Director of Development

the client is seeking a Director of Development to lead fundraising and donor stewardship programs during a period of transition and planned growth. the organization works to conserve native plants and uses them in designed spaces, and it operates public-facing plant collections, education programs, and conservation activities across multiple states. this role will help elevate the client’s visibility and philanthropic impact, supporting increased organizational scale and strengthening support for mission activities. the Director of Development will lead major gifts and planned giving efforts, including donor recognition programs and initiatives that support individual giving. responsibilities include managing donor relations across areas such as corporate contributions, foundation and government grants, life income and planned gifts, and bequests, and collaborating with internal partners to align fundraising priorities with program funding needs and financial planning. the role will also create and execute short-term and multi-year fundraising strategies, which may include campaigns and matching-related initiatives, and will utilize data and analytics to assess performance and refine approaches. the successful candidate will develop and coordinate appeal strategies across channels such as direct mail, electronic communications, peer-to-peer, events, and other engagement methods in partnership with communications-focused colleagues. they will establish and deepen relationships with prospective and current philanthropic partners by conceptualizing and carrying out donor cultivation and stewardship activities, ensuring consistent messaging and effective use of resources. qualified candidates are expected to have strong experience in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, stewardship, and cross-functional collaboration; leadership ability and a demonstrated commitment to mission-driven philanthropy are essential.