Position Description:
Harpeth Conservancy seeks an outgoing, detail-oriented, highly organized and savvy individual to work closely with the CEO, President and Founder, Board of Directors, program staff, donors and volunteers, to plan, manage, and implement the organization’s fundraising programs. The Director of Development plays a crucial role in securing the necessary resources to support our mission to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee. This position requires strong management skills, a strategic mind, ability to work well independently as well as as part of a team, and comfort relating to a variety of people in multiple settings.
The Development Director will have a leadership role in the organization’s strategic growth plan to expand the number of vibrant, talented, and experienced leaders with expertise in conservation and environmental public policy on behalf of ensuring clean water and healthy rivers for every Tennessean. The organization has been increasing its funding support annually as part of a multi-year capacity building plan that includes the launch of a long-term investment/endowment fund. Harpeth Conservancy has a $1.6 million operating budget with a goal to grow to $2 million. This position reports to the CEO.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:- Organizational Leadership
- Develop and lead annual fundraising strategies that include events, corporate sponsorships, major gifts, individual giving, membership campaigns, and foundation support at local to national levels.
- Manage the Development team and partner with the Community Engagement department to implement these plans.
- Major Gifts and Corporate Sponsorship
- Cultivate and steward individual donor, foundation, and corporate relationships for general support, program support, planned giving, and endowment fund development. Conduct prospect research to support these efforts.
- Events Management
- Lead and oversee two core annual fundraising events: River Swing, a well-established and award-winning signature event that raises over $650,000; and Songwriters for Streams, a family-friendly event that raises $50,000. Responsibilities include forming and managing event committees, and cultivating and increasing sponsorships.
- Other Development Duties
- Identify new funding opportunities and coordinate fundraising efforts across the organization.
- Work closely with committees such as the Board of Directors, Finance Committee, Investment Committee, Advisory Council, and River Swing Committee.
- Oversee Donor Perfect database management and initiate strategies for improvement.
- Represent the organization publicly and through networking to promote Harpeth Conservancy’s mission.
- Stay current on fundraising trends and perform other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher with seven or more years of nonprofit experience managing donor development, fundraising events, publicity, and outreach.
- Proven history of leading large, long-term fundraising efforts such as capital campaigns, estate planning, annual giving, and major signature events.
- Established networks in Middle Tennessee, particularly Williamson and Davidson Counties.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong interpersonal and relationship skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners, volunteers, and staff.
- Strategic thinking and planning skills.
- Strong management, public speaking, budgeting, and financial oversight abilities.
- Professionalism, energy, and passion for conservation.
- Excellent writing, social media, and donor communications skills.
- Experience with DonorPerfect or similar donor management systems.
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
- Understanding of water quality, conservation, or environmental issues preferred.
- DonorPerfect, project management software, Dropbox, Microsoft Office, and Slack.
- Project management, problem solving, and process management.
- Managing employees and volunteers; collaborating with leadership, board members, and partners.
- Fostering a spirit of teamwork and collaboration.
- Commitment to the mission of Harpeth Conservancy.
- Reliability, flexibility, and willingness to work evenings or weekends as required.
- Maintaining confidentiality concerning donors and organizational matters.
- Ability to lift 25 pounds.
- Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
- Valid Tennessee Driver’s License, transportation, and proof of insurance.
The salary base is $80,000 with potential range above based on experience. The position is based at our Brentwood, TN office. A flexible schedule is expected to accommodate events and travel. Benefits include paid time off, Blue Cross Blue Shield of TN health plan, and a Simple IRA retirement plan.
Please submit cover letter, resume, and three references to: katiemaxwell@harpethriver.org, addressed to Katie Maxwell, Operations Manager.
About Harpeth Conservancy:Harpeth Conservancy is a science-based conservation organization dedicated to clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers across Tennessee. Founded in 1999, our mission is to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee by employing scientific expertise and collaborative relationships to develop, promote, and support community stewardship and action.
The rivers in Tennessee, including the Harpeth, are part of the unique freshwater river systems of the Southeast, which contain some of the greatest biodiversity in the world. By seeking water quality solutions developed with diverse stakeholders, Harpeth Conservancy builds broad stewardship and shared responsibility for streams and rivers that are vital for Tennessee’s economy and quality of life.
Learn more about Harpeth Conservancy’s successes in its first 25 years, our vision in this 6-minute video, and our current campaigns.