Director of Development

We are seeking an energetic and strategic Development Director to lead our fundraising and relationship‑building efforts. This pivotal role involves designing and executing comprehensive development strategies that advance our mission, cultivate donor relationships, and maximize revenue streams through grant applications and events. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for mission focused work, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record in securing funding through diverse channels.

As a key leader within our small and mighty organization, you will drive innovative campaigns, oversee donor engagement initiatives, and ensure the sustainability of our programs through an effective grant securing and reporting process.

$60,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year

Team Wilderness is a nonprofit organization that provides youth from urban areas transformative outdoor experiences that cultivate a deep connection with nature while promoting personal and academic growth and overall well-being. The organization helps promote confidence in youth, consideration for their peers, passion for the world they live in, and resilience both as an individual and a group. Facing physical and social challenges, they learn to adapt and develop real‑life problem‑solving skills while at the same time overcoming fears and obstacles.

We are the only wilderness experiential education organization offering programs focusing specifically for Hudson County's most underserved youth. We also offer programming in parts of New York City and Newark. Our programs are affordable for all income levels; since they cater to the youth from the community, they help positively impact the community itself.

Programming consists of after‑school programs and summer camps that include opportunities for youth to experience mentorship, tutoring, nature photography, academic coaching, and mental health support.

• Cultivate and steward relationships with existing donors, ensuring regular, personalized communication and appreciation.
• Identify and engage prospective donors to build a pipeline for individual and major giving.
• Maintain a donor database, ensuring accurate and up‑to‑date records of interactions, gifts, and engagement history.
• Develop and implement donor engagement strategies, including events, mailings, and other stewardship activities.
• Collaborate with board members and staff to support donor outreach and solicitations.
• Research prospective public and private funding sources aligned with organizational priorities.
• Write and submit compelling grant proposals and letters of inquiry.
• Manage grant calendar to ensure timely submission of applications and reports.
• Collaborate with program and finance staff to gather data, outcomes, and budgets for proposals and reporting.
• Monitor grant deliverables and ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan to meet revenue goals.
• Lead major fundraising initiatives, including annual campaigns, online giving, and peer‑to‑peer fundraising.
• Plan and manage the annual fundraising gala, sponsor ships, and third‑party fundraising efforts. Analyze campaign performance metrics and adjust strategies as needed.
• Provide regular fundraising reports and projections to the Executive Director and Board of Trustees.

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, grant writing, and fundraising strategy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with donor management systems/customer relationship management software.
• Experience in event planning and management with experience coordinating large‑scale fundraising events.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Team Wilderness.
• Health insurance.
• Work Location:
  
  Hybrid remote in Jersey City, NJ 07304.

Director

Full‑time

Other

Non‑profit Organization Management