Associate Director

The Northcoast Regional Land Trust (NRLT) seeks a strategic, relationship-driven, and highly organized Associate Director to lead and grow fundraising and organizational development efforts for a dynamic conservation nonprofit serving northwestern California. The Associate Director is a senior leadership role and key partner to the Executive Director, responsible for development (approximately 60% of time), including donor engagement, major gifts, and grants (both public agencies and private foundations), while also contributing to organizational operations, cross-team coordination, and strategic alignment (approximately 40%). The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated passion for NRLT’s conservation mission, familiarity with the region, and a strong collaborative spirit. This position plays a central role in advancing NRLT’s mission to conserve and steward working lands and diverse habitats throughout the region.Download the Full Job Description and Application Packet*must apply using the instructions in application packet*Start Date: June 1, 2026 (or as mutually agreed)Status: Full-time, 32-40 hours/week (negotiable)Starting Salary Range: $83,200-$100,000 (depending on experience)Benefits: Generous paid holidays and vacation leave; paid sick leave; employer-paid health insurance; up to 3% SIMPLE IRA match; flexible schedule, and professional development support. Application Review Begins: May 13, 2026 (open until filled) Key Responsibilities:Development Leadership & Strategy (Primary Focus)Lead and grow NRLT’s fundraising program, including annual giving, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, and planned givingDevelop and implement annual fundraising plans, as well as special campaigns, aligned with organizational goals and long-term strategyCollaborate on grant strategy, proposal development, reporting, and funder relationships with both private foundations and public agencies.Partner with the Executive Director, Board and staff to identify, cultivate, and steward donors and prospectsSupport and help lead donor-facing aspects of key events, including NRLT’s annual celebration, Boots & BirkenstocksSupervise, mentor, and support development-related staff and volunteers, including setting priorities, providing feedback, and fostering professional growthDonor Engagement & SystemsOversee donor stewardship and recognition systems to ensure timely, meaningful engagementEnsure strong systems for timely, accurate gift processing and donor acknowledgmentLead strategic use of the donor database (DonorPerfect or similar), ensuring data integrity and effective useSupport staff training and adoption of CRM best practices and reporting toolsCoordinate donor communications across staff, Board, and key stakeholdersPartner with outreach and communications staff to develop compelling donor-facing contentPrepare proposals, presentations, and communications materialsHelp build a strong culture of philanthropy across the organizationOrganizational Operations & Systems (Shared Leadership)Partner with the Executive Director and Operations Director on organizational planning, internal systems, and process improvementHelp strengthen internal infrastructure, including tracking, reporting, and workflow systemsContribute to budgeting, planning, and organizational decision-makingSupport coordination to ensure organizational alignment across departments, including guiding staff workflows and cross-functional collaborationOther duties as assignedProgrammatic Alignment & External EngagementCollaborate with leadership to align fundraising priorities with conservation strategy, programmatic priorities, and staffing capacityParticipate in donor and partner engagement related to NRLT’s land protection and stewardship workRepresent NRLT in community settings, events, and partner meetingsBoard & Committee PartnershipServe as staff liaison to the Board’s Friends and Fundraising CommitteeSupport Board engagement in fundraising, including training and strategy developmentPrepare reports and analysis to inform Board and leadership decision-makingEnsure practices align with NRLT policies, Land Trust Alliance standards, and accreditation requirementsQualificationsInterest in land conservation, stewardship, and NRLT’s mission5+ years of relevant experience in nonprofit leadership, development, or a related fieldDemonstrated experience in fundraising, donor engagement, grants, or relationship-based workExperience managing staff and/or volunteers, with a collaborative leadership approachStrong written and verbal communication skillsExcellent organizational and project management ability, with capacity to manage multiple prioritiesComfort working across functions in a growing organizationProficiency with CRM systems, spreadsheets, and standard office softwareExperience managing projects or programs, ideally in a related fieldDemonstrated ability to translate technical concepts such as conservation easements and restoration project design into clear, compelling funding proposalsExperience working with private landowners and rural communities is a plus Physical & Work RequirementsAbility to work at a computer for extended periodsAbility to navigate outdoor terrain, including walking one mile or more on uneven surfaces during donor visits and events, with or without reasonable accommodationHybrid schedule may be considered after demonstrated performance and trainingValid driver's license and current auto insuranceApplication InstructionsEmail the following as a single PDF (preferred) to jobs@ncrlt.org:Application cover sheet (see attached)Cover letterResumeList of at least three professional referencesOptional supporting materials (≤ 4 pages) Review of applications begins May 13, 2026.Download the Full Job Description and Application Packet