Director of Development

POSITION TITLE: Director of Development

REPORTS TO: Nahant Marsh Executive Director

SUPERVISES: None

HOURS OF POSITION: Generally weekdays with some occasional evenings and weekends

STATUS: Full Time, Salaried 

COMPENSATION: $55,000-65,000 and $2,400 annual stipend for health care

DATE REVISED: February 27, 2024

START DATE: January 1, 2025

PURPOSE OF POSITION: 

Nahant Marsh is seeking a Director of Development to lead and implement successful major gifts, annual giving, legacy gifts, and corporate philanthropy strategies. This person will work with the Executive Director and Director of Operations to meet individual and organizational fundraising goals utilizing a relationship based fundraising model. The Director of Development will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of individual, foundation, and corporate donors. This position will also cultivate relationships with existing donors and donor prospects through engagement and stewardship events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and corporate sponsorship, in collaboration with senior leadership and Nahant’s Board of Directors to increase revenue and achieve Nahant’s goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and community organizations to secure gifts and sponsorships.
• Work with the marketing team to create fundraising materials and campaigns that communicate our mission and values to target audiences.
• Assist with fundraising and stewardship events, ensuring effective planning and implementation.
• Maintain Neon One CRM donor database, ensuring accurate and timely recording of gifts and effective communication with donors.
• Provide regular fundraising reports to senior leadership and Board of Directors, and make recommendations for adjustments to the fundraising plan as necessary.
• Stay up to date with best practices in non-profit fundraising, including emerging trends, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Assist the Board of Directors and senior leadership with capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives.
• Maintain and enhance gift and donor recognition programs. Acknowledge donor gifts in a timely manner.
• Be current on programs and initiatives at Nahant Marsh and be able to discuss them with internal and external audiences effectively. 
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to understand programmatic funding priorities and collectively fundraise toward those priorities.
• Collaborate with the finance/Fundraising Committee to develop fundraising and communication strategies for donors and prospects.
• Lead strategy, content creation, and execution of donor-facing communication efforts through multi-channel appeals, newsletters, social media, email, and annual reports.
• Create major gift opportunities around special initiatives, such as the endowment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with significant fundraising, soliciting, or sales experience. Exceptional interpersonal, relationship building, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to secure the confidence of top donors and prospects through long-term relationship building strategies. Ability to make sound decisions, assume responsibility, and meet multiple deadlines. Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects and meet deadlines. Highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to record and manage donor information effectively. Demonstrated analytical and data analysis skills. Previous experience with related computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, PowerPoint, and Donor CRMs. Valid Driver’s License for local travel.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

Belief in Nahant Marsh’s mission and a healthy appreciation for the outdoors and conservation. Represents Nahant Marsh Education Center in the most positive manner with all people, both personally and professionally. Goal-oriented and driven. Creative and energetic with strong public and human relations abilities, professional appearance, positive attitude and self-motivation. Ability to communicate with diverse groups of people and establish and grow strategic relationships to achieve goals. Exceptional organizational and communication skills. Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to build relationships and cultivate these into financial support for the organization. A criminal background investigation and credit check will be required.

GENERAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: 

Sedentary to moderate work, approximately 85% of the time indoors. Position involves sitting in an office setting, off-site travel, and sitting in meetings. Occasional (10-33%) walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing and pulling. Occasional (10-33%) reaching, standing, grasping, finger dexterity. Constant (67-100%) talking and listening to people in person or over the telephone. Viewing computer screen and other types of close visual work constant (67-100%). Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds occasionally (10-33%). Occasional (10-33%) physical labor includes leading programs and hikes; setting up and tearing down tables, chairs etc. for events.

• To apply, send cover letter, resume, and references to Liz Schramm at elizabeth@nahantmarsh.org no later than 11/14/2024.