Director of Development- Geneva Lake Conservancy

GENEVA LAKE CONSERVANCY POSITION GUIDEDirector of DevelopmentAbout the PositionThe Director of Development is a leadership position reporting directly to the Executive Director of the Conservancy. This person will work closely with the Board of Directors’ fundraising committee and the full time Community Outreach Manager to develop and tell the story of the organization’s mission and potential.This position is responsible for the strategic development, organization, expansion and assessment of all avenues increasing financial support for the Geneva Lake Conservancy. This includes leading all aspects of the Conservancy’s fundraising plans, including major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations, sponsorships, planned giving, volunteers and special events.A successful Director of Development will have excellent relational skills, a deep commitment to the mission of conservation, entrepreneurial skills, creative problem solving skills, be goal driven and be a leader of developing strategies and tactics to further grow the organization.This role oversees the Community Outreach Manager and works closely with the Conservancy’s part-time Accountant.A successful applicant will be adept at interpersonal communication and demonstrate ease and confidence in navigating relationships with our donors and community members.A particular focus will be on strengthening the board’s philanthropic engagement by using each board member’s skill set and seeking their support with fundraising and networking.Position qualifications:A bachelor’s degree is required, an advanced degree is preferred.Five or more years of experience in leading a development team and major capital campaigns.A commitment to the importance of conservation work to slow climate change and improve and protect the quality of life in Southeast Wisconsin.Demonstrated ability to prospect, cultivate and manage new donors, while effectively inspiring and retaining the Conservancy’s existing donor base.A work style that prioritizes both relationships and results and building long-term relationships with senior leaders, staff, boards, volunteers and donors.Excellent writing and public speaking skills.Experience with Development technology and donor base management software, ideally Greater Giving and Results Plus; aptitude for new technology and for updating tools as required.A proven track record of building a development program, achieving revenue goals, major gift solicitation and donor cultivation, thorough understanding of diversified funding base and seasonal donors using both established, traditional methods and digital platforms.Experience in leading, managing and producing special events of 100-250 guests or more, executed by staff, board members and volunteers.Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and make informed decisions.A connection past or present to southeastern Wisconsin is desired but not required.

Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is dependent on experience. The Conservancy offers a yearly stipend for health insurance, generous vacation package, retirement matching up to 4 percent of salary within the employer-sponsored 401k plan, and disability and worker’s compensation insurance.Equal Employment OpportunityThe Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, ancestry, disability, veteran’s status or any other characteristic.About the Geneva Lake ConservancyThe Geneva Lake Conservancy is a land trust accredited by the National Land Trust Accreditation Commission recognizing it for following the highest standards of excellence and ethics. Formed in 1977, the Conservancy’s mission is to protect and restore the land and lakes of Walworth County and beyond. It has used land purchases and donations as well as conservation easements to protect more than 3,500 acres and manages five public nature preserves. Since 2017, the Conservancy has almost doubled its protected land and staff size and has become the leading land trust in Southeast Wisconsin outside the Milwaukee area. It has seven full- and part-time staff members and a budget of more than $750,000. The Conservancy board is composed of 20 members with a diverse array of talents. The Conservancy’s partners include Ducks Unlimited, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and many other public and private conservation organizations. The Conservancy offers two additional lake and land restoration programs to its supporters – Conservation@Home and Keep It Blue.

It also is leading the effort to complete a new Management Plan for Geneva Lake working with the Southeast Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission. In 2020, the Conservancy received Gathering Waters’ Land Trust of the Year Award.About the AreaThe Geneva Lake Conservancy’s office, known as the Mill House, is located in Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake in south central Walworth County. The Mill House is located 1-1.5 hours from Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison. Fontana is a town of approximately 2,000 people located on the west side of Geneva Lake.Fontana is a small town on the western shores of Geneva Lake.Surrounded by several small communities (Williams Bay, Lake Geneva and Delavan), the area has high quality public schools, easy access to major metro areas and airports and reasonable living costs.