Director of Development and Major Gifts

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Angeletti Group invites nominations and applications for the role of Director of Development and Major Gifts at New Jersey Conservation Foundation (NJ Conservation). The organization seeks a dynamic, mission-driven fundraising professional to oversee its development program, particularly the major gifts efforts, to increase philanthropic support.

Reporting to one of the Co-Executive Directors, the + will be responsible for implementing and building NJ Conservation’s relationship-building and major gift fundraising activities, provide strategic leadership to create, execute and evaluate the year-round fundraising program, supervise the development team and work collaboratively to achieve fundraising growth. Dedicating most of their time to major gift identification, outreach and solicitation, the selected candidate will be an externally focused development professional with a passion for the mission of New Jersey Conservation Foundation.

ABOUT NEW JERSEY CONSERVATION FOUNDATION

Headquartered in Far Hills, NJ, New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s mission is to preserve land and natural resources throughout New Jersey for the benefit of all. Since 1960, the organization has protected over 125,000 acres of natural areas and farmland in New Jersey – from the Highlands to the Pine Barrens to the Delaware Bay; from farms to forests to urban and suburban parks. Through acquisition and stewardship, NJ Conservation protects strategic lands, promotes strong land use policies, and forges partnerships through education and assistance programs to achieve conservation goals.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation’s vision sees New Jersey with thriving parklands, trails, meadows, farms, and community gardens preserved in every corner of the state. Where vital water supplies are protected by forests in the Pinelands and Highlands. Where everyone can walk ten minutes from their front door to a natural area, trail, or park.  Where all residents can enjoy nature and the outdoors for their health, well-being, and recreation.  Where everyone has access to healthy food from local farms.  Where New Jersey citizens are fully engaged in enjoying and protecting parks, farms, trails, wildlife, and nature.  And, critically, NJ Conservation sees a successful response to climate change where New Jersey is a leader in adopting clean energy and using natural solutions to adapt to a dramatically changing climate.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation is a nationally recognized leading force in the open space movement, with more than thirty staff members and a proven track record of preservation, stewardship and advocacy spanning over six decades.

THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND MAJOR GIFTS

The Director of Development and Major Gifts will be a development professional of proven experience and exceptional skill. The selected candidate must be an energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships and closing gifts of $25,000 and above. In conjunction with the Co-Executive Directors, the Director of Development and Major Gifts will design and implement a comprehensive, goal-based, long, and short-term fundraising plan. This will include the establishment and implementation of a major gift fundraising program, as well as annual gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation giving, annual gala and other events, appeals, and targeted campaigns that will increase revenues and support New Jersey Conservation’s mission. An important component of this position will be to personally cultivate and solicit a portfolio of major gift prospects.

AREAS OF EMPHASIS FOR THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND MAJOR GIFTS

• Implement a metrics-driven, major gifts program; establish measurable fundraising goals along with appropriate metrics. Track and report progress using specific metrics.
• Develop and manage the cultivation and solicitation of a personal portfolio of prospects.
• Utilize resources including the donor database, wealth screening, staff, publications, and the internet to identify potential major gift prospects.
• Coordinate prospect research on major and planned gift prospects and donors.
• With the assistance of one of the Co-Executive Directors, oversee the strategic development of a comprehensive fundraising plan and appeal schedule; initiate and implement fundraising strategies to identify, diversity, cultivate and solicit new and existing donors.
• Develop and oversee all fundraising activities with the support of the Co-Executive Directors.
• Support the Co-Executive Directors, Board of Trustees, and Development Committee in all fundraising initiatives; attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and Development Committee and other volunteer leadership teams as needed.
• Maintain frequent personal contact and communication with prospects, donors, board members and other key constituents to strengthen relationships.
• Supervise three full-time and one part-time development staff and one major gifts consultant; provide appropriate support, feedback, and guidance.
• Oversee the maintenance of the database and ensure consistent database use across the development department.
• Oversee the gift acknowledgement process and ensure appropriate recognition of all donors.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Co-Executive Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS AND PREFERENCES

• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, including at least three years of major gift ($25,000 and above) fundraising experience; supervisory experience.
• Track record of identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts.
• Experience or interest in conservation or environmental issues a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, time management, and communication skills (both oral and written).
• Creative, innovative, and able to devise new approaches to philanthropy.
• Success in leading an annual fund program with demonstrated year-over-year growth.
• Ability to think and act independently as well as collaborate with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to thrive and be flexible in a dynamic and fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Experience with fundraising databases.
• Must have a positive public presence.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

BENEFITS

• Hybrid work schedule.
• Generous benefits package.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. To be considered, candidates should click "Apply" below to submit a resume and cover letter including a statement of interest to The Angeletti Group. 

Nominations and confidential inquiries can be made to:

The Angeletti Group

365 South Street – Suite 100

Morristown, NJ 07960

(973) 540-1400

search@theangelettigroup.com

New Jersey Conservation Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse staff, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law.