Develolpment Director

Job Description: Development Director of Russian Riverkeeper

Position Title: Development Director

Location: Healdsburg, CA

Reports To: Executive Director

Organization Overview: Russian Riverkeeper (RRK) is a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of the Russian River and its watershed. Celebrating 32 years of impactful work, RRK has a history of significant achievements, including reducing pollution, halting destructive practices, and fostering community engagement and stewardship.

Position Summary: The Development Director is an impact focused self-starter with a passion for environmental issues. We are looking for an individual who can tap into the community potential and has a proven record of growing a donor base. Someone who can prospect, recruit, and enroll. The position works closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors to develop and direct the implementation of both long range and annual fundraising goals and development plans.

Our organizational culture values a sense of belonging, mutual support and respect for everyone’s role in our success. We’re looking for a new colleague who shares those values.

Responsibilities

• Manage all new donor acquisitions, cultivations, and stewardship of existing, new and prospective individual major gift donors with assistance from the Executive Director and Board of Directors
• Examine and analyze the organization’s donor-based revenue streams for continued optimization
• Oversee management of donor database and work to implement systems that foster efficiency
• With Board and staff assistance, identify and build relationships with business communities in the Russian River Watershed
• Oversee organization of major annual fundraising event
• Oversee organization of donor related events such as donor appreciation luncheons and donor holiday party
• Develop and maintain a planned giving program
• Work collaboratively across departments to develop fundraising appeals
• Supervise and mentor development and communications staff
• Develop business sponsorship program
• Oversee private foundation and grant program

Qualifications and Requirements

• Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree or higher in nonprofit, social science or financial management or equivalent work experience
• Four+ years of experience in fundraising and donor base growth
• Proficient with sponsorship and donor solicitation
• Excellent computer skills
• Competency in using and leveraging CRM systems
• Outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written
• Ability to work independently
• Available to travel, work weekends and evenings when needed for donor engagement
• Passion for environmental protection and community engagement.

Physical Requirements

The position is based in Healdsburg, CA. The job requires typical office environment work

(sitting at a computer, on phone, etc.) and use of standard office equipment. Ability to travel to various meetings and sites throughout the watershed.

Compensation

• $100,000 to $120,000 annually depending on experience, plus full benefits package
• Opportunity to secure financial resources for a respected environmental organization
• Work with a passionate team dedicated to making a difference

How to Apply: If you’re ready to make a significant impact on the health of the Russian River and its community, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@russianriverkeeper.org by July 31, 2025.

Join us in our mission to protect and preserve the Russian River for future generations!