Director of Development

TITLE:                             Director of Development
SUPERVISOR:               Executive Director
LOCATION:                  Wilmington, NC
DATE:                            July 2025
CLASSIFICATION:        Full-time, Permanent, Exempt
SALARY RANGE:          $70,000 to $95,000

DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION:

The Coastal Land Trust (CLT) is a high-performing, accredited, regional land trust with a reputation for excellence. It works to enrich North Carolina through the conservation of natural areas and working landscapes, education, and the promotion of good land stewardship in the 31 counties of eastern NC. Since 1992, more than 90,000 acres of land with scenic, recreational, historic, and/or ecological value have been protected.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Director of Development is a member of the Coastal Land Trust’s leadership team and is responsible for two key interrelated areas: fundraising and external communications. The overarching responsibility of the Director of Development is to secure the resources needed to carry out the mission of the Coastal Land Trust. This position works closely with the Executive Director and the rest of the leadership team to ensure the financial stability and growth of the organization.

This position requires thorough knowledge of non-profit fundraising and communications strategies and practices, strategic thinking, creativity, excellent organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to plan, develop, and implement multiple fundraising and communication strategies simultaneously. Key responsibilities include developing fundraising and communication strategies and goals, overseeing the implementation of fundraising strategies and leading the effort to secure the funding needed for operations, special projects, capital campaigns, stewardship, land management, and other programs as needed.

DUTIES:

Development

• Serve as a member of the leadership team, participating fully in organizational decisions.
• Develop the strategic and annual fundraising program of the organization, and lead staff members and Board Directors in the successful execution of the revenue strategy.
• Develop and direct a stewardship program for existing annual leadership donors, and develop and implement on-going practices to identify and cultivate potential new leadership donors.
• Directly manage and cultivate a portfolio of current and potential major donors.
• Ensure legacy donors remain connected to the organization, and identify and cultivate new legacy gift prospects.
• Manage and improve processes to effectively and efficiently identify, cultivate, steward and solicit donors at all levels of giving.
• Ensure the development of a strong grant pipeline, managing and/or directly writing grant proposals and reports for non-land acquisition projects, and build relationships with key corporate and foundation contacts.
• Grow the organization’s annual support from corporate entities and seek to develop sources of on-going reliable revenue.
• Develop strategy and oversee execution of public events to increase awareness, raise funds, and/or offer an effective entry point to the organization.
• Lead capital and special fundraising campaigns as needed.
• Comply with all federal and state laws, rules and regulations, all professional and ethical standards, and best practices related to fund-raising;

Communications

• Develop and drive CLT’s strategic communications plan.
• Oversee and direct all the organization’s external communications to achieve both mission outcomes and fundraising goals.
• Seek outreach opportunities to build greater awareness of the Coastal Land Trust.

Administration

• Supervise Development and Communications Team of 3+/- employees; develop staff goals and work plans, track progress, provide coaching and feedback routinely, and complete annual performance reviews.
• Prepare detailed revenue estimates, projected expenses, annual budgets, and updates for the Leadership Team and Board.
• Oversee the effective use and maintenance of the donor database.
• Oversee the production of fundraising materials.

Other Job Requirements

• Ability to travel out of town for events or to meet with donors including occasional overnight travel, valid driver’s license and clean driving record required.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
• Good general computer skills and experience with nonprofit CRM systems
• Passion for the mission of the Coastal Land Trust.
• Ability to work independently and on his/her own initiative as well as part of a team.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Eight or more years in fundraising and/or communications experience in a non-profit setting.
• Excellent knowledge of current fundraising and communications trends and best practices.
• Excellent writing skills, good presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability or track record of building successful relationships with donors.
• Experience and success in managing employees.
• Familiarity with eastern North Carolina history and culture a definite plus.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

• The salary range for this position is $70,000- $95,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered at 100% coverage for employees, as well as a 3% match in a SIMPLE IRA plan after earning $5,000 in compensation.
• Generous paid sick and vacation leave, paid holidays.