The role of a Development Director at Quivira Coalition is a crucial one, as this Santa Fe-based nonprofit organization focuses on building resilience on working lands through education, innovation, and collaboration. The Development Director plays a key role in articulating the value of Quivira’s work to support the organization’s financial well-being. This individual must be a passionate development and fundraising professional with a deep understanding of conservation, regenerative agriculture, nonprofit communications, and data management.
The ideal candidate for the position of Development Director at Quivira is a strategic thinker who can plan and execute multiple fundraising campaigns simultaneously. They should possess strong communication skills to convey complex information in compelling ways to potential donors. Building and maintaining donor relationships is a critical aspect of the role, requiring the Development Director to be a people-person who can engage with donors in meaningful and reciprocal ways.
In addition to being detail-oriented and capable of working under multiple competing deadlines, the Development Director should be fluent in CRM management and comfortable with making four- to six-figure donation requests. As Quivira’s annual budget is $3.5M, with a significant portion coming from private donors and family foundations, the Development Director is responsible for developing strategies to raise funds and ensuring the financial health of the organization.
The Development Director position is full-time and may be based in Quivira’s Santa Fe office or remotely, with a preference for candidates living in the geographic area where the organization operates. Travel may be required up to 10 percent per year, and the Development Director will supervise the grants manager and other part-time grant writing support staff.
Fundraising is a core responsibility of the Development Director, including developing, implementing, and evaluating fundraising plans aligned with the organization’s programs. This involves overseeing daily fundraising activities, managing donor relationships, and securing funding from various sources, including individual and major gifts, foundations, corporations, and government grants. The Development Director also plays a key role in conducting annual fundraising campaigns and managing a sponsorship program for events like the REGENERATE Conference.
In terms of management, the Development Director coordinates the team and contractors to achieve strategic fundraising goals, provides direction and support to execute fundraising tasks, and contributes to program evaluation and evolution based on feedback. They also play a role in policy updates to support diversity, equity, and inclusion within Quivira’s internal and external relationships.
Qualifications for the position include 3-5 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, strong writing and organizational skills, familiarity with technological tools for fundraising, and a desire to collaborate with various teams within the organization. Desired qualifications include experience leading nonprofit organizational development, involvement with regional ranching and land management communities, and fluency in Spanish or Indigenous Native languages.
Quivira is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The Development Director reports to the executive director, receives a competitive salary based on experience, and is eligible for benefits after two months of employment. The organization offers a flexible work schedule and a supportive work environment that values the contributions of all team members.
In conclusion, the role of Development Director at Quivira Coalition is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a meaningful impact in the fields of conservation, regenerative agriculture, and nonprofit fundraising. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting Quivira’s mission to build resilience on working lands and contribute to the organization’s growth and success.