Development Director

Position Summary:

FRLT is seeking an experienced leader to guide the strategic development and execution of a comprehensive fund development and communications program that will sustain and grow revenue to advance FRLT’s mission. They will join a passionate and experienced team and work collaboratively to shape the future of our “grassroots and growing strong” local nonprofit. The Development Director leads all aspects of fundraising, marketing, and communications, including major donor cultivation and solicitation, planned giving, direct mail, annual giving, grant program, and capital campaigns. We are excited to welcome a new leader who shares our team’s passion, fosters a positive work environment and a culture of philanthropy, and is motivated to make a lasting impact in the Feather River region.

A successful Development Director will be a relationship-focused fundraiser with experience soliciting and securing major gifts. They will enthusiastically engage supporters, understand motivations for giving, and offer supporters meaningful opportunities to contribute to FRLT’s core programs, initiatives, and capital campaigns. They will be an experienced manager overseeing a team of three with additional contractors under management as required. As part of the leadership team, the Development Director will work closely with the Board, Executive Director, and other team leads to shape overall organizational strategy, identify opportunities, and solve problems.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Fundraising Leadership

• Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy to actively grow FRLT’s donor base at all levels
• Collaboratively lead the fundraising team to grow major giving and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects to secure leadership gifts 
• Lead giving circle programs (Vision, Legacy, Monthly) and personally build lasting relationships with individual donors to ensure donors can accomplish their charitable goals 
• Co-lead strategy and execution of special campaigns for key programs, land acquisitions, capital improvements, and property endowments, developing strong cases for giving
• Lead institutional giving, cultivate new partners, and develop strategies to secure new sources of funding from foundations, partners, and businesses 
• In partnership with team, plan and implement donor events, celebrations, and tours
• Strengthen and grow FRLT’s planned giving program
• Represent FRLT in community and public forms including through speaking engagements to build philanthropic support for mission
• Build relationships with professional advisors and stay abreast of trends and tools in philanthropy to guide strategy

Organizational Leadership

• Lead and mentor Development and Communications team members, set team objectives and workplans, and manage department vendors and contractors 
• Regularly report department activities and impact to FRLT Board, partners, and funders
• Cultivate a culture of philanthropy across the organization, including sharing donor voices with Board and leadership, and supporting staff, Board, and volunteers to be fundraising ambassadors

Operations & Systems Management

• Manage department software and databases and platforms (CRM, events, donor search, and email marketing) and streamline operations between systems
• Ensure fundraising and communications data is clean and well-structured, conduct data analyses, and establish processes to integrate insights into fundraising and marketing approaches
• Ensure consistent gift tracking, timely donor acknowledgement, and compliance with ethical fundraising standards and legal requirements
• Enhance and develop policies and standard operating procedures to guide department functions

Communications, Marketing, and Public Engagement

• Develop marketing strategies to grow FRLT’s audience and engagement across multiple channels
• Direct and support the planning, creation, and use of all fundraising and communications collateral 
• Coordinate and deliver public outreach activities, including public relations, public presentations, promotions, and special donor and fundraising events

Grants Management

• In coordination with Executive Director and fundraising team, develop grants strategy, qualify grant prospects, lead strategic prioritization of grant solicitations
• Write and review grant proposals to foundations and agencies (state and federal)
• Oversee management of grants process and ensure grant applications and reporting requirements and deadlines are met, taking ownership of some grants, and delegating grant responsibilities across team

Candidate Profile:

The qualifications listed are guidelines. Your education, work experience (both paid and volunteer), and life experience all contribute to your skills and competencies. If you feel you meet 75% of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply.

QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES:

The role of the Development Director requires knowledge and skills equivalent to: 

• Seven to ten years of relevant experience—with increasing responsibilities—in fundraising, marketing, communications, or nonprofit management, and completion of 4-year college degree in a relevant field of study. Consideration will be given to candidates demonstrating comparable qualifications acquired through any combination of relevant education and experience. 
• Senior-level fundraising or marketing experience with progressive levels of responsibility
• Proven ability to energetically recruit, engage, and retain donors and ensure a positive donor experience, with success securing gifts of $10,000 and above
• A masterful communicator with compelling presentation and public speaking skills
• Experience directly leading, motivating, and managing a team
• Experience writing and winning grants from foundations and/or state or federal agencies
• An aptitude for using data to drive strategy and experience working with various CRMs, content management systems, digital marketing platforms, and websites
• Committed to conservation and FRLT’s mission, with an ability to translate this into an exciting vision when communicating with donors and staff
• Strong proficiency with MS Office Suite
• A self-aware leader who values open communication and is motivated to grow professionally
• Must have own vehicle, valid driver’s license, and be willing to travel on short notice within region, with 3 to 4 trips outside of region annually 

Compensation & Benefits

The starting salary range for this position is $80,000-109,000, depending on experience and qualifications. The benefits package includes flexible Paid Time Off (PTO), paid time for personal wellness, and after an introductory period, eligibility for all FRLT benefits, including the opportunity to enroll in Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance (50% premium paid) and retirement program (SIMPLE IRA with 3% matching of yearly earnings). This is a full-time, exempt position.

FRLT is an equal opportunity employer to all without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

To Apply:

Please send the following items—combined into 1 PDF document—to apply@frlt.org:

• 1) your current resume, 2) a short letter (1 page max) that describes your background, experience, and fit for this role, and 3) the names, emails, and phone contacts for three (3) professional references (we will consult you before we contact references). 

Applications reviewed as received. Deadline to apply: July 19, 2026.