Development Director

Chocorua Lake Conservancy•Tamworth, NH

4d•$60,000 - $80,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Chocorua Lake Conservancy seeks an experienced and strategic fundraising professional passionate about land conservation to lead the organization’s fundraising program and support its mission of conserving the Chocorua Lake Basin for future generations, protecting water quality, providing sustainable lake access, and maintaining hiking and walking trails. This senior leadership role oversees a comprehensive development program to meet annual fundraising goals. The Director will lead major gifts, annual giving, and foundation partnerships while strengthening the systems and relationships that sustain long-term conservation work. The successful candidate will be a relationship-driven fundraiser with a demonstrated ability to secure gifts, cultivate meaningful donor partnerships, and guide sophisticated fundraising strategies. While the role is primarily focused on fundraising, the Development Director will provide strategic oversight of communications and marketing, ensuring that messaging and storytelling effectively support philanthropic engagement. The Development Director will serve as a key member of the leadership team and work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff to build a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization. This new position will ensure Chocorua Lake Conservancy has the resources needed to achieve its strategic goals—driven by strong relationships, meaningful partnerships, and sustained philanthropic support. This position will play a central role in shaping the organization’s growth, with corresponding opportunities for growth in the role and compensation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
3 to 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including annual fund management and major gifts.
Expertise in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship best practices.
Demonstrated success in closing major gifts.
Experience managing or contributing to large annual fundraising programs.
Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
Excellent organizational and project management skills.
Familiarity with Google Apps and Microsoft Office.
Familiarity with CRM donor management systems.
Passion for land conservation and community-based nonprofit work.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute a comprehensive development strategy that supports annual fundraising goals.
Partner with the Executive Director and Board to strengthen donor relationships and fundraising engagement.
Identify new philanthropic opportunities and expand the organization’s funding base.
Oversee foundation and grant strategy, including prospect research, proposal development, and reporting.
Oversee the organization’s annual giving and membership programs.
Lead donor cultivation events and stewardship strategies.
Expand planned giving and partnerships with local businesses.
Provide strategic oversight of communications and marketing to ensure alignment with fundraising priorities.
Guide messaging and storytelling that inspire philanthropic investment in land conservation, water quality, trail maintenance, and sustainable public lake access.
Serve as a member of the organization’s senior leadership team.
Partner with program staff to translate conservation priorities into compelling funding opportunities.
Support board members in their fundraising roles and strengthen the organization’s culture of philanthropy.
Conduct fundraising practices to the highest ethical standards to gain and maintain the trust of CLC donors.