Development Director

Development director

About the position

The Grand Canyon Trust is seeking a mission-driven, experienced, and collaborative leader to serve as our next development director. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of conservation and environmental justice issues — especially 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.

Application deadline: Open until filled
Anticipated start date: TBD

What does this position entail?

• 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.

What is the work culture?

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.

Furthermore, we are guided by our organizational values and are looking for someone who shares them.

Do you have what it takes?

• 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.
• Sensitivity and proficiency working in multicultural spaces (both in the workplace and in community).
• Background in conservation and environmental justice advocacy work, with a preference for experience grounded on the Colorado Plateau.
• 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 management software), Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, and Zoom.

Note that experience includes lived experience, traditional knowledge, volunteer experience, school or coursework, work experience, and other related qualifications, skills, and experience.

No candidate will meet every requirement. If you’re excited about the position and think you may be a good candidate, we encourage you to apply.

The nitty-gritty

Location

Flagstaff, Arizona, or remote, but the individual must reside in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, or New Mexico.

Compensation and benefits

$110,000 – $155,000

Who would my supervisor be?

Ethan Aumack, executive director

How do I apply?

Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@grandcanyontrust.org. In the subject line, please indicate the job you are applying for, and please put the job title and your name in the file names of application materials (ex: Firstname_Lastname_developmentdirector_resume.docx).

Applicants will be screened and interviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. If you need a reasonable accommodation, contact careers@grandcanyontrust.org