The Advancement Director is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic vision and management of SELT’s vibrant and successful fundraising and donor engagement programs. This position leads efforts to secure the philanthropic resources necessary to advance the organization’s mission by leading major gifts, planned giving, and place-based capital campaigns, overseeing membership programs, and collaborating on foundation and corporate relations. The Advancement Director works closely with the Executive Director, Board members, and staff to deepen donor relationships and grow philanthropic support of SELT.

SELT has set the ambitious goal to increase participation among the general and major donor pool by 50% by the year 2030 to support the visionary Strategic Plan. In addition, SELT anticipates launching a comprehensive campaign in the next 2-3 years. These endeavors, including contracting professional counsel to advise SELT on growth and campaign strategies, will be led by the Advancement Director.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership

• Develop, manage, and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with SELT’s organizational goals.
• Set annual engagement and revenue targets; track and report progress regularly.
• Partner with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, and Board to foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and SELT’s donor community.

Leadership and Major Gifts

• Lead SELT’s major gift program (SELTie Conservation Circle), identifying and engaging high-potential donors to build long-term relationships that result in significant contributions to support SELT’s annual operations, land conservation projects, and select programs.
• Manage and grow a personal portfolio of major donors; regularly solicit and secure gifts in the four- to seven-figure range.
• Support the Executive Director’s cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation of major donors through the development and management of a portfolio, strategy development, material and donor visit preparation, and regular donor outreach.
• Design and manage capital campaigns, major fundraising initiatives, and micro-campaigns, as needed, for place-based conservation priorities such as Merrymeeting Clean Forever, coordinating across departments and with consultants as needed.
• Manage Advancement’s extensive operations, including two direct reports, to meet ambitious annual and project-based goals.
• Lead Salesforce platform strategy, including overseeing donor data management analyzing metrics, and reporting on donor giving trends to course correct as needed and refine strategy to increase impact.

Planned Giving

• Continue to grow SELT’s planned giving program (Conservation Legacy Society) to secure increased long-term support.
• Understand simple and complex planned giving vehicles to educate and inform donors of the options to support SELT while meeting personal estate planning needs.
• Recognize and steward relationships with donors who have made planned gifts.
• Identify and cultivate new planned giving prospects to secure gifts at the 5 – 7-figure range as part of major donor portfolio management.
• Engage with professional advisors (e.g., estate planners, financial advisors) to support planned gift arrangements.
• Develop and manage planned giving events and marketing materials to raise awareness about estate gift options among donors and external professionals such as realtors, CPAs, and financial advisors.

Membership Program and Foundation Support

• Oversee administration of SELT’s membership program, including appeals, communications, and events to deepen member engagement. Ensure a seamless integration of membership efforts with overall fundraising strategy.
• Plan and implement membership growth strategies to help SELT achieve a 50% increase in its donor base by 2030.
• In collaboration with the Outreach and Education Director, identify and pursue foundation funding opportunities; maintain select institutional donor relationships.

Strategic Leadership and Team Management

• Serve on the Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, organizational development, and operational decision-making.
• Supervise advancement staff and consultants, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work culture.
• Support Board committees related to fundraising and development and engage Board members in donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.
• Conduct fundraising practices in accordance with the Donor Bill of Rights and to the highest ethical standards to gain and maintain the trust of SELT’s supporters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Land Trust Alliance Standards

Key Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• Deep commitment to SELT’s mission and a passion for land conservation and the natural world.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, including major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns.
• Proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from both new and established donors.
• Deep expertise in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship best practices.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of developing successful and engaging fundraising initiatives.
• Experience cultivating and developing relationships and community-based partnerships with people of a variety of socioeconomic and political backgrounds.
• Experience supervising staff, leading teams, and motivating volunteers in a collaborative, high achieving environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Ability to present an organization to a broad audience and speak publicly and engagingly about its vision, mission, initiatives, and impact.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the strategic, data-driven use of donor management systems (Salesforce experience ideal); familiarity with fundraising analytics tools.
• Background in land conservation, environmental nonprofits, or related sectors is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., fundraising, communications, business); Master’s degree preferred.