Development Director | Lead Philanthropy for Clean Water & Conservation

Raritan Headwaters Association (RHA) is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Development Director to lead and grow the fundraising program of one of New Jersey’s leading watershed conservation organizations.

This is an opportunity for a seasoned development professional to step into a senior leadership role with significant autonomy, strong organizational support, and a compelling mission. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Trustees, and a talented staff team, the Development Director will help shape RHA’s next phase of growth and deepen the relationships that sustain our work to protect clean water, natural lands, and healthy communities.

RHA protects the water and natural resources of New Jersey’s 470-square-mile Upper Raritan River watershed, spanning 38 municipalities across Hunterdon, Somerset, and Morris counties.

More than 300,000 people live within the watershed, and approximately 1.5 million people downstream depend on its water as a source of drinking water. From our headquarters at the 170-acre Fairview Farm Wildlife Preserve in Bedminster, RHA advances its mission through science, land preservation, restoration, education, advocacy, and community engagement.

Our work is ambitious, hands-on, and highly collaborative. The Development Director will join an organization with a strong reputation, an engaged Board and donor community, a multi-million-dollar annual budget, and significant opportunities to expand philanthropic support.

RHA is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

The Development Director serves as RHA’s senior fundraising strategist and a key member of the organization’s leadership team.

The Director will lead a comprehensive development program that includes individual and major giving, foundations, corporate partnerships, planned giving, annual campaigns, and special events. A particular priority will be building deeper relationships with individual donors and expanding RHA’s major and planned giving programs.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both strategy and relationships
: someone who can see the big picture, build a strong fundraising pipeline, and also genuinely enjoy sitting down with donors, introducing them to RHA’s work, and helping them find meaningful ways to support it.

The Development Director will have considerable opportunity to shape the program rather than simply administer an existing model.

Develop and execute a comprehensive development plan that supports RHA’s strategic priorities and long-term financial sustainability. Identify opportunities to diversify and grow philanthropic revenue across individual giving, major gifts, foundations, corporations, and planned giving.

Personally manage and grow a portfolio of major and leadership-level donors and prospects. Create thoughtful strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, including donor meetings, site visits, events, and other opportunities to connect supporters directly with RHA’s mission and impact.

Strengthen RHA’s major gifts program and help build an emerging planned giving program, creating opportunities for donors to make transformational and legacy investments in clean water and conservation.

Provide clear direction, mentorship, and support to staff responsible for development activities including annual giving, grants, events, communications, and donor engagement. Foster a collaborative, creative, and results-oriented culture.

Work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Trustees to identify and cultivate prospects, strengthen donor relationships, and expand RHA’s network of supporters. Serve as the staff liaison to the Board Development Committee and help Board members feel confident and effective as ambassadors and fundraisers.

Use Raiser’s Edge and other tools to maintain a strong donor pipeline, track…