Director of Development

Organization Overview

Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy (RWC), based in Litchfield, CT, is a conservation breeding facility for rare and endangered waterfowl and home to one of the largest collections of waterfowl species in North America. Nearly 25% of all waterfowl species are endangered or threatened according to the IUCN, and our work is dedicated to rebuilding those endangered populations and repopulating waterfowl habitats where possible. Through innovative research, partnerships with leading zoos and universities, educational programming and community engagement, RWC supports the long-term survival of rare and endangered species while inspiring a deeper understanding and appreciation for these remarkable birds.

Position Summary

Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy is seeking a passionate and experienced Director of Development to lead its fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team and play a pivotal role in ensuring the Conservancy's mission thrives for generations to come. The Director of Development will join a small but mighty team to build a resilient and expansive fundraising strategy to ensure long term impact of RWC’s mission. In this role, the Director of Development will drive strategic initiatives to expand RWC's financial support, build meaningful relationships with donors, and oversee all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual giving, events, and grants.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Execution:

• Partner with the Executive Director to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to raise $500K + annually through diverse revenue streams, including individual giving, institutional support, and year-end appeals.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and other funding sources.
• Oversee all aspects of major gift cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Donor Engagement

• Leverage and steward RWC’s individual giving program to enhance and increase donor engagement.
• Lead the planning and execution of donor engagement programming, including annual gala, cultivation cocktail parties, and members events to increase revenue while strengthening relationships and celebrating the impact of giving.

Grant Management

• Build and activate a resilient and impactful pipeline of grant opportunities aligned with RWC's mission.
• Partner with ED and Founders to build and steward meaningful relationships with funders.
• Prepare compelling grant proposals for mission aligned funding opportunities.
• Manage annual calendar of grants proposals, fulfilment and compliance with reporting.

Communications and Outreach

• Collaborate with the team to create impactful fundraising materials and donor communications.
• Build and manage a partnership program to enhance RWC’s fundraising capacity.
• Represent RWC at events, conferences, and partnership events to enhance visibility and build connections.

Qualifications

• Proven Experience: Proven history of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or related roles, with a track record of securing major institutional gifts and scaling fundraising opportunities.
• Strategic Thinker: Demonstrated ability to develop and implement successful fundraising strategies.
• Exceptional Communicator: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives and build relationships.
• Tech Savvy: Deep knowledge and interest in fundraising systems, tracking data, and analytics.
• Team Player: Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively with staff, board members, and volunteers.
• Passion for Conservation: A deep appreciation for wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Systems Builder: Experience designing and implementing effective systems to support fundraising protocols and practices with extensive knowledge of CRM and supporting software.

Why Join Us?

At Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy, you’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on global conservation efforts. We offer a collaborative and supportive work environment where your contributions will directly support the preservation of our planet.

Salary Range: $60,000 annually for a full-time position. Candidates with exceptional fundraising experience may be considered for part-time arrangements.

Benefits for FT employees: Stipends provided for healthcare premiums purchased on the CT exchange.

RWC is located in Litchfield, CT. In-office work schedule is flexible, but team members are expected to be on site for regular in person meetings and programs related to their role.

The Development Director is required to be in person for all fundraising events and on-site funder meetings.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and passion for Ripley Waterfowl Conservancy’s mission. Please submit your application to pbarnes@ripleyconservancy.org with the subject line Name_RWC Development Director. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

RWC is committed to building a culturally diverse community and we believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We understand that every individual brings a unique set of skills and experiences. While our job description lists specific qualifications, skills, and competencies, we also recognize that true potential can often transcend those lines. If you share our commitment to justice and community empowerment, even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply.

Join us in our mission to protect and celebrate the incredible diversity of waterfowl species around the world!