Development Leader — Donor Growth & Grants

Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut; Connecticut; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center seeks a strategic Director of Development to lead fundraising, donor relations, and advancement initiatives in Mystic, CT. The role focuses on growing programmatic impact, securing grants, building sustainable relationships with foundations, corporations, donors, and community partners.

The ideal candidate combines strategic development planning with hands-on fundraising, reporting to the Executive Director and collaborating with the Advancement Committee and

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional development/fundraising experience.
• Proven ability to raise funds through multiple channels: individuals, grants, sponsorships, major gifts.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for presentations and fundraising materials.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills with donors, volunteers, staff and board members.
• Ability to learn and effectively use fundraising and donor database software.

Responsibilities

• Lead grants, corporate support & sponsorships programs.
• Develop and manage a comprehensive development plan and budget.
• Oversee donor stewardship, communications, and annual giving efforts.
• Plan and execute fundraising events (e.g., Green Tie Gala).
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts and corporate sponsors.
• Provide strategic fundraising advice to leadership and committees.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Donor relations

Grant/wunding writing

Communication skills

Relationship building

Tools

Blackbaud Altru

Job description

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center seeks a strategic Director of Development to lead fundraising, donor relations, and advancement initiatives in Mystic, CT. The role focuses on growing programmatic impact, securing grants, building sustainable relationships with foundations, corporations, donors, and community partners.

The ideal candidate combines strategic development planning with hands-on fundraising, reporting to the Executive Director and collaborating with the Advancement Committee and