Development Associate
TITLE: Development Associate
SUPERVISOR: Director of Strategic Advancement
LOCATION: Wilmington, NC (hybrid) or Eastern NC/Triangle region (hybrid/remote)
DATE: July 2023
CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time, Permanent, Non-exempt
SALARY RANGE: $46,800 – $57,200
DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION:
The Coastal Land Trust (CLT) is a high-performing, accredited, regional land trust with a reputation for excellence. It works to enrich North Carolina through the conservation of natural areas and working landscapes, education, and the promotion of good land stewardship in the 31 counties of eastern NC. Since 1992, more than 85,000 acres of land with scenic, recreational, historic, and/or ecological value have been protected.
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
The Development Associate is a member of the Coastal Land Trust development and communications team, focused primarily on the organization’s annual fundraising efforts. They are responsible for coordinating the solicitation and stewardship of annual and special event donors. The Development Associate will work closely with the Director of Strategic Advancement to ensure that fundraising goals for all sources of revenue are being met to support the continued success and growth of the organization. Part of a four-person team, they will have the opportunity to be involved in all aspects of nonprofit fundraising and communications.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Implement fundraising, recognition, and stewardship plans for annual donors
• Responsible for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of donors
• Manage direct mail appeals including work with outside design and printing vendors
• Coordinate annual Springer’s Point Preserve fundraising effort
• Track actions in the donor database and update constituent records as necessary
• Produce reports and lists for use by the team and for board meetings
• Coordinate staff and volunteer efforts in actively engaging donors
• Identify new corporate funding prospects for events and special fundraising campaigns
• Coordinate the Host of the Coast program, stewarding existing partners and identifying prospects
• Working with the Director of Strategic Advancement:
o Research grant funding opportunities, assist with grant writing and reporting
o Develop funding proposals for major donors and planned giving prospects
o Identify and cultivate new funding prospects
• As a member of the Development & Communications team:
o Contribute energy, inspiration, ideas, and insight for special events and external communications
o Participate in communication planning and content production and editing for social media, email, website, and newsletters
o Assist with planning and execution of fundraising and environmental education events
o Solicit sponsorships for fundraising and education events
o Assist with gift entry and acknowledgment process as needed
• As part of the Coastal Land Trust team:
o Professionally interact with board members, donors, landowners, volunteers, and other members of the community as a representative of the Coastal Land Trust
o Attend meetings, training, and career and personal development opportunities
o Carry out other tasks as assigned in support of our mission
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• 3-5 years of nonprofit development experience with knowledge of ethical fundraising practices
• Experience with daily use of a donor database/CRM system, Raiser’s Edge preferred
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office products
• Proven time management and organizational skills with close attention to detail; ability to meet deadlines; and proficiency at communicating up and down the organization
• Excellent writing and copy-editing skills
• Ability to work independently and willingness to take initiative and see projects through to completion
• Genuine interest in the mission of the Coastal Land Trust
• Commitment to making the Coastal Land Trust the best workplace possible and to supporting colleagues in other tasks as needed
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
• Office (Wilmington) or hybrid position with occasional travel for donor visits, fundraising events, and trips to CLT conservation properties. Open to remote candidates in eastern NC or the Triangle with the ability to travel to Wilmington (~2x/quarter) for meetings in addition to donor meetings and events.
• Work hours span Monday-Friday and occasionally include Saturdays and evening hours.
• No significant environmental factors (temperature, noise, materials), except for fundraising and donor stewardship events which are primarily outdoors.
SALARY AND BENEFITS:
• The salary range for this position is $46,800 – $57,200, dependent upon experience and qualifications
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered at 100% coverage for employees, as well as a 3% match in a SIMPLE IRA plan after earning $5,000 in compensation.
• Generous paid time off
To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to eric@coastallandtrust.org with the subject line ‘Development Associate’. Applications will be accepted through June 15th and reviewed on a rolling basis.
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust is an equal opportunity organization and will not allow discrimination based upon age, ethnicity, ancestry, gender, national origin, disability, race, size, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other status prohibited by applicable law, in any of its activities or operations.
North Carolina Coastal Land Trust is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, CLT will take steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Jesica Blake, Associate Director, jesica@coastallandtrust.org.
