Company Description

Upstate Forever is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects critical lands, waters, and the unique character of Upstate South Carolina. Since 1998, Upstate Forever has built a solid foundation and reputation as a thoughtful and deliberate research-driven organization seeking to balance growth with the protection of the region’s natural resources. We have worked to protect some of our region’s most important assets – our wild and working farmlands, rivers and clean air, and rural character – and to ensure that our Upstate communities are vibrant and retain their unique identities in the face of rapid development and significant sprawl.

Job Description

The Opportunity | Director of Development | Greenville or Spartanburg Office (hybrid-remote schedule)

The Director of Development is responsible for leading and managing the overall effort to raise funds for the organization. The Director oversees all components of major and planned giving, membership/annual giving, cultivation events, and member activities. The Director also supervises the Associate/Assistant Director, who supervises the Development Associates. The Director actively backs the Program Directors in pursuing restricted grants and gifts while primarily dedicating their time to securing unrestricted grants and gifts, particularly from major donors ($2,500 and above). This role operates in close collaboration with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. It's a full-time position.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree from an accredited college or university (advanced degree a plus)
• 7-10 years of experience in best practices for development operations, with a focus on major and planned giving
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, ask for, and close major gifts
• Experience in developing donor strategies and cultivation plans
• Effective leadership and management skills
• Attention to detail and effective organizational ability
• Effective problem-resolution skills with a focus on solutions
• Proficiency with Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge database software

Additional Information

COVID-19 precautions: To protect the safety of our employees considering the recommendations from the State and Federal Governments because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Upstate Forever strongly encourages all employees to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

DEI Commitment: Upstate Forever is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are taking deliberate steps to build authentic community partnerships and cultivate new leaders at all levels of our organization – from our membership to our staff to our board – to ensure we better represent the community we serve.

Upstate Forever has engaged Capital Development Services (CapDev) to conduct a search for this position. Candidates are required to submit a cover letter and a resume. All materials will be kept confidential. Application materials will be reviewed as received. Additional inquiries may be directed to [email protected].