Director of Development

About the Organization: Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting clean water for present and future generations. As the watchdog for New Jersey’s 470-square-mile Upper Raritan River watershed, we safeguard a region spanning 38 municipalities across Hunterdon, Somerset, and Morris counties. More than 300,000 people rely directly on the natural resources of our watershed, and another 1.5 million residents downstream depend on the water we protect for their drinking water supply. RHA advances its mission through science, education, advocacy, land preservation, and stewardship. RHA is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Role and Responsibilities: RHA’s fundraising program supports a multi-million-dollar annual operating budget and has a growing base of individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners. The Development Director serves as RHA’s senior fundraising strategist, with significant autonomy to shape and lead revenue strategy. The Director collaborates closely with the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and staff to drive innovative development strategies, build partnerships, and oversee a talented team that supports our organization’s mission and financial sustainability.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Development Strategy: Set the vision and goals for development. Spearhead the creation and execution of strategies to diversify funding sources and stimulate growth, with a focus on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors, major gifts, corporate and foundation funding, and planned giving as growing revenue sources. Personally manage a portfolio of major and leadership-level donors while strengthening RHA’s emerging planned giving program.
• Team Leadership: Lead a team responsible for executing RHA’s fundraising strategy, including annual giving campaigns, grant acquisition, events, volunteer coordination, and communications. Provide clear direction, mentorship, and accountability to drive strong performance and professional growth across the development function.
• Data-Driven Efficiency: Cultivate a data-driven decision-making culture that optimizes internal processes and leverages tools like Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge to support efficient fundraising. Build and steward a robust pipeline of funders and partners aligned with RHA’s strategic priorities, mission, and values. Establish a structured approach to reporting and research to inform strategic donor-cultivation efforts.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate closely with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and Management Team to align development efforts with organizational objectives. Prepare reports for the Board, donor impact data, and presentations for meetings and planning sessions. Serve as the primary liaison for the Development Committee, providing staff and Board members with guidance on donor engagement and major gift solicitation. Be conversant in RHA’s programs and effectively communicate the Association’s mission and impact to inspire and attract new donors and funding sources. Serve as a visible ambassador for RHA, engaging donors, partners, and community leaders through site visits, events, and one-on-one cultivation meetings.
• Financial Oversight and Forecasting: Provide regular revenue forecasts and partner with Finance on the annual budget process. Proactively identify revenue risks and pursue new funding opportunities to align with operational goals. Exercise appropriate budget oversight and contribute to long-term financial planning and sustainability.

Experience and Qualifications include:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or business development, preferably in leadership roles.
• Proven track record in individual giving, major gifts, grants, and fundraising strategy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including comfort with public speaking.
• Detail-oriented with strong time-management skills and the ability to work independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and manage fundraising budgets.
• Experience in leading and motivating teams.
• Knowledge of Blackbaud platforms is a plus.
• Demonstrated commitment to RHA’s mission and goals.
• Sensitivity and ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.

Job Type: This full-time exempt position reports to the Executive Director and offers a hybrid schedule of three office days and two remote days. Occasional night and weekend hours are required.

Salary: Minimum $90,000. This represents the minimum salary. Raritan Headwaters Association is committed to hiring the most qualified candidate and is seeking candidates with exceptional experience and accomplishments. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications.

Benefits:

• 403(b) plan with matching contributions
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Professional development.

How to Apply: Please send a resume and letter of interest, including salary requirements or expectations, to Executive Director Mara Tippett at mtippett@raritanheadwaters.org.