Boston Harbor Now
Boston, MA
Anticipated Start Date: Jan 15
Description
Boston Harbor Now is seeking an entrepreneurial, relationship-driven Director of Development to manage the development team and lead the next chapter of its philanthropic growth. The Director will play a pivotal role in strengthening and diversifying revenue, expanding relationships with individual and institutional donors, and building a sustainable fundraising program that advances BHN's ambitious vision for Boston Harbor.
Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a member of the management team, the Director will lead the organization's overall development strategy and operations. Working closely with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and colleagues across the organization, the Director will translate BHN's strategic priorities into compelling funding opportunities, cultivate and secure philanthropic investments, and build the relationships, systems, and team capabilities needed for long-term success.
Success will require both strategic leadership and hands-on fundraising, including the ability to build new relationships, make compelling cases for support, solicit and secure significant gifts, and mobilize Board members and other partners in advancing philanthropic opportunities. This opportunity is particularly well suited to a collaborative, resourceful leader who enjoys building and strengthening organizations, brings an entrepreneurial approach to fundraising, and is energized by the opportunity to build a high-performing development program that advances Boston Harbor Now's mission and long-term sustainability.
Responsibilities
Strategy and Revenue Growth
Partner with organizational leadership and program teams to translate strategic priorities into compelling cases for support, fundable projects, and new philanthropic opportunities.
Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive annual and multiyear fundraising strategy aligned with BHN's organizational priorities and financial goals.
Grow and diversify philanthropic revenue across individual giving, major gifts, foundations, corporate partnerships, events, and other strategic funding opportunities, with particular emphasis on expanding sustainable, unrestricted support.
Establish clear fundraising goals, revenue forecasts, and performance measures, regularly assessing progress and adapting strategies to achieve results and ensuring accountability for agreed-upon fundraising targets.
Major Gifts and Donor Relationships
Partner with the President & CEO, Development Committee, and Board of Trustees to facilitate strategic introductions and support donor cultivation and stewardship through the management of major gift portfilios.
Strengthen donor engagement and stewardship strategies that deepen relationships, increase giving over time, and build long-term investment in BHN's mission.
Oversee the philanthropic strategy for BHN's signature fundraising event and other engagement and stewardship opportunities, ensuring they contribute to broader relationship-building and revenue goals.
Leadership, Collaboration, and Board Engagement
Lead, mentor, and develop the development team of 4, establishing clear goals, accountability, and opportunities for professional growth.
Serve as a collaborative member of BHN's management team, contributing to organizational strategy, financial sustainability, and cross-departmental decision-making.
Work closely with the communications, program, and policy and planning teams to develop compelling fundraising narratives, proposals, campaigns, and donor communications.
Represent Boston Harbor
Now externally, building trusted relationships across Boston's philanthropic, civic, corporate, and community networks.
Development Operations and Performance
Oversee donor stewardship, prospect research, grant development, reporting, and fundraising operations to ensure a coordinated and effective development program.
Strengthen the use of BHN's donor management systems, including Salesforce or other CRM platforms, to track donor relationships, manage prospect pipelines, forecast revenue, and assess fundraising performance.
Provide regular, actionable fundraising reports and strategic recommendations to the President & CEO, Development Committee, and Board of Trustees.
Build sustainable systems, processes, and a culture of philanthropy at Boston Harbor Now that supports both immediate fundraising results and long-term organizational growth.
Requirements
We recognize that strong candidates bring diverse professional and lived experiences. We encourage applicants who demonstrate many of the following qualifications, even if they do not meet every criterion.
An entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach to building donor relationships, identifying new opportunities, and strengthening fundraising programs
Donor relationships must be proactively identified and developed rather than drawn from an established constituency.
Demonstrated success developing and executing fundraising strategies that increase philanthropic revenue and diversify funding sources.
Proven experience identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual major gifts, including gifts in the five- and six-figure range.
Experience developing, leading and managing teams, establishing clear goals, and fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.
Strong relationship-building skills and the confidence to engage donors, corporate leaders, trustees, and other influential stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a CEO, Board of Trustees, and organizational leadership to advance fundraising priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling cases for philanthropic support.
Strong financial and analytical skills, including experience with fundraising forecasts, donor pipelines, budgets, and CRM systems.
Sound judgment, resourcefulness, adaptability, and the ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on execution.
Demonstrated curiosity and openness to exploring emerging technologies, including AI and automation Commitment to Boston Harbor Now's mission and values of equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Additional Valued Experience
Experience in environmental, climate resilience, conservation, civic engagement, public space, advocacy and or public pos organizations. Familiarity with Greater Boston's philanthropic, corporate, and civic communities is preferable.
Experience with Salesforce or similar donor management platforms. Using AI to work more efficiently and effectively.
Working with program, policy & planning and marketing staff to translate complex ideas into compelling asks.
Some evening and weekend work and local travel will be required for donor engagement, organizational events, and other activities.
Research shows that people of color and women are less likely to apply if they don’t believe they meet every qualification listed.
At Boston Harbor Now, we recognize that experience can be gained in many ways—lived, professional, volunteer, and others. We encourage BIPOC candidates, people with disabilities, women, and people with non-dominant gender identities to apply.
Salary Range and Employee Benefits
The salary is $140,000 to $160,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Boston Harbor Now offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, vacation, sick and personal time, and the option to participate in our 403(b) retirement plan.
How to Apply for this Job
Please upload your resume/CV and cover letter and complete the online application form. Applications must be submitted via Boston Harbor Now's official application form to be considered. here:
Please start your file names with "Last Name, First Name Director of Development..." for all uploaded files.
About the Organization
Now Since BHN’s founding in 2016, the organization has doubled its fundraising revenue from $1.5M to over $3.5M annually. BHN has established a foundation of philanthropic support through individual giving, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, Board contributions, and its signature fundraising event, Spectacle on Boston Harbor.
The focus is on growing and diversifying our donor base and scaling the investments. BHN’s Board of Trustees and Board or Advisors are highly engaged and very generous in sharing their networks and individual financial support; 100% of the Trustees give to BHN annually and Board Giving has more than doubled since FY19. Advisors bring a range of skills and expertise and serve as a pipeline for future Board leadership. The Director will partner closely with this engaged network to deepen relationships with existing supporters and identify new philanthropic opportunities.
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