Development Manager

New Mexico Environmental Law Center; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

403(b) employer match

Vacation, sick leave, holidays

Sabbatical after qualifying period

Job summary

The New Mexico Environmental Law Center is seeking a Development Manager to lead fundraising, expand donor networks, and secure funding for environmental justice initiatives. The role emphasizes building relationships with donors, foundations, and partners to advance NMELC’s mission and strategic priorities.

Hybrid work is offered; applicants must live in or relocate to New Mexico. The position includes salary, benefits, and opportunities to grow a robust, mission-driven development program.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant work experience in non-profit development.
• Proven track record in fundraising, philanthropy, and event planning.
• Excellent writing and communication skills; ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising efforts with the Executive Director and small team to secure funding.
• Develop short- and long-range strategic fundraising plans with multiple revenue streams.
• Create and manage a major donor prospect pool and move donors to active giving.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on donor and foundation relationship building.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts to meet organizational goals.
• Expand the Environmental Justice Business Program with corporate and small business giving.
• Track fundraising progress and manage proposal calendars and deliverables.

Skills

Donor cultivation

Grant writing

Event planning

Fundraising software

Communications

Relationship management

DEI commitment

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Salesforce

DonorPerfect

Job description

The New Mexico Environmental Law Center’s (NMELC) mission is to work with frontline communities to protect our air, land, and water in the fight for environmental justice through legal services, policy development, advocacy, and public education. NMELC is a non profit, public interest law center that provides free and low-cost legal services to frontline/fenceline clients and communities across the state. We are seeking a creative and experienced development professional to join our team dedicated to NMELC’s mission of working with communities to advance environmental justice and human rights. We work in partnership with community members, organizations, coalitions and other stakeholders to disrupt the systemic polluting of low-income communities of color and help to advance community health and sustainability.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Development Manager will take lead in using their background, work experience, and creativity in helping our nonprofit secure the funding needed to support the critical work happening at NMELC. The Development Manager will maintain and expand the organization’s overall revenue portfolio and provide key support across various development-focused work areas such as cultivating new donors, maintaining current donor relationships, securing new funders, expanding our business giving program, and implementing and organizing creative ways to bring in additional revenue. The Development Manager will play a key role in identifying revenue opportunities that align with NMELC’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.

NMELC follows a hybrid work plan (in office and remote). Applicants must live in or be in the process of relocating to New Mexico.

COMPENSATION

Full-time/exempt starting annual salary of 72K to 85K depending on experience. NMELC offers a competitive benefits package that includes a hybrid work schedule, health, dental, and vision insurance, half day Fridays (unless there is a scheduled hearing or other deadline), 403(b) employer match program, vacation, sick leave, holidays and sabbatical after a qualifying period.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead role in working with Executive Director and small development team in securing funding needed to carry out the organization’s mission
• Develop short term to long range strategic fundraising plans that include multiple revenue streams and opportunities
• Create and manage prospect pool of major donors including building relationships and moving individuals from identification to active giving
• Work closely with the Executive Director in relationship building including planning meetings with donors and foundations
• Effectively cultivate, solicit and steward a giving portfolio with the ability to secure funding and gifts for the organization
• Implement and expand the Environmental Justice Business Program (EJBP) - NMELC’s corporate and small business giving program
• Track monthly and quarterly fundraising progress toward goal achievement and monitor progress toward goals, prospect strategies and prospect contacts
• Support foundation grant proposals, budgets, reports, and correspondence with foundations
• Help to maintain an up-to-date grant management calendar for tracking deliverables (e.g., LOI, proposal, and reporting deadlines)
• Ensure timely acknowledgement of donors and stewardship of gifts
• Field inquiries regarding funding opportunities and ensure proper and timely follow-up
• Work with Executive Director in supporting NMELC Board with fundraising efforts for the organization
• Create and organize fundraising events and special events for the organization
• Develop a planned giving program
• Recruit and train volunteers to support NMELC events and fundraising initiatives
• Provide ongoing support for other NMELC duties and projects as needed and requested by the Executive Director

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Must embrace NMELC’s mission and vision and be dedicated to working alongside clients and communities on environmental justice issues
• Demonstrated commitment to racial and social justice, environmental justice and/or equity development work
• Knowledge of and commitment to the importance and integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and practices
• Strong desire and ability to effectively work with people from diverse backgrounds, including age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, ability, lived experiences, etc.
• Excellent writing skills with sharp attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal skills
• Willingness to embrace new and innovative fundraising strategies
• Experience with fundraising software and tools
• Time management skills and flexibility with job duties
• Organized and inspiring team member
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a diverse team
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends for special events and/or to accommodate community schedules
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and manage conflict

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Bilingual (especially Spanish and/or Indigenous languages)
• Experience working with LGBTQIA+, frontline, and People of Color
• Education and/or experience with environmental and/or social justice issues

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant work experience in non-profit development with a proven record of success in resource development, fundraising, philanthropy, planned giving, event planning, etc.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds at a time. Periodic ability to travel long distances, and participate in events outside regular work hours.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 28, 2026

The NMELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. Persons of color, women, LGBTQIA+, and candidates from historically underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.

Learn more at https://nmelc.org/employment/