Job Description
Director of Development - Committed donors, friendly workplace, generous paid time off
The
Vermont Center for Ecostudies
(VCE) seeks a director of development to lead a growing development program at a respected organization with a committed donor base. The successful candidate will manage a relationship-based fundraising program with a focus on expanding major gifts, growing the annual fund, and ramping up our planned giving program. Key qualifications include strategic insight, exceptional communication skills, ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse donors, collaborative work habits, and at least five years of leadership experience in fundraising, including significant experience in major donor fundraising. Enthusiasm for VCE's mission and motivation to perform high-quality work are also important qualifications. This position requires a regular presence in the office.
Our Organization
VCE promotes biodiversity conservation in the northeastern US and internationally through scientific research and community engagement. Our scientists and volunteers gather essential information to guide habitat stewardship. We work with many partners, primarily in New England, Canada, and the Caribbean Basin, to
map biodiversity , determine the status and conservation needs of
vulnerable species , and
recover imperiled populations , among other activities. We are committed to creating a workplace culture that respects and celebrates diversity and values the wellbeing of all employees. We accomplish this by offering flexibility within the workday and generous paid time off.
Position Summary
The director of development manages a strategic, relationship-based fundraising program with a focus on cultivating and stewarding donors, building philanthropic support from annual and planned giving, and conducting periodic campaigns. They collaborate closely with the executive and associate directors, director of communications, and director of conservation science. They also supervise two development team members, support the board's development committee, and manage vendor and contractor relationships. The director of development is also responsible for identifying and pursuing opportunities to strengthen VCE's development program. Download the full job description from
vtecostudies.org/jobs .
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and relevant writing sample as separate PDF attachments
to VCE Associate Director Dan Lambert with "VCE Development Director" as the subject. Application review will begin on March 9 and continue until the position is filled.
Qualifications
At least five years of leadership experience in fundraising, including significant experience identifying, cultivating, and stewarding major donors, supervising others, and managing budgets
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for proposals, donor communications, and presentations
Ability to develop and implement comprehensive annual fundraising strategies
Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues in a positive, team-oriented approach
Demonstrated success in personal face-to-face gift solicitation
High motivation to connect with new and existing donors on a personal level and solicit gifts
Demonstrated ability to gain the respect and support of diverse constituents, including board members, colleagues, donors, prospective donors, and volunteers
Strong interpersonal skills and ease working with these groups
Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to set and adhere to priorities
Ability to meet tight deadlines
Sound judgment in maintaining confidentiality of donor information
Database and record-keeping proficiency, including donor database experience
Experience working on multi-year capital campaigns or other major gift initiatives is a plus
Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
The ability to work some evenings, weekends, and irregular hours
Ability and willingness to travel regularly in-state and occasionally out-of-state, when necessary
Enthusiasm for VCE's mission of advancing wildlife conservation through scientific research and community engagement
Familiarity with the New England philanthropic community is a plus.
recblid oxgnmrae7uipmio9slh9vil3xgggho
BA/BS/UndergraduatePDN-a11d0ba5-fc8b-4e7b-831e-00a33542d852
Ready to Apply?
Don't miss this opportunity! Apply now and join our team.
Job Details
Posted Date:
March 10, 2026
Job Type:
Business
Location:
White River Junction, Vermont, 05801, United States
Company:
The Vermont Center for Ecostudies
Ready to Apply?
Don't miss this opportunity! Apply now and join our team.