Swan Valley Connections (SVC) is seeking an experienced Development Director to lead our fundraising and development efforts. The ideal candidate will be passionate about our mission, vision, and values; recognize the value of the Swan Valley within the Crown of the Continent ecosystem; be a strong storyteller and writer; be organized and excited to build efficient and effective systems; driven to foster connections and build relationships; and have demonstrated experience in relationship building and nonprofit fundraising.

SVC is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the heart of the Swan Valley, a wild and working landscape nestled between the Bob Marshall and Mission Mountains Wilderness in northwest Montana. The mission of SVC is to inspire conservation and expand stewardship in the Swan Valley and beyond. SVC does this by offering educational opportunities for people of all ages, identities, and backgrounds; working with private landowners to bring them technical expertise and cost-share assistance; collaborating with public land managers to conduct research, monitoring, and project coordination; and providing community and visitor services.

Job Summary: The Development Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership of fundraising, philanthropy, and development efforts. The Development Director will work closely with the Managing Directors, Board of Directors, staff members, volunteers, and external stakeholders to ensure the long-term success and financial sustainability of the organization. The Development Director reports to the Managing Director of Education and Connection. This position is primarily responsible for the development and stewardship of fundraising and philanthropic support. Although much of the work can be done remotely, the position requires significant time on-site and at SVC events. Residence in the Swan River Watershed is encouraged; living within commuting distance is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Fundraising

• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic fundraising strategy to best use existing staff and board resources to secure financial support from diverse sources, including grants, individual donations, sponsorships, corporate partnerships, and planned giving.
• Stay abreast of emerging fundraising trends, policies, technologies, and funding opportunities in watershed conservation.
• Expand and cultivate the Major Donor Base - work closely with the Managing Directors and Board of Directors to:
•  Identify major donor prospects.
• Conduct appropriate donor research.
• Manage donor database to inform donor development and stewardship strategy.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement major donor cultivation, solicitation, and retention strategies that lead to sustained and increased giving levels.
• Plan and implement all annual and special appeals.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of existing appeals and develop new strategies and appeals as appropriate.

Grants Management

• Identify and research prospective foundations.
• Write and submit grant proposals for general operations and coordinate with the appropriate Managing Director for specific conservation and education opportunities.
• Cultivate, develop, and maintain relationships with key foundation staff/trustees.
• Maintain grant submission and reporting calendar.
• Ensure that all grant reporting requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Develop, market, and implement a comprehensive planned giving program, with the initial emphasis placed on bequests and charitable gift annuities.
• Implement corporate and business support program and develop a strategy for increasing corporate/business support.
• Work closely with the Managing Directors to plan, market, organize, and successfully execute a variety of special fundraising and donor cultivation events.
• Prepare and administer the development program budget.

Board Engagement

• Lead the Development Committee
• Motivate board members to become involved in fundraising and development initiatives.
• Work with individual board members to develop cultivation and solicitation strategies for specific donors and prospects, and provide key staff support for their efforts.

Communications

• Work with the Creative and Communications Director to ensure effective internal and external communication channels to engage stakeholders, donors, volunteers, and the public in development and fundraising.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in a development role within a non-profit organization, preferably in the environmental or conservation sector.
• Track record of successful fundraising, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and corporate partnerships.
• Excellent leadership and organization skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff and volunteers.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent public speaking ability, with the capacity to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
• Financial management skills, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners and stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, private foundations, and community groups.
• Knowledge of watershed conservation principles, best practices, and policy frameworks.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and policies relating to 501(c) (3) organizations.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Note: This job description is a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications typically associated with the role of a Development Director in a watershed conservation non-profit organization. The specific duties and requirements may vary depending on the organization's strategic plan and in-place services.

Benefits: Paid annual leave, paid sick leave, paid federal holidays, paid parental leave, SIMPLE IRA retirement savings plan with employer match, and health insurance with employer contribution