Development Director Jobs in Ridgefield, CT (NOW HIRING)

Development Director Full Time, Excellent Benefits Salary: $115,000-$140,000 The Housatonic Valley Association, the regional watershed organization and accredited land trust serving western New England and eastern New York, seeks an experienced fundraising professional with proven major giving experience as our next Development Director. Now in our 85th year, HVA is an impactful and innovative conservation organization that works within and beyond the boundaries of the 1.2-million-acre Housatonic watershed to advance regional priorities and address the climate crisis. A solution-oriented approach that amplifies and enhances collaboration around shared goals with local and regional partners distinguishes us in this field. We are the driving force behind hugely successful multiparter, often multistate initiatives focused on land and water conservation, habitat connectivity, climate adaptation, access to and experience of the natural world, and complex land transactions that would normally exceed the capacity of any individual organization to accomplish on its own. Our partners in the public, private, and non-profit sectors value our experience, relationships, vision and know-how. We punch above our weight, but we are still building the fundraising and communications capacity that will sustain the growth we need to realize the full potential of our conservation effort. We are expanding our major donors and strengthening philanthropic support beyond northwest Connecticut. Our Board is ready for its own expansion and understands that fundraising support and peer-to-peer connections are key board functions. We currently have 13 staff and an operating budget for the coming year of $1,500,000, but we also have an unprecedented matching challenge to raise an additional $800,000 in operating funding by June 30, 2027, in new or increased private donations. We are building toward a significant $5-10 million capital campaign in the next 3-4 years. The successful candidate will help unlock our fundraising potential. Responsibilities: The Development Director has strategic oversight and primary responsibility for HVA’s core fundraising activities, with particular emphasis on major gifts and the annual fund. They conduct research, develop strategies, manage prospects and facilitate major asks made personally or by the Executive Director. They lead an interdepartmental team that includes a communications manager and advancement data coordinator, and they staff the Board’s Development and Communications Committee. Additional responsibilities include promoting and cultivating legacy gifts and bequests and expanding support for the annual fund at key levels while increasing rates of donor retention. They also help develop and implement HVA’s Marketing and Communications objectives and plan significant fundraising events. The Development Director is a senior leadership position and reports to the Executive Director. Requirements and Desired Qualifications The successful candidate will have a minimum of 7 years’ experience as a major gifts officer, associate director of philanthropy, or comparable position in the nonprofit sector, responsible for raising four, five and six-figure gifts in annual operating support, managing a personal donor portfolio of 60-80 major giving relationships and prospects. Proven experience as a Development Director with strategic oversight and responsibility for organizational fundraising and communications is preferred but not an absolute requirement. They will be adept at moves management, both within their own portfolio and for the organization overall. Proficiency with Donor Perfect or similar donor management software Having an organized, strategic mind will be a distinct advantage. The ability to convert personal relationships with significant donors to deep connections with HVA and other key staff and supporters is a vital skill for growing and retaining the support we need. Experience fundraising for environmental non-profits and/or within our core geography will be advantageous, though the ability to quickly grasp what sets HVA apart from our peers and what could make us a philanthropic priority for significant and potentially increased annual support is essential. A genuine interest in and curiosity about the people who support our workand ability to communicate with them and listen effectively in a variety of settings is a key requirement. The salary range for this full-time position is $115,000-$140,000 based on demonstrated success in the desired areas of expertise and prior work experience. HVA maintains a hybrid work week with offices in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut and Pittsfield, Massachusetts. We offer significant flexibility regarding work hours, although this position will require some weekends. Our generous benefits package currently includes a 5% match to 403 (b) contributions, six weeks of paid time off to start, all federal holidays, 100% coverage of the health plan we offer individual employees, and a collegial and supportive work environment. HVA is an equal opportunity employer. If you have the drive, interest, and skills to succeed in this position, tell us about how you can help, and we will consider your application. HVA provides equal employment opportunities to all eligible persons and administers personnel policies and practices in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. We do not discriminate or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, workplace hazards to reproductive systems, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, retaliation for previously opposed discrimination or coercion, intellectual disability, genetic information, learning disability, physical disability (including, but not limited to, blindness), mental disability (past/present history thereof), status as a victim of domestic violence, military or veteran status, or criminal record. Our commitment to equal opportunity is a guiding principle in all of our employment practices and policies. Applications (Cover Letter and Resume) may be submitted to: hiring@hvatoday.org Candidate interviews will take place in August and September 2026 with a desired start date in October, but the position will remain open until filled.