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NRG Consulting Group · 1 day ago

Upstream: Development Director

United States

Full-time

Remote

Director/Executive

$120K/yr - $130K/yr

7+ years exp

NRG Consulting Group is seeking a Development Director for Upstream, a dynamic organization focused on fostering a robust reuse economy. The Development Director will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies, leading a team, and enhancing donor relationships to meet the organization's financial goals.

Non-profit Organization Management

No H1B

Responsibilities

Develop and execute short- and long-term comprehensive, innovative fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals with particular emphasis on strengthening donations from individuals, increasing donor retention, and creating a more balanced and sustainable portfolio

Create and expand a robust major gifts program focused on identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting high-potential donors, particularly individuals and family foundations

In the first year, work collaboratively with our development consultants to assess current fundraising efforts and co-create an annual development plan. Lead the implementation of this plan across all funding streams—including annual and major individual giving, grants, sponsorships, board giving, and special events—and, in subsequent years, independently lead the creation, planning, and implementation of the annual development plan

Set annual fundraising targets and create budgets, timelines, and benchmarks to measure progress

Serve on the Leadership Team, contributing strategic thinking to organizational planning

Monitor fundraising trends, opportunities, and competitive landscape

Demonstrate a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to challenges

Partner with the Communications Team to develop integrated marketing strategies that enhance brand visibility

Partner with the CEO and Board Chair to strengthen board engagement in philanthropy, including annual board giving campaigns, expectation-setting and coaching, and building a board culture of philanthropy

Execute multi-channel fundraising initiatives including major gifts, annual campaigns, events, and corporate sponsorships

Meet fundraising KPIs by securing single and multi-year major gifts to ensure long-term financial sustainability

Lead, manage, and develop the Fundraising Team, including staff and contractors

Hire, onboard, coach, and conduct performance management for direct reports

Foster a culture of continuous learning by identifying professional development opportunities

Work collaboratively with CEO, staff, and volunteer leadership to implement strong infrastructure and stewardship practices to provide effective donor management systems and processes

Establish and enforce CRM best practices to ensure clean data, accurate forecasting, donor segmentation, and dashboards for regular tracking of fundraising performance

Report regularly to the CEO on fundraising strategies, progress, and outcomes

Cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners, and support executive and Board leadership as they build relationships with major donors

Design and implement personalized engagement strategies

Manage Donor Search platform and HubSpot CRM to track and optimize donor relationships

Lead donor recognition programs that drive meaningful engagement and retention

Maintain expertise in philanthropy best practices, donor behavior, and emerging fundraising opportunities

Build and actively participate in a community of peer fundraising professionals

Stay connected to the reuse movement through external meetings, events, and key publications

Identify and pursue professional development opportunities to enhance fundraising effectiveness

Collaborate across all Upstream teams to leverage organizational knowledge and relationships

Stay current on donor retention strategies, major gift methodologies, and emerging fundraising approaches that support long-term revenue stability

Partner with Communications Team to create compelling donor-facing materials and campaigns

Develop and deliver presentations, collateral, and pitches for prospective and existing funders

Contribute to and occasionally lead grant proposal and report development

Qualification

Fundraising strategyMajor gifts programDonor relationship managementTeam managementCRM proficiencyPublic speakingData-driven strategiesCommunication skillsCollaborationEmotional intelligenceContinuous learning

Required

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

7+ years of experience in leadership positions within NGOs with proven success in NGO management, fundraising, and program development

Proven success. 7+ years of demonstrated track record securing 5- and 6-figure gifts from individual donors, family foundations, and/or donor-advised funds, ideally in the climate, plastic pollution, or similar movement

Strong knowledge and creativity in fundraising strategies and approaches

Understanding of donor lifecycle management, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

Strong communication skills

Excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing

Integrity and Accountability: A steadfast commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and stewardship of donor contributions to foster trust and credibility

Collaboration: A genuine respect for teamwork and partnership, working effectively with staff, Board members, donors, and community stakeholders to achieve shared goals

Empathy and Respect: An ability to build authentic relationships by listening to and understanding the needs, values, and aspirations of donors, colleagues, and the communities served

Equity and Inclusion: A commitment to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in fundraising practices and donor engagement, ensuring all voices and perspectives are valued

Commitment to continuous learning: A commitment to staying informed about emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in philanthropy, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership