Reporting to the Director of Development and Communications and working closely with the Development Associate, the Development Assistant is responsible for providing high-level administrative, fundraising, event, and outreach support to grow all aspects of a comprehensive development department.

Job description

The Development Assistant is responsible for supporting the coordination of development activities, including donor database management, gift processing, events, and donor relations. This role also involves managing the Land Trust’s Talks & Treks program, supporting the department with administrative duties and special projects as needed, and contributing to the successful engagement of donors and the cultivation of new relationships. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently are key to success in this position.

The successful candidate will:

• Process gifts and prepare acknowledgment letters and other correspondence.
• Maintain accurate foundation, corporate, and individual donor records.
• Coordinate and staff the Land Trust’s Talks & Treks program, recruiting and building positive relationships with volunteers (some weekends required).
• Assist in the coordination and production of direct mail for fundraising.
• Attend various public outreach and fundraising events, some evenings and weekends required.
• Assist with the management of our online merchandise shop and inventory tracking.
• Other duties as assigned by the director, including administrative responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate careful attention to detail and enjoy working on a collaborative team, with the following qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One or more years of experience in one or more of the following areas: development, donor relations, alumni relations, marketing/communications, outreach, or related experience or equivalent.
• Effective organizational skills and strong detail orientation; superior communication skills
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or a similar database is strongly preferred.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds including staff, consultants, board members, volunteers, donors, business leaders, government officials, etc.
• Strong initiative, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and fundraising resources such as databases, directories, and websites.
• Knowledge of environmental preservation, land trusts, and a commitment to conservation.
• Able and willing to work occasional weekends and evenings; ability to physically assist with loading/unloading equipment and materials up to 40 lbs.

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 Land Trust 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 Land Trust has 20 dedicated staff members and more than 200 active volunteers.

Additional Information:

The Finger Lakes Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity and expression, 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.

This is a full-time, hourly position with a pay range between $39,520-$43,680/year dependent on education and experience.

To apply:

Please email a cover letter and resume to Dawn Cornell at dawncornell@fllt.org with “Development Assistant” in the subject line, or mail to:

Finger Lakes Land Trust
Attn: Dawn Cornell
202 East Court Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate is selected.  Priority will be given to applications received by February 21, 2025.