Development director

Are you a seasoned development professional who is passionate about conservation and environmental justice?

The Grand Canyon Trust is seeking a mission-driven, experienced, and collaborative leader to serve as our next development director. Candidates must have an understanding of conservation issues — ideally those affecting the Colorado Plateau — as well as a high level of development expertise.

The development director is responsible for furthering our strategic and comprehensive fundraising program and will supervise, lead, and collaborate with a small but high-performing team of individuals to ensure that the annual fundraising goals and long-term financial sustainability of the Trust’s priorities are achieved.

This position holds primary responsibility for securing principal gifts through a discrete portfolio of major donors, managing and engaging the board development committee, and overseeing the majority of fundraising campaigns and initiatives. The director plays a lead role in achieving our annual fundraising goal, which is currently $7 million, and is a key member of the organization’s leadership team.

Final date to receive applications: Open until filled
Anticipated start date: TBD

• Working in partnership with the executive director, board of trustees, and development team to determine the fundraising growth necessary to meet program objectives and track progress toward goals.
• Building and maintaining meaningful relationships with individual and institutional donors, and asking for and closing principal, major, planned gifts, and grants.
• Supporting the executive director and other development staff with strategy in their respective major donor portfolios, in addition to being personally responsible for a significant portfolio of major donors.
• Collaborating extensively across the organization, particularly with program, communications, and membership staff, to effectively engage audiences and meet organizational fundraising goals.
• Nurturing the professional growth of the development team by providing mentorship, coaching, and opportunities for skill enhancement.
• Up to 25% travel required, including but not limited to in-person meetings with major donors, 3-5 donor field excursions per year, and board meetings.

We pride ourselves on offering what we consider to be an exceptional professional environment rooted in purpose, collaboration, and respect. You will have autonomy to lead in your role while being an integral part of a high-functioning and diverse team. You will be respected and valued in our people-centered organization, as are all staff at the Trust. You will have ample opportunity to be awed by the Colorado Plateau and its people, and you will finish each day knowing you have truly made a difference.

• 7+ years of experience conceiving, implementing, and leading core fundraising functions, including strong project management skills and the ability to use data analysis to formulate strategy, execute plans, and deliver financial outcomes.
• Proven success in building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and asking for and closing principal ($1M+), major ($10K – $999K), and planned gifts.
• Demonstrated experience as a visionary leader, with a commitment to integrity, empathy, and mentorship.
• Background in conservation with a preference for experience grounded on the Colorado Plateau. Experience/familiarity with environmental justice advocacy work preferred.
• Sensitivity and proficiency working in multicultural spaces (both in the workplace and in community).
• Understanding of best practices in fundraising and nonprofit management, and knowledge of current and evolving trends in philanthropy.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire and motivate varied audiences through exceptional interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Adeptness in cultivating and nurturing mutually beneficial relationships with donors and fostering a culture of respect and appreciation that leads to increased donor engagement and long-term support.
• Proficiency in relevant technology and applications, including Salesforce (or similar customer relationship…