Director of Development

Organization Description: Freshwater Future is a catalyst for community action that strengthens policies designed to safeguard the waters of the Great Lakes region. We help create and strengthen community action on water by providing grants and professional development services to over 2,000 community groups working on local issues impacting their water. Through this engagement with groups, we learn of and track emerging issues that impact many communities in the region, and are able to synthesize those concerns into strategic policy solutions. We elevate the voices of many communities to the state, provincial and federal level where policy change happens. We champion the causes of communities and have taken leadership roles in coordinating on issues such as stopping Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, securing over $5 billion for Great Lakes restoration activities, and passing the Great Lakes Compact to prevent diversions of Great Lakes water. Job Summary: The Director of Development will plan and implement a fundraising program to provide for the short- and long-term needs of the organization. Essential Functions:  Lead a partnership with the Executive Director, leadership team, and Board of Directors, and to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, including annual, five-year, and long-term goals with a focus on growth.  Implement development strategy annually, meeting (or exceeding) revenue goals and strengthening donor relationships.  Manage and grow a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.  Identify and qualify new prospects to strengthen major gifts program.  Position the Executive Director, members of the Board, and other leaders to make asks, where appropriate, taking the lead on all moves management and strategy.  Work closely with the Database Manager to ensure donor data and coding information is accurately recorded, maintained, and utilized in EveryAction.  Oversee donor communications, timely acknowledgements, and stewardship processes.  In collaboration with the communications staff, develop and produce relevant and informative material—proposals, appeals, newsletters, and impact reports.  Develop and adeptly manage special campaigns, annual appeals, and matching gift opportunities while maintaining strong support for core operations.  Implement and grow a formalized planned giving program.  Support and engage the Board of Directors and volunteers in key fundraising efforts. Required Skills/Abilities:  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (nonprofit leadership, communications, business, or related field preferred)  Three years of experience in fundraising for a nonprofit organization. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.  Strong written and verbal skills, especially in persuasive and donor-facing contexts.  Experience in major gifts fundraising, corporate engagement, grant writing and reporting, and nonprofit events.  Keen ability to build relationships and effectively engage diverse stakeholders.  Experience with EveryAction a plus.  Ability to balance multiple competing priorities, meet goals in a timely manner, and work independently in a small team environment.  Knowledge of tax planning principles and techniques that favor charitable giving.  Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.  High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to equity and inclusion. Preferred Qualifications:  Experience working in a small or regional nonprofit setting.  Knowledge of Great Lakes Basin philanthropic landscape.  Academic or professional experience in water quality, local advocacy, watchdog, or infrastructure work. Work Environment:  This position is remote, with travel to donor meetings or engagement opportunities expected as relevant. Travel expenses are reimbursed by the organization.  The Director of Development will participate in management decisions for the organization, in collaboration with the Executive Director and leadership team. Position Type: The Director of Development is a full-time, permanent position. Job location is negotiable within the Great Lakes region. Compensation: Salary Range – $72,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience. Generous benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement, disability insurance, and paid time off. Freshwater Future is an equal opportunity employer. To apply please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Organization Description: Freshwater Future is a catalyst for community action that strengthens policies designed to safeguard the waters of the Great Lakes region. We help create and strengthen community action on water by providing grants and professional development services to over 2,000 community groups working on local issues impacting their water. Through this engagement with groups, we learn of and track emerging issues that impact many communities in the region, and are able to synthesize those concerns into strategic policy solutions. We elevate the voices of many communities to the state, provincial and federal level where policy change happens. We champion the causes of communities and have taken leadership roles in coordinating on issues such as stopping Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, securing over $5 billion for Great Lakes restoration activities, and passing the Great Lakes Compact to prevent diversions of Great Lakes water. Job Summary: The Director of Development will plan and implement a fundraising program to provide for the short- and long-term needs of the organization. Essential Functions:  Lead a partnership with the Executive Director, leadership team, and Board of Directors, and to develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan, including annual, five-year, and long-term goals with a focus on growth.  Implement development strategy annually, meeting (or exceeding) revenue goals and strengthening donor relationships.  Manage and grow a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.  Identify and qualify new prospects to strengthen major gifts program.  Position the Executive Director, members of the Board, and other leaders to make asks, where appropriate, taking the lead on all moves management and strategy.  Work closely with the Database Manager to ensure donor data and coding information is accurately recorded, maintained, and utilized in EveryAction.  Oversee donor communications, timely acknowledgements, and stewardship processes.  In collaboration with the communications staff, develop and produce relevant and informative material—proposals, appeals, newsletters, and impact reports.  Develop and adeptly manage special campaigns, annual appeals, and matching gift opportunities while maintaining strong support for core operations.  Implement and grow a formalized planned giving program.  Support and engage the Board of Directors and volunteers in key fundraising efforts. Required Skills/Abilities:  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (nonprofit leadership, communications, business, or related field preferred)  Three years of experience in fundraising for a nonprofit organization. Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.  Strong written and verbal skills, especially in persuasive and donor-facing contexts.  Experience in major gifts fundraising, corporate engagement, grant writing and reporting, and nonprofit events.  Keen ability to build relationships and effectively engage diverse stakeholders.  Experience with EveryAction a plus.  Ability to balance multiple competing priorities, meet goals in a timely manner, and work independently in a small team environment.  Knowledge of tax planning principles and techniques that favor charitable giving.  Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.  High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to equity and inclusion. Preferred Qualifications:  Experience working in a small or regional nonprofit setting.  Knowledge of Great Lakes Basin philanthropic landscape.  Academic or professional experience in water quality, local advocacy, watchdog, or infrastructure work. Work Environment:  This position is remote, with travel to donor meetings or engagement opportunities expected as relevant. Travel expenses are reimbursed by the organization.  The Director of Development will participate in management decisions for the organization, in collaboration with the Executive Director and leadership team. Position Type: The Director of Development is a full-time, permanent position. Job location is negotiable within the Great Lakes region. Compensation: Salary Range – $72,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience. Generous benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement, disability insurance, and paid time off. Freshwater Future is an equal opportunity employer. To apply please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected].