Strategic Development Director for Conservation Growth

Geneva Lake Conservancy; Wisconsin; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement match (up to 3%)

Healthcare stipend

Cell phone stipend

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Geneva Lake Conservancy is seeking a strategic Development Director to lead a comprehensive fundraising program in Walworth County, WI. This leadership role reports to the Executive Director and aims to grow annual contributed revenue from about $1M to $2–3M over five years.

You will manage major gifts, grants, partnerships, donor communications, and development operations, supervising one staff member and collaborating with board leadership to accelerate fundraising impact and community

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years of progressive fundraising experience.
• Demonstrated success securing five- and six-figure major gifts.
• Experience leading fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, grant writing, and CRM-based reporting.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities and growth goals.
• Manage a portfolio of major donors and institutional prospects with cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
• Lead grant and institutional funding strategies, including research, proposals, reporting, and compliance.
• Oversee fundraising events, campaigns, and donor communications to achieve ROI and revenue targets.
• Oversee development operations and collaborate with the Executive Director and Board on strategy and accountability.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor cultivation

Grants writing

CRM reporting

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Geneva Lake Conservancy is seeking a strategic Development Director to lead a comprehensive fundraising program in Walworth County, WI. This leadership role reports to the Executive Director and aims to grow annual contributed revenue from about $1M to $2–3M over five years.

You will manage major gifts, grants, partnerships, donor communications, and development operations, supervising one staff member and collaborating with board leadership to accelerate fundraising impact and community