The Lakes Region Conservation Trust (LRCT) is a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit and accredited land trust dedicated to conserving healthy watersheds, thriving biodiversity and vibrant human communities across central New Hampshire. With nearly 30,000 acres conserved, a talented staff, and a growing community of supporters, LRCT has built a strong record of conservation success and is looking for development support as we continue to grow.

We are seeking a skilled, mission-driven full-time Advancement Officer (or Director, depending on experience and qualifications) to help deepen relationships with our supporters and broaden our impact. As a visible and trusted ambassador for LRCT, this individual will lead the organization’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts.  The successful candidate will be organized, self-directed, and relationship-oriented with a genuine appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that makes land conservation possible. This role partners closely with the Executive Director and communications staff, and oversees a database coordinator.

Principal Responsibilities:

Fundraising

• Plan, coordinate, and implement LRCT's fundraising campaigns, including annual appeals, project campaigns, and other giving efforts.
• Set campaign goals and assess feasibility in partnership with the Executive Director
• Support planning and execution of donor events

Donor research and cultivation

• Analyze our donor database to identify upgrade opportunities, lapsed donors, and major gift prospects
• Prepare the CEO for donor meetings with briefings, giving history, suggested talking points, and follow-up plans
• Conduct prospect research using publicly available sources to assess philanthropic capacity and interests

Board and Advancement Committee engagement

• Support the Executive Director and Advancement Chair in planning and running effective committee meetings
• Help board members understand and act on their role in donor cultivation — preparing call lists, briefings, and introductions

Planned giving and program strategy

• Help develop and launch a planned giving program, beginning with legacy society infrastructure and bequest identification
• Identify planned giving prospects from within our existing donor pool
• Develop donor-facing materials that connect planned giving to our conservation mission

Grants

• Maintain a grants calendar and track deadlines and reporting requirements
• Draft grant applications and reports in collaboration with the CEO
• Research new grant opportunities aligned with our conservation priorities

Qualifications and Skills:

We are seeking an individual with exceptional communication, relationship-building, and analytical skills. If that describes you, we encourage you to apply even if your background doesn't match every item on this list.

• Enthusiasm for and commitment to LRCT’s conservation mission.
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or a closely related field
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, listening, and relationship-building skills
• Strong experience with database analysis and maintenance
• Competency in donor databases (e.g., DonorPerfect), or demonstrated ability to attain such competency
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential donor information
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel within the Lakes Region (mileage reimbursed)

Preferred for a Director title and higher compensation

• Demonstrated track record of closing major gifts at the five-figure level or above
• Experience building or significantly growing a major gifts program
• Familiarity with planned giving vehicles (bequests, charitable remainder trusts, etc.)
• Experience with prospect research tools (DonorSearch, iWave, or similar)
• Knowledge of the Lakes Region and its philanthropic community
• Background in land trust, conservation, or environmental nonprofit contexts

Compensation and details

This is a full-time position based in Center Harbor, NH. Salary range is $70,000–100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and dental insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan. Occasional evening and weekend availability is required for donor events. We are flexible and family-friendly in how we structure the workday.