Associate Director of Development

Job Title: Associate Director of Development

Location: River Heritage Conservancy

Position Type: Full-Time

About River Heritage Conservancy: River Heritage Conservancy is a 501 ©(3) organization dedicated to the creation, maintenance, and preservation of an exceptional, world-class, linear parkscape stretching along the Ohio River from Jeffersonville to New Albany, Indiana. Once created, we are committed to ensuring this space will remain safe, clean, and attractive while offering recreational and educational opportunities for the Louisville and Southern Indiana region throughout the year.

Job Summary: The Associate Director of Development, reporting to the Director of Development, will play a pivotal role in securing funding to support the mission and projects of River Heritage Conservancy. This position focuses on writing and managing grants, project management and implementation, and maintaining and optimizing our donor database/CRM system. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully writing and securing federal, state, and private foundation grants. They will also demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, be a collaborative team player, and possess strong communication skills both verbally and in writing.

Key Responsibilities:

Grant Writing and Grant Implementation:

• Research, identify, and pursue grant opportunities from federal, state, and private foundation sources.
• Develop compelling grant proposals, including detailed budgets and supporting documentation.
• Manage the full lifecycle of grants, including submission, reporting, and compliance.
• Maintain accurate records of grant activity and ensure timely submission of all required reports and documentation.
• Cultivating and sustaining key relationships with funders and organizations that we are soliciting.

Project Management:

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of development projects.
• Coordinate with various departments to ensure alignment and successful execution of projects.
• Monitor project progress, address challenges, and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Communicating with funders to meet requirements for funding and project timelines.
• Prepare and present project status reports to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Database/CRM Oversight:

• Maintain and optimize the donor database/CRM system to ensure accurate and up-to-date donor information.
• Utilize the CRM to track and analyze donor interactions, identify trends, and support strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Train and support staff in using the CRM system effectively.
• Generate reports and provide insights to inform development strategies and decision-making.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in grant writing and fundraising, with a proven track record of securing significant funding.
• Strong project management skills with experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency in using donor databases/CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge).
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in environmental conservation or related sectors.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal grant processes and requirements.