ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Job Description

Job Title : Associate Director of Development Development

Department : Development

Location: Main Office

Employment Status: FLSA Status

Reports To: Director of Development

Full-Time:  Exempt

Position Summary:

The Associate Director of Development (ADD) plays a critical role in advancing River Heritage Conservancy’s mission by supporting and implementing strategic fundraising initiatives, with a primary focus on grant writing, project management, and donor database oversight. Reporting to the Director of Development, the ADD will research and secure funding opportunities, oversee development projects, and ensure the effective management of donor information systems. This position requires a proactive, detail-oriented professional with exceptional writing and organizational skills, a deep understanding of fundraising best practices, and a proven ability to manage multiple priorities. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and a track record of cultivating meaningful relationships with funders, stakeholders, and internal teams to drive development success.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Associate Director of Development secures funding through strategic grant writing and implementation, including researching opportunities, crafting proposals, and managing grants from submission to compliance. This role fosters relationships with funders, maintains accurate records, and ensures timely reporting. Additionally, the Associate Director oversees development projects, coordinating with teams to ensure alignment, resolve challenges, and meet deadlines. The position manages the donor database/CRM system, tracks donor engagement, and supports fundraising strategies by providing actionable insights and training staff. Through effective communication, project oversight, and data-driven decision-making, the Associate Director drives the success of development initiatives.

Supervises: N/A

Key Responsibilities

· Grant Writing and Grant Implementation:

o Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from federal, state, and private foundation sources.

o Develop compelling grant proposals, including detailed budgets and supporting documentation.

o Manage the full lifecycle of grants, including submission, reporting, and compliance.

o Maintain accurate records of grant activity and ensure timely submission of all required reports and documentation.

o Cultivating and sustaining key relationships with funders and organizations that we are soliciting.

o Stay informed about funding trends, philanthropic priorities, and relevant sector developments.

· Project Management:

o Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development projects.

o Coordinate with various departments to ensure alignment and successful execution of projects.

o Monitor project progress, address challenges, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

o Communicating with funders to meet requirements for funding and project timelines.

o Prepare and present project status reports to senior leadership and stakeholders.

o Align development initiatives with organizational priorities and strategic goals.

· Database/CRM Oversight:

o Maintain and optimize the donor database/CRM system to ensure accurate and up-to-date donor information.

o Utilize the CRM to track and analyze donor interactions, identify trends, and support strategic fundraising initiatives.

o Train and support staff in using the CRM system effectively.

o Generate reports and provide insights to inform development strategies and decision-making.

Position Qualifications

o Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.

o Minimum of 5 years of experience in grant writing and fundraising, with a proven track record of securing significant funding.

o Strong project management skills with experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.

o Proficiency in using donor databases/CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge).

o Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

o Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

o Collaborative team player with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

o Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

o Experience working in environmental conservation or related sectors.

o Knowledge of local, state, and federal grant processes and requirements.

o Knowledge of data analysis tools or fundraising analytics is a plus.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

o The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

o To perform this job successfully, the employee is frequently required to communicate; listen; stand; use hands to grasp, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.

o The employee is frequently exposed to an office environment, with controlled temperatures. The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions including heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, ice, and fog.