Director of Advancement
Position Overview
The Advancement Director is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic vision and management of SELT’s vibrant and successful fundraising and donor engagement programs. This position leads efforts to secure the philanthropic resources necessary to advance the organization’s mission by leading major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns, overseeing membership programs, and collaborating on foundation and corporate relations. The Advancement Director works closely with the Executive Director, Board members, and staff to deepen donor relationships and grow philanthropic support of SELT. SELT has set the ambitious goal to increase participation among our general and major donor pool by 50% by the year 2030 to support our visionary Strategic Plan. Further, SELT anticipates launching a comprehensive campaign in the next 2-3 years. These endeavors, including contracting professional counsel to advise SELT on growth and campaign strategies, will be led by the Advancement Director. For more information about the duties, responsibilities and qualifications for the Director of Advancement position please see https://seltnh.org/jobs/.
Responsibilities
1. Fundraising Strategy and Leadership • Develop, manage, and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals and in collaboration with planning assisted by professional fundraising counsel. • Set annual engagement and revenue targets;regularly track and report progress toward fundraising goals. • Work closely with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, and Board to cultivate a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and among our donor base. 2. Leadership and Major Gifts • Lead the major gift program (SELTie Conservation Circle), identifying and engaging high-potential donors, building lasting relationships that result in significant contributions to SELT’s annual operations, land conservation projects, and select programs. • Manage and grow a personal portfolio of major donors, regularly soliciting and securing four to seven figure gifts. • Support the Executive Director’s cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation of major donors through curation of a portfolio, strategy development, material preparation, and regular donor outreach. • Advise, develop, and implement micro-campaigns, as needed, for place-based conservation initiatives, such as Merrymeeting Clean Forever and the 100-Acre Woods. • Design, lead, and manage capital campaigns and other major fundraising initiatives, coordinating efforts across departments, and with external consultants and partners as needed. • Manage advancement’s extensive day-to-day operations, including supervising staff to achieve successful fundraising strategies. • Oversee donor data management (Salesforce), including analyzing fundraising metrics and communicating donor trends to refine strategy and increase impact. 3. Planned Giving • Continue growing and maturing SELT’s planned giving program (Conservation Legacy Society) to secure long-term support. • Acknowledge and enhance relationships with donors who make or intend to make planned gifts;cultivate planned gift prospects as part of major donor prospect portfolio. • Solicit and coordinate planned gifts in the five to seven figure range;engage and coordinate professional counsel, such as estate and financial planners, as needed to finalize planned gifts. • Understand simple and complex planned gift options to inform donors of potential ways to support SELT while meeting personal estate planning needs. • Coordinate planned giving events and marketing materials to introduce planned giving topics to potential donors, and outside professionals such as realtors, CPAs, financial advisors, etc. 4. Other Fundraising Responsibilities • Foundations and Grants: In collaboration with the Outreach and Education Director, identify and pursue foundation funding opportunities to support organizational initiatives. Maintain relationships with select program officers and institutional donors. • Membership Program: Oversee administration of membership program, including membership appeals, communications, and events to deepen member engagement. Ensure a seamless integration of membership efforts with broader fundraising strategies. Plan and implement growth strategies to help SELT realize 50% increase in donor base by 2030. 5. Strategic Leadership and Team Management • Serve on the Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, organizational development, and facilitating operational decision-making. • Supervise advancement staff and consultants, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment. • Support Board committees related to fundraising and development. • Conduct fundraising practices in accordance with the Donor Bill of Rights and to the highest ethical standards to cultivate and maintain the trust of SELT’s supporters. • Ensure compliance with applicable Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices and requirements of the Land Trust Accreditation Commission.
Qualifications
Education and Experience: • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., fundraising, communications, business, or related discipline). Master’s degree preferred. • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in fundraising, including major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns. • Proven track record in securing six and seven figure gifts from new and established donors. • Experience cultivating and developing relationships and community-based partnerships with people of diverse socioeconomic and political backgrounds. • Personnel supervision experience including the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to lead and motivate staff and volunteers. • Experience working in land conservation, environmental non-profits, or related sectors preferred. Skills and Competencies: • Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills. • Ability to present the organization and speak publicly about its vision, mission, initiatives, and impact. • Strategic thinker with a track record of developing successful fundraising initiatives. • Demonstrated strong, persuasive written and verbal communication skills. • Expertise in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship best practices. • Strong familiarity with planned giving tools and strategies. • Strong organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks. • Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse, ambitious team. • Experience using Microsoft Office suite of products and donor management software (SELT uses Salesforce) and fundraising analytics. • Commitment to land conservation and the mission of the organization.
Preferred Level of Education
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., fundraising, communications, business, or related discipline). Master’s degree preferred.
Benefits Offered
Benefits package includes health insurance plan;long-term and short-term disability insurance;employee match to 403(b)(7) retirement plan;and paid vacation, sick time, and holidays. Free solar-powered EV charging is available on site for SELT employees.
Compensation/Salary
$115,000 - $130,000
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and are due by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 14th, 2025. Please email a resume and cover letter (both in PDF format) to Brian Hart, Executive Director at careers@seltnh.org with “Director of Advancement” and your name in the subject line.
Application deadline: February 14, 2025
About Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire
SELT protects and sustains the significant lands in our communities for clean water, outdoor recreation, fresh food, wildlife, and healthy forests. Founded in 1980, SELT has partnered with landowners and communities throughout our 52-community region to conserve more than 28,000 acres of land through conservation easements and fee ownerships. These lands include more than 11,000 acres owned by SELT with 70+ miles of woods roads and trails, all open for public recreation. SELT has active programs in land conservation, easement stewardship, land management, community outreach, and nature-based education. SELT is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. SELT’s offices are located at the beautiful, net-zero Nan and George Mathey Center for People and Nature, located on the 237-acre Burley Farms in Epping, NH, and part of a conserved block of land along the Wild and Scenic Lamprey River that is more than 500 acres. Staff have access to miles of trails for hiking, birdwatching, and more.
Learn more about Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our employees and are actively engaged in ensuring our properties, activities, and events are welcoming and accessible to all.