Upstream: Development Director

Organization: NRG Consulting Group

Location: United States

POSITION: Development Director with UpstreamPOSITION TYPE: Director level, reports to CEO LOCATION: Remote, must be located within the U.S. COMPENSATION: This is a remote position with a salary range of $120,000 - $130,000 depending on experience. Benefits include, but are not limited to: 403b plan with 5% employer match after 1 year of employment, flexible time off plus 17 paid holidays, robust parental leave, technology and co-working space stipend, health stipend, and supplemental insurance. UPSTREAM’S MISSION: We drive change toward a robust and enduring reuse economy. UPSTREAM’S VISION: We live in a regenerative world where the planet is treated as indisposable and communities thrive. Development Director Job SummaryThe Development Director is a highly dynamic and collaborative senior executive responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive, sustainable, and scalable growth and fundraising strategy for the organization. This role requires high levels of executive skills including 7+ years experience in the fundraising field. This leader will develop and execute a strategic fundraising plan for the organization and be responsible for helping Upstream reach its income and other development goals. This role involves leading fundraising efforts, strengthening donor and partner relationships, and enhancing the organization's visibility among key audiences. The successful candidate will be dynamic, engaged, and dedicated to continual learning. This person manages the Fundraising Team members and the team’s activities. Key Responsibilities Strategic LeadershipDevelop and execute short- and long-term comprehensive, innovative fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals with particular emphasis on strengthening donations from individuals, increasing donor retention, and creating a more balanced and sustainable portfolioCreate and expand a robust major gifts program focused on identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting high-potential donors, particularly individuals and family foundationsIn the first year, work collaboratively with our development consultants to assess current fundraising efforts and co-create an annual development plan. Lead the implementation of this plan across all funding streams—including annual and major individual giving, grants, sponsorships, board giving, and special events—and, in subsequent years, independently lead the creation, planning, and implementation of the annual development plan.Set annual fundraising targets and create budgets, timelines, and benchmarks to measure progressServe on the Leadership Team, contributing strategic thinking to organizational planningMonitor fundraising trends, opportunities, and competitive landscapeDemonstrate a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to challengesPartner with the Communications Team to develop integrated marketing strategies that enhance brand visibilityPartner with the CEO and Board Chair to strengthen board engagement in philanthropy, including annual board giving campaigns, expectation-setting and coaching, and building a board culture of philanthropyFundraising Operations & Team ManagementExecute multi-channel fundraising initiatives including major gifts, annual campaigns, events, and corporate sponsorshipsMeet fundraising KPIs by securing single and multi-year major gifts to ensure long-term financial sustainabilityLead, manage, and develop the Fundraising Team, including staff and contractorsHire, onboard, coach, and conduct performance management for direct reportsFoster a culture of continuous learning by identifying professional development opportunitiesWork collaboratively with CEO, staff, and volunteer leadership to implement strong infrastructure and stewardship practices to provide effective donor management systems and processesEstablish and enforce CRM best practices to ensure clean data, accurate forecasting, donor segmentation, and dashboards for regular tracking of fundraising performanceReport regularly to the CEO on fundraising strategies, progress, and outcomesDonor Relationship BuildingCultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, and corporate partners, and support executive and Board leadership as they build relationships with major donorsDesign and implement personalized engagement strategiesManage Donor Search platform and HubSpot CRM to track and optimize donor relationshipsLead donor recognition programs that drive meaningful engagement and retentionIndustry Engagement & Continuous LearningMaintain expertise in philanthropy best practices, donor behavior, and emerging fundraising opportunitiesBuild and actively participate in a community of peer fundraising professionalsStay connected to the reuse movement through external meetings, events, and key publicationsIdentify and pursue professional development opportunities to enhance fundraising effectivenessCollaborate across all Upstream teams to leverage organizational knowledge and relationshipsStay current on donor retention strategies, major gift methodologies, and emerging fundraising approaches that support long-term revenue stabilityContent DevelopmentPartner with Communications Team to create compelling donor-facing materials and campaignsDevelop and deliver presentations, collateral, and pitches for prospective and existing fundersContribute to and occasionally lead grant proposal and report developmentKnowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledgeWell-rounded understanding of philanthropy best practices and current trends in the nonprofit sectorFamiliarity with nonprofit organizational structures, governance, and financial managementAdvanced knowledge of fundraising principles, practices, and methodologies with demonstrated expertise in major gifts strategy, moves management, and donor retention best practicesIn-depth understanding of effective fundraising strategies that maximize impact with efficient resource allocationExpertise in donor lifecycle management: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardshipExperience applying data-driven segmentation and stewardship strategies to improve donor retention and recaptureUnderstanding of donor behavior, motivations, and relationship management strategiesKnowledge of tax laws and regulations related to charitable giving, including donor tax benefits and nonprofit compliance requirementsAwareness of current challenges and opportunities in philanthropy and the nonprofit sectorKnowledge and/or work experience within the reuse movement or related fields (climate, plastic pollution, conservation, sustainability) is a major plusSkills and AbilitiesExceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, for engaging colleagues, funders, and external audiencesHigh emotional intelligence with ability to build trust and rapport, and inspire diverse audiencesStrong initiative in building relationships with existing and prospective fundersDemonstrated excellence in public speaking, project management, customer service, networking, and collateral creationAbility to confidently partner with board members on fundraising activities and strengthen a board culture of philanthropyStrong analytical and writing capabilitiesSelf-motivated and effective in remote work environmentsFlexibility to pivot and adapt approaches in response to new opportunities and changing circumstancesAbility to learn and maximize utility of CRM, including pipeline management, segmentation, and reportingProficiency in Google Suite, HubSpot, Donor Search, Slack, and Zoom strongly preferredMinimum QualificationsBachelor’s degree in relevant field (Master’s preferred).7+ years of experience in leadership positions within NGOs with proven success in NGO management, fundraising, and program development.Proven success. 7+ years of demonstrated track record securing 5- and 6-figure gifts from individual donors, family foundations, and/or donor-advised funds, ideally in the climate, plastic pollution, or similar movement.Strong knowledge and creativity in fundraising strategies and approaches. Understanding of donor lifecycle management, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.Strong communication skills. Excellent ability to communicate verbally and in writing.Integrity and Accountability: A steadfast commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and stewardship of donor contributions to foster trust and credibility.Collaboration: A genuine respect for teamwork and partnership, working effectively with staff, Board members, donors, and community stakeholders to achieve shared goals.Empathy and Respect: An ability to build authentic relationships by listening to and understanding the needs, values, and aspirations of donors, colleagues, and the communities served.Equity and Inclusion: A commitment to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in fundraising practices and donor engagement, ensuring all voices and perspectives are valued.Commitment to continuous learning. A commitment to staying informed about emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in philanthropy, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership. Actively seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth to enhance effectiveness and inspire team development. Working ConditionsThis position requires working remotely, participating in Zoom meetings, and completing high-quality work from a remote workplace.This job requires travel several times a year for team retreats and funder visits across N. America.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. EEO Statement Upstream is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions at Upstream are based exclusively on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national, social, or ethnic origin, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation and all other statuses as protected by the laws and regulations of the United States and/or the state of Maine. Our Hiring Timeline and ProcessAn ideal start date would be late March or early April 2026.Apply by submitting your resume and answering the application questions. Applicants will receive an outline of the hiring process. This search is being led by NRG Consulting Group. Reach out to Jaclyn Jones at jaclyn@nrgconsultinggroup.org with any questions.

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