Description
The Northcoast Regional Land Trust (NRLT) seeks an organized, strategic, and relationship-driven Development Director to lead and grow fundraising for a dynamic conservation nonprofit serving northwestern California. The Development Director is a senior leadership role responsible for planning, implementing, and strengthening the organization’s fundraising and donor engagement activities. Specific duties include overseeing annual giving, major gifts, events, grants, business sponsorships, planned giving, and donor stewardship. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board, staff, and key volunteers, this role develops and oversees strategies to grow revenue, deepen relationships, and strengthen long-term organizational sustainability. Funds raised by this role directly protect thousands of acres of working lands and wildlife habitat.
Download the Full Job Description and Application Packet here
Start Date: April 1, 2026 (or as mutually agreed)
Status: Full-time, 32-40 hours/week (negotiable)
Starting Pay Range: $36-44/hour, depending on experience
Benefits: Generous paid holiday + vacation leave; paid sick leave; employer-paid health insurance; up to 3% SIMPLE IRA match; flexible schedule, and professional development support.
Application Review Begins: March 18, 2026 (open until filled)
Requirements
Key Responsibilities:
Fund Development Leadership & Strategy
- Lead all fundraising programs, including annual campaigns, major gifts, sponsorships, monthly giving, and planned giving.
- Develop and implement annual and five-year fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals.
- Identify prospects and design cultivation strategies with the Executive Director and Board’s Friend and Fundraising Committee.
- Collaborate on grant strategy, proposal development, reporting, and funder relations.
- Support donor facing elements of key organizational events, such as the Freshwater Farms Reserve Summer Celebration and our Annual Celebration, Boots & Birkenstocks.
- Prepare proposals, presentations, and donor materials.
Donor Engagement
- Oversee donor recognition and stewardship systems.
- Ensure coordinated donor communication across the organization, including with staff, Board, and advisors.
- Partner with outreach and communications staff to produce compelling donor-facing content.
Data & Systems Management
- Oversee gift processing and database integrity using DonorPerfect or similar CRM.
- Ensure timely, compliant donor acknowledgments.
- Train staff on CRM best practices and reporting tools.
Board & Committee Partnership
- Serve as staff liaison to the Board’s Friend and Fundraising Committee.
- Provide fundraising training for Board, staff, and volunteers.
- Prepare reports and analysis for leadership.
- Maintain practices consistent with NRLT policy, Land Trust Alliance standards, and accreditation requirements.
Organizational Leadership
- Represent NRLT professionally in public and community settings.
- Maintain effective working relationships with partners and stakeholders.
- Uphold confidentiality and ethical standards.
- Participate in staff and organizational planning.
Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years fundraising/development experience.
- Minimum 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
- Interest in land conservation and stewardship.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated organizational and project-management ability.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
- Proficiency with databases/CRM systems, spreadsheets, and standard office software.
- Grant writing and reporting experience.
- Valid driver’s license and current auto insurance.
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
- Ability to navigate outdoor terrain, including walking one mile or more on uneven surfaces during donor visits and events, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Hybrid schedule may be considered after demonstrated performance and training.
Application Instructions
Email the following as a single PDF (preferred) to jobs@ncrlt.org:
- Application cover sheet (see attached)
- Cover letter
- Resume
- List of at least three professional references
- Optional supporting materials (≤ 4 pages)
Review of applications begins March 18, 2026.