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Director of Development

Stowe Land TrustStowe, VT

$90,000 - $110,000 / year

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Overview

Schedule
Full-time
Career level
Executive
Remote
Option for remote
Compensation
$90,000-$110,000/year
Benefits
Health Insurance
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance

Job Description

Director of Development

Title: Director of DevelopmentStatus: Full Time, Exempt (35 hours/week)Reports to: Executive DirectorSupervises: Communications and Community Engagement CoordinatorLocation: Stowe, Vermont, with some flexibility for occasional remote work

About Stowe Land Trust

Stowe Land Trust is a respected, member-supported 501(c)(3) conservation nonprofit serving the greater Stowe area since 1987. The organization has conserved more than 7,200 acres and completed 37 conservation easements that protect the region's forests, farmland, and recreational landscapes.

Our mission is to conserve the scenic, recreational, and ecological resources of the greater Stowe area for the benefit of the community and future generations.

Stowe Land Trust recognizes that effectively serving our community requires including voices from across it. We encourage historically marginalized individuals including members of Indigenous communities, people of color, transgender and nonbinary individuals, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities to apply.

Learn more at www.stowelandtrust.org

The Opportunity

Stowe Land Trust seeks an experienced and strategic Director of Development to lead the organization's fundraising program and support its continued growth.

This senior leadership role oversees a comprehensive development program to meet annual fundraising goals. The Director will lead major gifts, annual giving, foundation partnerships, and campaign strategy while strengthening the systems and relationships that sustain long-term conservation work.

The successful candidate will be a relationship-driven fundraiser with a demonstrated ability to secure six-figure gifts, cultivate meaningful donor partnerships, and guide sophisticated fundraising strategies. The Director will also help position the organization for future capital and comprehensive campaigns that support major conservation initiatives.

While the role is primarily focused on fundraising, the Director will provide strategic oversight of communications and marketing, ensuring that messaging and storytelling effectively support philanthropic engagement.

The Director of Development will serve as a key member of the leadership team and work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff to build a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Leadership

  • Lead and execute a comprehensive development strategy that supports annual fundraising goals.
  • Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects capable of making major gifts
  • Partner with the Executive Director and Board to strengthen donor relationships and fundraising engagement.
  • Identify new philanthropic opportunities and expand the organization's funding base.
  • Oversee foundation and grant strategy including prospect research, proposal development, and reporting.

    • Campaign Strategy

  • Provide strategic leadership for major fundraising campaigns, including campaign planning, prospect development, and volunteer engagement.
  • Help design and execute future capital or comprehensive campaigns that advance the organization's conservation priorities.
  • Coordinate with consultants and campaign volunteers as needed.

    • Donor Engagement and Programs

  • Oversee the organization's annual giving and membership programs.
  • Lead donor cultivation events and stewardship strategies.
  • Expand planned giving and corporate partnership initiatives.

    • Communications Strategy

  • Provide strategic oversight of communications and marketing to ensure alignment with fundraising priorities.
  • Guide messaging and storytelling that inspire philanthropic investment in conservation.
  • Supervise the Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator.

    • Leadership and Collaboration

  • Serve as a member of the organization's leadership team.
  • Partner with program staff to translate conservation priorities into compelling funding opportunities.
  • Support board members in their fundraising roles and strengthen the organization's culture of philanthropy.

  • Assess the staffing needs of communications and development team and build out the team as needed.

    • Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
  • 7–10+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including major gifts.
  • Demonstrated success closing major gifts.
  • Experience managing or contributing to large annual fundraising programs.
  • Experience participating in or helping lead a major fundraising campaign.
  • Strong relationship-building and donor stewardship skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • Passion for land conservation and community-based nonprofit work.

    • Salary

    $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience.

    Benefits

  • Medical insurance
  • Retirement benefits
  • Disability and life insurance
  • Paid holidays
  • Vacation leave
  • Family and medical leave
  • Parental leave
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Wellness benefits and staff outings

    • To Apply

    Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

    Stowe Land Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected status.

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    FAQs About Director of Development Jobs at Stowe Land Trust

    What is the work location for this position at Stowe Land Trust?
    This job at Stowe Land Trust is located in Stowe, VT, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
    What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Stowe Land Trust?
    Candidates can expect a pay range of $90,000 and $110,000 per year.
    What employment applies to this position at Stowe Land Trust?
    Stowe Land Trust lists this role as a Full-time position.
    What experience level is required for this role at Stowe Land Trust?
    Stowe Land Trust is looking for a candidate with "Executive" experience level.
    Does Stowe Land Trust allow remote work for this role?
    Yes, this position at Stowe Land Trust supports remote work, giving candidates the flexibility to work outside the primary office location.
    What benefits are offered by Stowe Land Trust for this role?
    Stowe Land Trust offers following benefits: Health Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Life Insurance for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.
    What is the process to apply for this position at Stowe Land Trust?
    You can apply for this role at Stowe Land Trust either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.