Development Director

Are you an experienced fundraising professional with a passion for land conservation, community impact, and connecting people to nature?

Do you believe in the power of philanthropy to protect open spaces, expand trail networks, and conserve critical natural habitats for current and future generations?

Would you like to join a mission-driven team working every day to preserve the landscapes and outdoor experiences that make our region special—for wildlife, clean water, recreation, and community well-being?

We are seeking a strategic, relationship-driven, and results-oriented professional to join our team as Development Director. This individual will play a pivotal role in advancing our mission by leading and growing our fundraising efforts, cultivating donor relationships, and securing the financial resources needed to protect vital lands and create public trail systems that connect people with nature.

Catawba Lands Conservancy (CLC) and Carolina Thread Trail (CTT) is a nonprofit organization that permanently conserves and manages land and advances trails in the Southern Piedmont of North Carolina. The organization is dedicated to conserving land and connecting lives to nature. CLC protects large parcels of natural land that contribute to clean water, provide habitat for wildlife, support local farms and provide public access to nature, conserving over 18,000 acres to date. CTT is a growing regional network of trails, greenways, and blueways that connect 2.5 million people in 15 counties across North and South Carolina. CLC and CTT also actively engage the public in their mission through community partnerships, volunteer workdays, outdoor programs and special events.

Core Values

• We embrace and pursue possibility.
• We are learners and teachers.
• We respect and value others.
• We are dedicated to mission.

The Development Director is responsible for all aspects of fundraising for CLC and CTT. The Development Director is the lead staff for fundraising, marketing, and a member of the senior leadership team. This position reports to the Executive Director and supervises a team including the Associate Director of Development and Marketing, Senior Communications and Marketing Manager, Development Manager, and Development Associate.

Responsibilities

• Direct a comprehensive fundraising plan to achieve the organization’s goals.
• Lead a team of fundraising and communications professionals.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making and organizational leadership as an active member of the senior leadership team.
• Manage all aspects of capital campaigns and major gifts programs.
• Oversee grants, fundraising events, and outreach programs.
• Manage budget for fundraising and communications.
• Collaborate with the team to develop and execute communications and marketing strategy.
• Consistently monitor and analyze fundraising data, delivering clear progress reports to staff and the Board to inform strategy and decision-making
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and implement effective fundraising strategies; lead and manage the Board’s Development Committee to drive donor engagement and support.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in development, with significant experience in a leadership capacity preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field required. CFRE certification or progress toward certification is strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments while contributing collaboratively as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Proven track record in successful fundraising, combined with in-depth knowledge of evolving philanthropic trends and best practices
• A passion for land conservation and an understanding of its importance to the community.
• Strong organizational and project management skills and a disciplined approach to work and problem solving.
• Highly motivated, self-driven, and committed to strategically advance CLC and CTT to prospective donors and other diverse funding sources.
• A team-first mindset, prioritizing collective success over individual recognition.
• Working knowledge of, and experience with, the local philanthropic community is a strong plus.

Apply Here:

https://catawbalands.bamboohr.com/careers/27