Development Director

Job Title: Development Director

Location: Concord, MA; Hybrid Work Schedule Available

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Executive Director

Salary Range: 80k-85k

About The Nature Connection:

The Nature Connection supports the human spirit by strengthening wellbeing, belonging, and curiosity by helping people form meaningful relationships with the natural world.

Through our traveling outreach programs, we bring individualized, sensory-rich nature experiences to memory care communities, adults with disabilities, youth in therapeutic and residential settings, and public school classrooms seeking to support social-emotional development. At our nature center, we extend this mission to the broader community with workshops, family programs, and opportunities for quiet exploration and connection.

Grounded in trauma-informed, person-centered practice, we make nature accessible, supportive, and relevant for people of all ages and abilities.

Position Summary:

The Development Director will lead both the strategy and the hands-on execution of the organization’s fundraising efforts, with a strong emphasis on cultivating and stewarding major donors and corporate partners. As part of a small, mission-driven team with big goals, the Director will shape and implement a development strategy that expands donor relationships, increases annual giving, and elevates the organization’s visibility.

This role marks a renewed investment in development for the organization and offers the opportunity to build a strong, modern fundraising program.

A central priority for this role is driving significant revenue growth—including increasing annual income from approximately $250,000 to $500,000 over the next 2–3 years. We are seeking someone who can start strong: a strategic, relationship-centered fundraiser who brings both vision and execution, builds momentum quickly, and helps secure the resources needed to advance our mission.

Working closely with the Executive Director and an engaged Board, the Development Director will play a key role in telling our story, inspiring generosity, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of our work.

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership (30%)

• Partner with the Executive Director to design and execute an annual fundraising and communications plan.
• Cultivate and steward individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations with creativity and care.
• Support the Events, Finance, and Outreach Committees and contribute to a year-round rhythm of fundraising activity.
• Work with and direct the Development & Communications Coordinator on day-to-day operations and priorities.

Major Gifts & Individual Giving (50%)

• Manage a portfolio of major donors ($500+), with personalized cultivation and stewardship strategies.
• Build relationships that last — from first gift to lifelong partnership.
• Collaborate with the ED and Development & Communications Coordinator to tell powerful stories through newsletters, appeals, and digital campaigns.
• Oversee donor recognition and accurate database tracking (Bloomerang).

Events & Experiences (20%)

• Plan and execute donor stewardship & cultivation events as well as a large annual fundraiser, Inspire in collaboration with the events committee and Development & Communication Coordinator.
• Create moments that connect people emotionally to our mission — and inspire generosity.
• Coordinate sponsorships and event-based fundraising with flair and follow-through.

What You Bring

Experience & Skills

• 6–8+ years in nonprofit fundraising, with experience managing individual donors and events.
• Confident asking for — and closing — $10K+ gifts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, fundraising databases, and social media engagement.
• Strong project management and communication skills; you thrive on turning big ideas into action.

Mindset & Values

• You love nature — and you believe everyone should have access to it.
• Discreet with donor information and big on integrity
• You bring humility, heart, and a deep commitment to equity.
• You’re at home in a small, collaborative team that rolls up its sleeves and gets the work done. We all jump in where needed: answering emails, setting up for events, or proofreading a flyer. If that kind of teamwork makes you smile, you’ll fit right in.
• Comfortable in a small, shared office (with lots of small animals).
• You’re a self-starter who “manages up,” solves problems, and meets deadlines with positivity and humor.

Compensation Transparency

As a growing nonprofit, our compensation structure reflects our current resources, and we acknowledge that the salary for this role may be lower than similar positions at larger institutions. In recognition of this, we offer meaningful flexibility—including negotiable scheduling, hybrid work options, and competitive PTO—to help ensure the role is sustainable and supportive for the right candidate. We are committed to working with the selected candidate to create an arrangement that aligns with both organizational needs and individual well-being.

Paid time off