Director of Development & Communications - Stowe Land Trust

Title:   Director of Development & Communications

Job type:  Full Time exempt, 40 hours a week 

Reports to: Executive Director

Supervises: Community Engagement Manager 

Location: Office based in Stowe, VT with flexibility for occasional remote work.

About Stowe Land Trust

Stowe Land Trust is a respected, member-supported, 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofit serving the greater Stowe area since 1987. With 7,100 acres and 35 conservation easements under our belt, we are committed to preserving the ecological health and economic vitality of our region. Stowe Land Trust recognizes that to address community needs we must include the voices of all identities within our community and beyond. We encourage historically marginalized people to apply, as your diversity in experience and identity will be valued and respected as a vital part of what will strengthen our staff. See more about our work on our website at www.stowelandtrust.org

The Opportunity

Stowe Land Trust seeks an experienced Director of Development & Communications to help us embark on a new level of growth and engagement over the next five years and beyond. The director will arrive at a time of evolution within the organization and can build new approaches to fund development and communications while also solidifying the systems and infrastructure that support growth. The director will work with a growing professional team to harness this momentum and build the communications and fund development program of our future. A successful Director of Development & Communications will be a powerful storyteller, understand the motivations for giving and engagement, and be a skilled researcher who knows how to identify a funder's priorities for impact. They will know how to crystallize diverse and technical information into a brief distillation that captures the main points and engages people's interests and motivations. They oversee the planning, organizing, and implementation of all aspects of the land trust's fundraising, communications, and marketing program to achieve the organization's annual and long-term financial and relationship goals. This is a new position in the organization and will be a senior member of the leadership team.

Essential Functions

Development

• Design and build a Major Gifts Program for the organization
• Manage their own portfolio of donors in addition to maintaining a portfolio of donors to be managed by the executive director
• Expand our ever-growing donor community
• Align funding and program development with external sources to drive innovation
• Spearhead special campaigns to secure funding for exceptional projects and initiatives
• Grow and oversee Stowe Land Trust's planned and corporate giving program
• Take charge of grant research, proposal writing, tracking, and reporting
• Pave the way for the development of fresh funding streams and innovative programs
• Empower board members to actively participate in fundraising efforts

Communications

• Lead the development and execution of a dynamic 3-Year Communications, Marketing, and Engagement strategy
• Craft and lead the implementation of a robust events strategy to boost donor and community involvement, with assistance from the Community Engagement Manager
• Elevate awareness and engagement with Stowe Land Trust's work through overseeing various outreach initiatives, working with the Community Engagement Manager and the Stewardship team to engage in school partnerships and the volunteer program
• Collaborate with external consultants as necessary around communication and marketing strategies

Leadership and Management

• Supervise the Community Engagement Manager
• Meet Stowe Land Trust's annual fundraising targets
• Advise strategic planning processes and goals

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected for this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 5-10 years in nonprofit fund development and communications with a proven track record of achieving fundraising result
• Prior experience in writing communication materials
• Passion for Stowe Land Trust's mission; experience in conservation sector a plus, but not required
• Excellent communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with CRM database applications

Salary: Salary range of $70k-80k, commensurate with experience

Benefits and Perks

• Family & Medical Leave
• Medical Insurance
• Paid Holidays
• Disability & Life Insurance
• Retirement Benefits
• Vacation Leave
• Parental Leave
• Career development opportunities
• Wellness perks, including staff outings

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your interest and qualifications through this page. No calls, please. Position is open until filled.

Join us for this exciting period of growth and contribute to land conservation and community engagement in the Stowe region.

Stowe Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, and does not discriminate in hiring or in the conditions of employment against any individual on the basis of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, age or genetic information of the employee or a family member, or against a qualified disabled individual, or against an individual on the test result from an HIV-related blood test, or against an individual on the basis of their veteran status, membership, or application for membership in the armed services, or against an individual on the basis of their health coverage status or crime victim status, or against an individual on the of their opposition to prohibited discrimination or participation in the complaint process. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including but not limited to hiring, placement, training, compensation, transfer, promotion, leave of absence, and termination.