Director of Development

The Eno River Association seeks an experienced development professional to lead its fundraising and external communications programs. This senior leader plays a key role in achieving the Association’s mission, by creating, implementing, and monitoring comprehensive and diversified plans for fundraising and community partnership. We strongly value a diversity of people and experiences and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Read our full Environmental Justice / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Vision Statement on our website. 

The Eno River Association is an accredited land trust and environmental nonprofit driven by a mission to protect the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Eno River basin. Our vision is that the natural and human communities within the Eno River basin thrive and are resilient; the Eno River provides for the physical and spiritual health of all; residents of the river basin act and advocate for conservation of natural, historical, and cultural resources, for their intrinsic values and their ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

The Director of Development will join an organization with a 57-year history of grassroots membership and volunteer support, combined with recent growth in revenue and program delivery. Since 2019, the Association has seen a 163% growth in contributed income, which has supported four new staff positions and significant expansion in programs and services. Contributed income accounts for 63% of the Association’s revenue: 47% from individual memberships and donations, 40% foundations and government support, and 13% corporations and businesses, including Festival for the Eno sponsorships. 

As the Association moves into year two of its 2023-2027 strategic plan, the Director of Development will build on recent successes to ensure long term stability, optimization of revenue generation, and effective strategies around community partnerships and communications. Over a million people visit the seven public parks and natural areas supported by the Association – there is room to make an impact here at the Eno River Association!

As a small operation with projected expansion, the Director of Development must have demonstrated experience leading a multi-person external affairs and advancement team, combined with a willingness to directly implement all components of the development operation. This position manages the Development Manager, a volunteer-led development committee, and will likely oversee additional community engagement staff within the next two years. This role also interfaces with education, land protection, stewardship, and other departments frequently.

Position Highlights:

• Participate as an active member of the Association’s senior leadership team by supporting strategic planning goals, championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice practices, and facilitating internal partnerships and collaborations to ensure that the work of the Association routinely and creatively supports fundraising and communication goals.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for the Association, actively seeking opportunities to participate in events that position the organization for improved visibility and fundraising; develop a thorough knowledge of Association’s history, programs and major milestones and the key leaders, volunteers, and donors who have contributed to its success.
• Provide visionary, strategic, and operational leadership across all development programs through creating and executing annual development plans with clearly defined goals, objectives, timelines, and assignment of responsibilities, developing budgets and goals to support the plans, and overseeing processes and procedures related to fundraising including stewardship activities, gift acceptance policies, and grants management.
• Personally manage giving programs for individuals giving over $1,000 annually by working a portfolio of current and prospective major individual donors, leveraging Wildflower Society and Legacy Member programs, and assisting the Executive Director, board, and other staff and volunteer fundraisers in leveraging their relationships for participation in fundraising.
• Partner with program directors to drive robust corporate, government, and foundation giving through grant writing and corporate sponsorships to fund education, land protection, stewardship, and other programs, and offset general operating and capital improvement expenses.
• Guide overall strategy and ensure implementation of Association marketing and communication functions through comprehensive communications plans that incorporate programs, properties, events, fundraising, and other goals. All staff at the Eno River Association support the communications and marketing goals for their programs and the organization through content creation and execution of communication pieces. The Development Manager, in particular, is responsible for managing Association publications and social media.

Job Requirements

• Commitment to viewing all work through an anti-racist and equity lens.
• At least five years of successful fundraising experience in a nonprofit organization with a working knowledge of all areas within development, including major gifts, annual giving, membership, corporate and foundation giving, planned giving campaigns and research. 
• A proven record of personal achievement exceeding ambitious revenue targets including securing gifts of five-figures or more and creating new and/or reinvigorating existing fundraising programs. 
• Experienced networker, enthusiastic about making connections, attending events and being visible in places that benefit the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to authentically listen and speak to donors, volunteers, partners, and community members.
• Ability to be a team player with a sense of humor, a strong commitment to community-driven environmental protection, and the ability to work well independently.
• Working knowledge of database management, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Workspace; ability to learn other job-specific tools (DonorPerfect, Constant Contact, Canva).
• Comfortable being outdoors for extensive periods in all weather conditions (heat or cold).

Preferred But Not Required

• Bilingual in Spanish and English

The position is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, exempt from overtime. Most work will take place during regular working hours, but evening and weekend work may be necessary. Please note: all employees are required to support the programs that the Eno River Association hosts July 4th and New Year’s Day, so flexible holiday dates are offered instead. 

Compensation: Salary will be $70,000 - $80,000 commensurate with experience. Our benefits package includes paid vacation, PTO, health insurance reimbursement, and a 403(b). The Director of Development will be based out of the administrative office in Durham, with an option to work up to two days per week from a remote location.

To apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and where you learned of the opening to [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until September 3 or until the position is filled. Phone screenings will occur September 5-7, with in-person interviews to follow. Ideal start date is October 11, 2023.