Director or Manager of Development and Outreach

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (RiGHT), located in Del Norte, Colorado, seeks a Director or Manager of Development and Outreach. This position is responsible for both the management of RiGHT’s fundraising plan, event management, and individual donor program, as well as working with the Executive Director to ensure communications, fundraising activities, and calendar are strategically aligned with the goals of the organization. The ideal person for this role will be an emotionally intelligent team player with excellent communication skills, a genuine desire to learn, and uncompromising attention to detail. The role requires working in close collaboration with RiGHT’s Executive Director, Program Staff, community members and contractors, but also a high degree of autonomy. 

Why work with us?

The Rio Grande Headwaters Land trust was formed in 1999 and has been conserving the land, water and way of life in the San Luis Valley for 25 years. We are a small team, all based locally, and we work hard to serve this unique community, but we also leave plenty of room for enjoying life outside of work. This is the perfect job for someone who wants to join a team in making a positive impact in one of the most critically important and imperiled, high-elevation desert river systems in the United States.  This job is located in the magical San Luis Valley, an inspiring and welcoming place to live and work due to its stunning landscape between the San Juan and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities and deep history of partnerships and collaborative, community spirit among its people. 

Position Summary

The Development and Outreach Director will be responsible for managing RiGHT’s donor database, planning and executing quarterly events, implementing and growing an individual donor base/membership program, and maintaining a strategic marketing and communication plan. RiGHT is open to hiring someone at the manager level and providing training and resources to move towards the Director role.

While the Development Director will initially be the one actively doing the fundraising, event planning and outreach (with support from current staff) the plan is for the Director to eventually transition into at least a part-time supervisory position as RiGHT grows its support staff over the coming year(s).

Qualified candidates will have education or direct hands-on experience with non-profit fundraising, event-planning, sales and/or marketing, communications, or similar.  A person who also possesses a working understanding of Land Trust work and the particulars of the San Luis Valley would be ideal, though not required.  This position requires extensive outreach and communications to local community members and the Land Trust community nationally, so excellent listening, speaking and writing skills are a must-have.  

Core Duties & Responsibilities

Job duties:

• Establish, maintain, and manage a comprehensive plan to attract donors and supporters 
• Authentically engage in outreach to develop and maintain relationships in the community
• Plan and execute at least four community engagement/fundraising events per year
• Implement and oversee strategic marketing and communications plans, with a focus on effectively communicating the connection between RiGHT’s mission, vision, and values, and the projects we undertake in the SLV
• File management and record keeping
• Presentations to and collaboration with RiGHT’s Board, staff, funders, and conservation partners
• Website maintenance and general office administrative duties
• Due to the nature of the position, occasional evenings and weekend work will be required

Qualifications

Essential Skills & Experience

• The successful candidate will have a passion for conservation and the protection of the San Luis Valley’s resources
• Organizational skills, including attention to detail and commitment to following-up
• Excellent and inclusive verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and generally technologically proficient
• Ability to learn computer functions, new systems, and other necessary skills
• Ability to take initiative and effectively adapt to change
• Willingness to support other team members in their projects and goals
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices
• Cultural awareness and competence
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience organizing community meetings and events
• Grant writing and administration
• Non-profit and fundraising experience; direct experience with a Land Trust is a plus!
• Spanish speaking
• Marketing, outreach, and/or sales experience
• Experience with writing and/or social media management
• Web design experience
• Passion for conservation, outdoor recreation, agriculture, and rural way of life

Compensation Package

• $52,000-68,500 annually, depending on experience
• Option for 100% Employer paid health plan or reimbursement starting one month after hire date
• 15 days Paid Time Off (PTO) in year one
• All 11 Federal holidays plus an office shutdown week between Dec. 24-Jan. 2nd
• 10 days Sick/Wellness Leave
• 3 months Parental Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Flexible scheduling 
• Professional development opportunities

How to Apply:

To make recommendations or to express interest in this role, please click "Apply" below to email Laura Cusick,a dn be sure to type “Development Director” in the subject line. All applications must include an attached letter of interest and a resume. If applicable, feel free to include a writing sample or other recent sample of your work.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience. Applications will be screened internally against the criteria listed in this profile. All nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

The application deadline is September 30th, 2024 or until filled.

Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the position. We would encourage you to apply to work with RiGHT even if you don’t meet every one of our qualifications listed.

Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust is an equal employment opportunity employer. No applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender variance, marital status, otherwise qualified handicap or disability, pregnancy, pregnancy or childbirth related condition, genetic information, or veteran status.