Director of Development

Mohonk Preserve, New York State’s largest member & visitor supported nature preserve, is seeking an experienced fundraiser and team leader to fill the position of Director of Development.

Who We Are

Located in the beautiful Hudson River Valley, Mohonk Preserve is New York’s largest nonprofit nature preserve. We manage over 8,000 acres of mountain cliffs, forests, fields and streams through four integrated programs – Conservation, Education, Stewardship, and Visitor Experience – and welcome over 300,000 members and visitors each year who come to hike, run, rock climb, boulder, bike, cross-country ski, snowshoe and enjoy and experience nature.

Based in a vibrant university community, Mohonk Preserve offers a great working environment in one of New York’s greenest counties, with all-season recreation, access to Preserve lands, a dynamic, committed team of conservation professionals and long legacy of conducting ecological research and environmental education. The Preserve is also the home of one of America’s premier rock-climbing destinations.

Our Mission & Vision

Our mission is to protect the northern Shawangunk Ridge and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the natural world. Mohonk Preserve supports thriving and resilient natural environments that are welcoming to all who explore, play and work here, and those who seek peace, wellbeing and inspiration amid its lands. We prioritize conservation of the northern Shawangunk Ridge and adjacent foothills as we carefully balance opportunities for outdoor recreation that reflect a healthy relationship between community and the land. Our commitment to collaboration, stewardship and education are interwoven throughout all the Preserve’s responses to the urgent issues of our time as we permanently protect and provide access to this cherished landscape. Please visit https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/ to learn more.

Our Core Values

• Teamwork: We trust each other and value collaboration and accountability.
• Transparency: We are clear, honest and ethical in our decision-making and communications.
• Belonging:  We welcome everyone and treat all with respect and compassion.
• Exploration: We value curiosity, education and innovation as pathways to learning and growth.
• Stewardship: We are committed to responsibly stewarding Mohonk Preserve in service to the land and the community.

About the Position:

The Director of Development is a senior-level position responsible for providing vision, leadership and supervision of the Preserve’s Development department. The department’s focus areas include major gifts, special events, grants, membership, planned giving, and volunteers.

The Director is responsible for leading a multi-faceted fundraising and membership program that raises over $3 million annually in support of a total organizational budget of $5 million. Working closely and strategically with the President & CEO, Board of Directors, Development Committee, and members of the Development department, they plan and implement annual and long-range fundraising strategies and oversee all philanthropic and government support for the Preserve.

Primary Responsibilities and Expectations:

Team Leadership, Management and Supervision (50%)

• The top priority of this position is to lead an experienced high-performing team, fostering teamwork and a collaborative spirit while achieving annual Development goals. The Director will provide exemplary leadership and supervision ensuring that the department is strong, engaged, supportive, and collaborative.
• Facilitate regular department meetings and hold regular individual team member check-ins.
• Prepare and submit departmental workplans, performance evaluations, and other information as needed.

Administration & Senior Leadership (20%)

• Serve as a key member of the senior Leadership Team, working in a collegial and integrated manner with all departments.
• Serve as staff lead for the Preserve’s Development Committee.
• In coordination with President & CEO and the Nominating & Governance Committee, identify potential Board and Committee members.

Development Strategy and Planning (30%)

• Partner with the President & CEO and all Development staff to establish a multi-year Development plan that meets the goals of the organization’s Strategic Plan.
• Develop a strategic annual fundraising plan aimed at achieving annual budget goals while advancing long-term growth and sustainability.
• Advance a comprehensive Planned Giving Program to cultivate long-term donor relationships and secure significant future funding through estate gifts and with a focus on endowment growth.
• Work with key staff to ensure the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database is maintained at the highest level of data accuracy.
• Oversee ongoing data analysis that is used to inform trends and donor strategy improvements for increased giving and the Preserve’s development efforts.

What You’ll Bring:

At Mohonk Preserve, our priority is finding the best candidate for the job. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the qualifications or have a less traditional background.

• Strong team management and supervisory experience which includes building and retaining engaged and cohesive teams, and skilled in providing regular and consistent support, clear objectives, expectations, motivation and feedback.
• Minimum of seven years’ experience as a successful non-profit fundraiser with a solid track record of managing a high-functioning team, major donor experience, overseeing large-scale and small cultivation events, and leading a comprehensive fundraising program.
• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, financial management, social sciences or a related field OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success in developing, planning and implementing large-scale fundraising strategies, such as major donor cultivation, major gift solicitation and planned giving.
• Applied understanding of basic fundraising principles and development best practices including fundraising compliance requirements and regulations.
• People person with passion for communicating and interacting with various stakeholders from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Advanced computer skills required including experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) databases; Microsoft Office 365; remote work platforms (Teams, Zoom).
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice to ensure that all people are respected and welcomed at the Mohonk Preserve.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Willing to work some irregular hours including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Bonus If…
  • Certified Fundraising Executive
  • Bi-lingual
  • Non-profit and/or environmental organization experience
  • Familiarity with sales and marketing strategies
  • Experience with online fundraising, email marketing, and internet research
  • Knowledge of local and national philanthropic trends and the ability to design programs for non-profit development that capitalize on those trends
  • New York State Notary Public commissioned

Desired Competencies

• Leadership: Ability to influence, motivate and guide your team towards achieving goals.
• Skills Management: Understanding, developing and deploying people and their skills. Identify the skills that job roles require, the skills of individual employees and any gap between the two.
• Oral and Written Communication: Ability to communicate with various audiences and receive and provide relevant information. Ability to convey your thoughts clearly and persuasively—whether it’s presenting to potential donors or discussing projects with your team.
• Trustworthy/Discreet: Honest, and fastidious with confidential information
• Adaptability: Ability to react positively to change and remain productive in a changing environment. The capacity to change one’s actions, approach, or decisions based on new information or a new situation.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to plan for the future and long-term goals. Responsible for steering your team and the organization in the right direction.

Total Rewards Package:

This is a permanent, full-time position with a generous benefits package including health insurance (with substantial employer contribution toward premium), retirement plan, vacation, paid holidays, sick time and other paid time off.

• Salary is $110k-$115k per year based on experience and qualifications
• Mohonk Preserve membership for the duration of the position
• Access to lands and activities of Mohonk Mountain House resort

Eligibility for certain benefits is dependent upon a variety of factors including length of employment.

Location:

Mohonk Preserve’s main offices are located at our Visitor Center in Gardiner, NY. This position requires a minimum of three days in the office. Remote work options are available coordinated with the supervisor. While daily schedules are flexible, general working hours are weekdays 9am-5pm. Mohonk Preserve is a smoke-free campus.

Physical Demands:

• Minimal to light physical effort is required in performing duties in an office environment. This position requires the ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment and lift up to 20 pounds.
• Occasionally work outdoors with the ability to be on-land and spend time outside.
• May require sitting, standing, walking, hiking, climbing stairs, stooping, bending, carrying equipment.
• Events indoors or outdoors outside standard office hours and in other locations around the Preserve.

How to Apply:

Please click "Apply" below to email your resume and a one-page cover letter tying your experience to specifics in the job responsibilities and 3 professional references (include phone and email), with the subject line “Director of Development application”. No phone calls please.

Click here for the full job description. Position open until filled. Anticipated start date of this position is March 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Mohonk Preserve is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to creating an inclusive culture where employees from diverse backgrounds can thrive and support our mission. Successful candidates will be equity-minded and committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ). Mohonk Preserve encourages applications from women, minorities and/or other underrepresented groups.