Join Heartland Conservation Alliance as a Fund Development Manager and help advance our mission to protect, connect, and restore the Blue River watershed. You’ll work closely with the Executive Director, Board, and staff to lead strategic fundraising efforts, cultivate major gift and individual donor support, secure event sponsorships, assist with grant writing and reporting, and support overall fundraising strategy and budget development. This hybrid, full‑time position offers competitive pay, benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in our growing organization.

Learn more and apply by March 31, 2026 for full consideration.

Core Responsibilities

● Major Gifts & Individual Giving: Develop and lead a comprehensive giving strategy; oversee the execution of targeted appeals; and cultivate, solicit, and steward major local and national donors. Build relationships with high-net-worth individuals to secure transformational gifts, including significant financial contributions and strategic land donations that advance the organization’s mission.

● Event Sponsorship: Secure and grow corporate and community sponsorships for signature annual events, including the Partnership Summit and Blue River Discovery Days.

● Support Grant Writing and Reporting: Partner with grant development contractor(s) and staff to support the development of government and foundation grant-related materials. Part of the focus should be on securing sustained, multi-year grant funding that advances the organization’s long-term strategic priorities.

● Budget Development: Work with the grant development contractor(s) and staff to develop monthly, quarterly, and annual fundraising projections and reports for fundraising actuals. Guide accounting contractors in their financial forecasts and reports.

● Fundraising Strategy: Collaborate with the Board’s Fund Development Work Group to develop and deploy fundraising strategies to support HCA activities.

Desired Additional Responsibilities

● Annual Campaign and Annual Report: Oversee the HCA staff to create and distribute annual campaign materials and the annual report, including content sourcing, layout design, donor segmentation, and multi-channel distribution.

● Digital Fundraising: Partner with the Communications and Engagement Coordinator to develop, deploy, and manage digital fundraising campaigns via social media, email, and other relevant platforms.

● Team Leadership: Possibly provide supervision and mentorship to direct reports and contribute guidance and collaborative support to the Fund Development Work Group, as needed, to advance organizational fundraising goals.

Requirements and Skills

● 3+ years of progressive, results-driven experience in nonprofit development or high-level sales, demonstrating measurable growth in revenue generation, relationship building, and fundraising performance.

● Proven track record of stewarding major gifts and grants ($5,000+)

● Exceptional ability to work with cross-functional teams toward a common goal

● Understanding of philanthropic trends and digital giving ecosystems.

● Strong writing and communication skills

● Ability to design visually-appealing, compelling fundraising or sales content

● Dedication to HCA’s conservation mission, including teamwork as needed 

HCA Mission: The Heartland Conservation Alliance works with partners to protect, connect, and restore the Blue River watershed and its urban greenspaces for the benefit and enjoyment of all.

HCA Vision: A sustainable environment that supports the health of all human and natural communities in the Kansas City region.