Director of Development

Organization Description:

Freshwater Future is a catalyst for community action that strengthens policies designed

to safeguard the waters of the Great Lakes region. We help create and strengthen

community action on water by providing grants and professional development services

to over 2,000 community groups working on local issues impacting their water. Through

this engagement with groups, we learn of and track emerging issues that impact many

communities in the region, and are able to synthesize those concerns into strategic

policy solutions. We elevate the voices of many communities to the state, provincial and

federal level where policy change happens. We champion the causes of communities

and have taken leadership roles in coordinating on issues such as stopping Asian carp

from entering the Great Lakes, securing over $5 billion for Great Lakes restoration

activities, and passing the Great Lakes Compact to prevent diversions of Great Lakes

water.

Job Summary:

The Director of Development will plan and implement a fundraising program to provide

for the short- and long-term needs of the organization.

Essential Functions:

 Lead a partnership with the Executive Director, leadership team, and Board of

Directors, and to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan,

including annual, five-year, and long-term goals with a focus on growth.

 Implement development strategy annually, meeting (or exceeding) revenue goals

and strengthening donor relationships.

 Manage and grow a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

 Identify and qualify new prospects to strengthen major gifts program.

 Position the Executive Director, members of the Board, and other leaders to

make asks, where appropriate, taking the lead on all moves management and

strategy.

 Work closely with the Database Manager to ensure donor data and coding

information is accurately recorded, maintained, and utilized in EveryAction.

 Oversee donor communications, timely acknowledgements, and stewardship

processes.

 In collaboration with the communications staff, develop and produce relevant and

informative material—proposals, appeals, newsletters, and impact reports.

 Develop and adeptly manage special campaigns, annual appeals, and matching

gift opportunities while maintaining strong support for core operations.

 Implement and grow a formalized planned giving program.

 Support and engage the Board of Directors and volunteers in key fundraising

efforts.

Required Skills/Abilities:

 Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (nonprofit leadership,

communications, business, or related field preferred)

 Three years of experience in fundraising for a nonprofit organization. Proven

track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.

 Strong written and verbal skills, especially in persuasive and donor-facing

contexts.

 Experience in major gifts fundraising, corporate engagement, grant writing and

reporting, and nonprofit events.

 Keen ability to build relationships and effectively engage diverse stakeholders.

 Experience with EveryAction a plus.

 Ability to balance multiple competing priorities, meet goals in a timely manner,

and work independently in a small team environment.

 Knowledge of tax planning principles and techniques that favor charitable giving.

 Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.

 High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to equity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications:

 Experience working in a small or regional nonprofit setting.

 Knowledge of Great Lakes Basin philanthropic landscape.

 Academic or professional experience in water quality, local advocacy, watchdog,

or infrastructure work.

Work Environment:

 This position is remote, with travel to donor meetings or engagement

opportunities expected as relevant. Travel expenses are reimbursed by the

organization.

 The Director of Development will participate in management decisions for the

organization, in collaboration with the Executive Director and leadership team.

Position Type: The Director of Development is a full-time, permanent position. Job

location is negotiable within the Great Lakes region.

Compensation:

Salary Range – $72,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience.

Generous benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement, disability insurance, and

paid time off.

Freshwater Future is an equal opportunity employer.

To apply please submit a resume and cover letter to stephanie@freshwaterfuture.org.

Generous benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement, disability insurance, and

paid time off.