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North Carolina Coastal Land Trust

Director of Development

www.coastallandtrust.org

Wilmington, NC


The Organization

The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust is a non-profit organization formed in 1992 to help protect locally and regionally valuable natural areas and waters. Since its inception, the Coastal Land Trust has protected over 40,000 acres of barrier island beaches, riparian corridors, and other special natural areas. It enriches the coastal communities of our state through the acquisition of open space and natural areas, conservation education and the promotion of good land stewardship, protecting land, water and air quality to maintain coastal residents’ way of life.

The Coastal Land Trust is active throughout the Coastal Plain of North Carolina: in beaches, river corridors, farms, forests and marshes, sandhills and savannas, and public parks and greenways. It aspires to bring together citizens and landowners, natives and newcomers, to set aside lands for conservation. It helps local communities save the places they love for future generations. It supports working farms, recreation, and tourism to benefit North Carolina's economy.

The length of the North Carolina coast is blessed with barrier islands, bountiful waters, lush forests, family farms, diverse wildlife, and pristine beaches. With such a grand portfolio of conservation lands throughout the state's coastal region, stewardship is a continuing challenge for the Coastal Land Trust. Nine staff members and over 200 volunteers identify, protect and monitor the conservation properties, and raise awareness of and funding to support the work.

Members and private contributions are a primary source of operating income for the Coastal Land Trust. 1200 member households are already committed to the mission, and the Coastal Land Trust is positioned well for growth. Giving societies and local and state partnerships have strengthened its foundation, and its goals include accreditation in the near future. Through thoughtful planning, the Coastal Land Trust continues to strive to balance economic development by protecting the natural beauty and quality of life that draw residents and visitors to the coast.

THE AREA

The Coastal Land Trust is headquartered in Wilmington, NC with satellite offices in New Bern and Edenton. Close by the Cape Fear Coast beach communities, Wilmington has a charm and style all its own – befitting an historic port city with roots that go back almost three centuries and the energy of a thriving destination. To this day, visitors are reminded of its rich history by the grand old homes and tree-lined boulevards making Wilmington one of the most beautiful small cities in the south. Although not just a tourist town, Wilmington has many attractions and has become a popular destination because of its moderate, four-season climate, historic preservation district, annual events such as Riverfest and the Azalea Festival and numerous championship golf courses. In addition, the coastal plain, waterways and nearby beaches and barrier islands are a mecca for naturalists, water sports enthusiasts, beachcombers and seafood lovers and round out the wide variety of attractions in the Wilmington area.

The city has more than 99,000 residents and is home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. It is also home to a regional visual and performing arts center, a regional medical center and to Screen Gems Studios - North Carolina, one of the largest motion picture and television studios outside of Hollywood.

For more information about the Wilmington area, visit http://www.wilmington.net/ and the Wilmington and Cape Fear Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, http://www.cape-fear.nc.us/.

THE CANDIDATE

The Director of Development, reporting to the Executive Director, designs, manages and carries out the development program of the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust by raising the funds needed for operations, special projects, campaigns, stewardship endowments, and other initiatives. The Director of Development prepares the annual development plan for the organization and is directly engaged in implementing its fund-raising strategies, including donor research, cultivation and solicitation, grant-writing, donor database management, and special events, and evaluates the results achieved. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of fundraising, including creating and implementing strategies and initiatives for increasing funding, reaching out to the community to broaden name recognition, identifying resources needed to carry out the mission, strengthening relationships with members and donors, and embarking on capital and endowment campaigns as needed. The Director of Development is also responsible for prospecting, researching and cultivating major gift donors to join the Tidewater Society.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who thrives in a hard-working environment and enjoys taking charge and achieving results. He or she must be an independent, strategic thinker with strong analytical and organizational skills and attention to detail. The ability to manage multiple priorities with tight timelines is essential. The successful candidate will be both a hands-on team leader and team member working closely with staff, volunteers and Board members, who will lead efforts as well as support other staff when needed. He or she will promote a culture of philanthropy within the organization and expand connections in the region.

The Director of Development plays a key role in the organization which requires that the individual have a confident, polished approach. This person must present a professional image coupled with excellent verbal, written and presentation skills, and must understand the interpersonal dynamics involved in successful fundraising. The successful candidate will be articulate, sociable, smart and entrepreneurial, with a strong sense of integrity and the ability to develop strong community relationships across a diverse region. Above all, he or she must have a passion and interest for conservation or environmental work.

THE POSITION

This is a great opportunity for the new Director of Development to grow this position and organization and have a long-term impact on the region.  In this role, the Director of Development will be part of the leadership team responsible for strengthening and enhancing the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.  This high-energy position serves as a primary representative for Coastal Land Trust, requiring an individual who is able to communicate knowledge about relevant issues and a genuine passion for the mission.

Essential duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Lead, manage, carry out, and evaluate the Coastal Land Trust’s fund-raising initiatives, including major donor, corporate, foundation, membership and planned giving programs, to support the annual operational needs. Assess team and organizational structure and ensure alignment with best practices. Develop and implement comprehensive, strategic annual and long term fundraising plans.
  • Cultivate relationships with donor prospects, donors, Board members and others who may be instrumental in helping the Coastal Land Trust. Identify and engage individuals in an active and systematic giving program. Research, identify and cultivate existing and new relationships within the community and take an active role in soliciting additional sources of funding and potential partnerships. Build networks. Organize recruitment, cultivation and appreciation events for donors.
  • Conduct capital campaigns, endowment campaigns and special fundraising events, with a specific focus on major gift solicitation and cultivation.
  • Work with the Board of Directors Development Committee on fundraising projects and special events. Assist in recruiting and training volunteer leaders, arranging meetings, and providing other staff support for the Board.
  • Design and develop relevant materials (solicitation letters, thank you letters, grants, invitations, progress reports, brochures, correspondence, and marketing materials). Incorporate branding and community relations into development program. Increase name recognition of the organization.
  • Manage the donor database and donor files, ensuring effective utilization. Understand and implement donor prospect research strategies and techniques.
  • Supervise development team (2 employees); coordinate with staff in other program areas. Provide leadership of staff through communication, empowerment and delegation of duties, and program and employee evaluation. Work in partnership with staff involved in outreach, public relations and environmental education.
  • Provide annual revenue estimates for the budget from contributions and grants and annual projected expenses for the fundraising program. Prepare periodic fundraising and donor reports, analyses, evaluations and recommendations for the benefit of the Board, the Fundraising Committee, and other staff.
  • Comply with written procedures governing development tasks, updating and creating new procedures as needed. Ensure compliance with accreditation, regulatory, and funding requirements and guidelines. Understand and comply with all federal and state laws, rules and regulations, and all professional standards relating to fundraising
  • Serve as liaison with partner conservation groups to ensure representation for the Coastal Land Trust and to help with cooperative solicitations, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five (5) years nonprofit development experience with demonstrated success in raising major gifts, campaign management, membership programs, and annual and planned giving.
  • Demonstrated leadership in a team setting with a high level of energy. Proven administrative and/or management skills. Ability to work independently and on his/her own initiative. Knowledge of Board relations and volunteer management.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and lead a comprehensive program designed to raise funds and expand the organization’s base of support. Success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts. Specific experience in campaign development and management preferred.
  • Ability to evaluate, adjust and innovate to produce results. Ability to think strategically without losing focus and without losing attention to detail. Ability to listen perceptively and communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
  • Exceptional written communication skills and public speaking experience. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain confidentiality with diplomacy and tact. Ability to distill technical language into an exciting message that is easily understandable. Ability to effectively brand the organization and promote the mission in diverse regional communities.
  • Strong skills with word processing and database management programs. Strongly prefer experience with donor database software, preferably Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Power Point. Experience with social networking sites and internet fundraising a plus.
  • Ability to travel regionally and in-state, occasionally and overnight.
  • Knowledge of eastern North Carolina and/or statewide philanthropic community preferred; national experience a plus.
  • Genuine interest in nature, science, conservation or outdoor recreation.

______________________________________________________________________________

The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust has retained Capability Company, an executive search firm serving nonprofits, to conduct the Director of Development search. Submit your cover letter, resume, list of three professional references and salary requirements to:

Search Closed. Thank you for your interest.

The North Carolina Coastal Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from minority candidates. Additional information on the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust can be obtained through our website at www.coastallandtrust.org.