Director of Development

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Elizabeth River Project is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to restoring the health and resilience of the Elizabeth River and its surrounding watershed. Through science-based restoration, community partnerships, and innovative education, we work to bring back thriving habitats, support climate resilience, and inspire people to connect with their river.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development serves on the leadership team and supports the mission of the Elizabeth River Project by spearheading development efforts to sustain and grow organizational impact. This position oversees the development team, develops strategy, manages fundraising efforts, including major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, special events, and membership. The Director collaborates closely with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, Development Committee, and program staff to ensure alignment between fundraising initiatives and organizational goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Fundraising & Development

• Oversee annual fundraising to support ERP’s programs, operations, and long-term financial sustainability. 
• Oversee all fundraising efforts, including leadership giving, annual membership campaign, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, foundation grants, planned giving, acquisition mailings, direct mail appeals, and special initiatives.
• Oversee fundraising and cultivation events, including Drinks on the Deck and the ERP River Holiday Party.
• Develop a moves management system that supports donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects; conduct regular cultivation visits, solicit gifts, and ensure exceptional stewardship.
• Guide capital or special project campaigns, ensuring strong cases for support and coordinated outreach with staff and Board.
• Supervise, lead, and mentor the development team (Development Manager, Development Coordinator, Ryan Resilience Lab Administrator), promoting teamwork, accountability, and a donor-centered culture.
• Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communications to ensure donor communications, appeals, sponsorship materials, and stewardship messaging are compelling, consistent, and mission-aligned.

Grants & Applications

• Oversee corporate and foundation grant strategy, including support with writing proposals, timely reporting, and developing relationships with foundation partners.
• Develop and track proposals and reports for foundation and corporate fundraising when not managed by other staff.

Committee Support

• Development Committee
• Serve as lead staff to ERP’s Development Committee.
• Provide proactive support and gentle accountability to committee members as they identify, cultivate, and follow up with fundraising prospects.
• Recognize and celebrate committee members’ fundraising successes to encourage engagement and momentum.
• Prepare and maintain the Gift and Pledge Report for leadership and board gifts; provide timely updates to the Executive Director and Development Committee Chair(s).
• Governance Committee
• Work closely with the Executive Director to maintain a healthy pipeline for prospective board members.
• Support the Governance Committee on matters related to board giving, fundraising engagement, and development-related board expectations.

Administrative Functions and Other Duties

• Maintain organized digital and physical records of fundraising materials, correspondence, and event planning documents.
• Ensure stock transfer donations are processed accurately and in coordination with the Director of Finance and Raymond James Investments.
• Ensure high-quality donor data, forecasting, and analytics in support of strategic decision-making. 
• Work with the Director of Finance to reconcile monthly and for annual budgeting.
• Participate in Leadership meetings and work with Directors of each department to ensure a collaborative and supportive workplace.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Principles of fundraising, donor relations, and nonprofit development management.
• Best practices in communications, media relations, and public engagement.
• Event planning and sponsorship development strategies.
• Familiarity with foundation and corporate grant processes.
• Understanding donor database management systems.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Fundraising & Relationship Building: Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and sponsors.
• Organization & Coordination: Strong planning and multitasking skills; ability to manage complex timelines and multiple projects.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication; adept at creating compelling fundraising materials and correspondence.
• Technical Competence: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; comfortable using donor databases and online grant systems.
• Team Leadership: Skilled in supervising staff and volunteers, providing direction, and fostering a collaborative work environment.

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities.
• Creativity & Adaptability: Develops innovative approaches to engage donors and broaden outreach.
• Analytical Thinking: Tracks fundraising data, evaluates progress, and uses information to guide future strategies.
• Interpersonal Sensitivity: Works effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders; communicates tactfully and diplomatically.
• Perseverance: Demonstrates commitment and persistence in achieving fundraising goals despite challenges.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree and/or CFRE preferred.
• 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including major gifts.
• Demonstrated success in leadership, strategy development, and relationship-building.
• Strong interest in environmental stewardship and the mission of the Elizabeth River Project.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• An acceptable general background check to include a criminal history check.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable personal transportation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5–20 pounds).
• Tasks may involve extended periods at a computer or workstation.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.
• Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

POSITION PARAMETERS

Reports to: Executive Director

This is a full-time, exempt, salaried position for 40 hours a week with a comprehensive benefits package. The salary range for this position is $85,000 - $100,000, commensurate with experience.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send an email including your resume and cover letter to Jaye Farrell, jfarrell@elizabethriver.org.