.
• Work with staff and volunteers to research and identify individual, business, corporate, and foundation prospects.
• Coordinate private and public foundation and corporate relations programming; work collaboratively with program staff and the Director of Communications to produce grant proposals and reports.
• Supervise a team that includes the Development Specialist, Development Associate, and Development Assistant.
• Oversee donor acknowledgement and database systems.
• Develop and implement special events and programs designed to engage and inspire existing donors and prospective supporters.
• Create heightened visibility of the organization with the general public and targeted conservation sector allies.
• Develop a full understanding of the FLLT’s mission, strategic initiatives, projects, and programs.

Qualifications

• Strong fundraising, organizational, leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated track record in nonprofit fundraising, especially individual gift fundraising and development program management.
• Ability to think strategically and creatively.
• Experience in writing or supervising foundation, government, and corporate grants.
• Excellent analytical, writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high level of responsibility and work independently.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel throughout the region.
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience in development, individual fundraising, or closely related experience—nonprofit experience a plus.
• Experience with donor databases, planned giving, and appeals.

Additional Information

This full-time position salaried position is located in Ithaca, NY, with a salary range of $90-105K, commensurate with experience. The Finger Lakes Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon 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 email a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to kaitmarrin@fllt.org with the title “Director of Development” in the subject line.

This position will remain open until filled.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) is a non-profit conservation organization that protects more than 34,000 acres of undeveloped lakeshore, gorges, forests, meadows, and farmlands. FLLT 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 organization 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 FLLT has 21 dedicated staff members and more than 200 active volunteers.