Development Director

About the Role

The Development Director has strategic oversight and primary responsibility for HVA's core fundraising activities, with particular emphasis on major gifts and the annual fund. They conduct research, develop strategies, manage prospects and facilitate major asks made personally or by the Executive Director. They lead an interdepartmental team that includes a communications manager and advancement data coordinator, and they staff the Board's Development and Communications Committee. Additional responsibilities include promoting and cultivating legacy gifts and bequests and expanding support for the annual fund at key levels while increasing rates of donor retention. They also help develop and implement HVA's Marketing and Communications objectives and plan significant fundraising events. The Development Director is a senior leadership position and reports to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities

• Strategic oversight and primary responsibility for HVA's core fundraising activities, with particular emphasis on major gifts and the annual fund
• Conduct research, develop strategies, manage prospects and facilitate major asks made personally or by the Executive Director
• Lead an interdepartmental team that includes a communications manager and advancement data coordinator
• Staff the Board's Development and Communications Committee
• Promote and cultivate legacy gifts and bequests
• Expand support for the annual fund at key levels while increasing rates of donor retention
• Help develop and implement HVA's Marketing and Communications objectives
• Plan significant fundraising events

Requirements and Desired Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years' experience as a major gifts officer, associate director of philanthropy, or comparable position in the nonprofit sector, responsible for raising four, five and six-figure gifts in annual operating support
• Managing a personal donor portfolio of 60-80 major giving relationships and prospects
• Proven experience as a Development Director with strategic oversight and responsibility for organizational fundraising and communications is preferred but not an absolute requirement
• Adept at moves management, both within their own portfolio and for the organization overall
• Proficiency with Donor Perfect or similar donor management software required
• Organized, strategic mind will be a distinct advantage
• Ability to convert personal relationships with significant donors to deep connections with HVA and other key staff and supporters is a vital skill for growing and retaining the support needed
• Experience fundraising for environmental non-profits and/or within our core geography will be advantageous
• Ability to quickly grasp what sets HVA apart from our peers and what could make us a philanthropic priority for significant and potentially increased annual support is essential
• Genuine interest in and curiosity about the people who support our work and ability to communicate with them and listen effectively in a variety of settings is a key requirement

Pay

The salary range for this full-time position is $115,000-$140,000 based on demonstrated success in the desired areas of expertise and prior work experience.

Schedule

HVA maintains a hybrid work week with offices in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut and Pittsfield, Massachusetts. We offer significant flexibility regarding work hours, although this position will require some weekends.

Benefits

• 5% match to 403(b) contributions
• Six weeks of paid time off to start
• All federal holidays
• 100% coverage of the health plan we offer individual employees
• Collegial and supportive work environment