Director of Development

The C&O Canal Trust (Trust), the official philanthropic partner to the C&O Canal National Historical Park, is seeking a Director of Development (Director) with a passion for public lands and the nonprofit sector to help build our capacity to provide increasingly robust support to the C&O Canal National Historical Park. We are a growing nonprofit that raises funds to preserve and protect the C&O Canal NHP and manages programs that use the Park's natural, historical, and cultural resources for recreational and educational purposes.

The C&O Canal Trust seeks a creative, energetic, and results-oriented Director of Development to lead all fundraising and development activities. Reporting to the President & CEO of the Trust, the Director serves as a key leadership team member who is an effective leader with a track record of success in development. The successful candidate will be strategic, analytical, have a strong work ethic, and the ability to excel under pressure and in a variety of venues. The position is based at C&O Canal NHP Headquarters in Williamsport, Maryland, adjoining the Park. The Director also travels regionally to meet with donors, prospects and volunteers. Trust staff are currently operating under a hybrid model - in office and telework - to allow for on-site collaboration as well as focused telework time.

The Director has primary responsibility for advancing and executing all fundraising programs that support the mission of the Trust. The Director coordinates his or her efforts with the Director of Marketing and Communications and the Director of Programs and Partnerships to ensure fully integrated staff leadership; identifies and secures funding for Trust operations and initiatives; maintains relationships with current individual and institutional donors; develops new funding sources; and supports the work of the Development Committee of the Board.

The Director is responsible for all aspects of the development program: major donor and legacy giving; the annual fund; grant writing and management; corporate philanthropy; and special event organization and sponsorships. He or she is assisted by 2.5 FTE Development Associates. As part of a growing nonprofit, all staff are required to assist with organization-wide duties and at major events. Some weekend and evening work is required.

Core Competencies

* Ability to lead and think strategically
* Time management and organizational skills
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of our cohesive team
* Strong interpersonal skills
* Creativity combined with successful project execution
* Integrity, credibility, and discretion

Qualifications

* Minimum of a Bachelor's degree, Master's preferred.
* Five to 10 years of experience in nonprofit development.
* Proven track record of success in major donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
* Certified Fund Raising Executive credential preferred.
* Experience writing direct mail solicitations, donor impact reports, and other development-related materials.
* Grant identification, writing, and grant management experience.
* Flexible and adaptable style; a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives.
* Ability to work independently and as a team player who productively engages with others within and outside the Trust.
* A professional and resourceful style; shows initiative, and can manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
* Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.
* Experience planning and managing special events.
* Experience with donor information, tracking, and analysis.
* Knowledge of eTapestry or a similar CRM.
* Experience with prospect research as well as research on funding sources and trends.