About Us
Vermont Huts & Trails (VHT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to foster a deeper appreciation for our natural environment and strengthen Vermont’s communities by providing enriching and immersive outdoor experiences for all. We work to increase access to outdoor recreation and actively support rural economies throughout Vermont. To do that, we’re creating the country’s most innovative statewide, hut-supported trail network, intentionally routed into local communities and linking existing networks.
Our values guide us in every aspect from big-picture planning to daily activities, including our hiring process. Our core values include meaningful partnerships, equity and belonging, a healthy work/life balance, and perseverance. We’re looking for someone who not only shares our passion for outdoor recreation but is also excited to wear many hats, work closely and collaboratively with our existing staff of eight, and create new points of access to the outdoors.
The Position
The Development Director (DD) is a full time (32 hours/week) position with benefits.
We are seeking a dynamic individual who is a self-starter, can wear many hats, and enjoys the freedom to think creatively. The DD will work closely with the Executive Director (ED), Marketing Manager, and Development Assistant to develop and execute successful organizational fundraising efforts, including the creation of new relationships with private donors and foundations, growing our existing member base, and executing targeted fundraising campaigns. The DD should be able to clearly articulate the value of supporting the VHT mission, with a keen eye for identifying individuals and entities whose priorities align with ours.
Essential Job Functions
- Grow VHT’s donor base by fostering existing relationships and cultivating prospective donors utilizing a variety of tools including wealth screening software
- Develop and execute VHT’s annual fundraising goals and strategies in effort to grow revenue year-over-year to meet overhead and capital budgetary needs
- Manage donor database in Salesforce; process and track donations and gift acknowledgements in coordination with Development Assistant
- Develop and execute targeted fundraising campaigns and events
- Identify new grant opportunities and submit applications with support from appropriate staff
- Identify and secure new corporate sponsorships with support from the ED, BOD, and Marketing Manager
- Keep a variety of stakeholders apprised of VHT’s successes and needs via quarterly and annual reports along with other methods of communication
- Liaise with Board of Directors, including quarterly reports and ongoing participation in fundraising campaigns and events
Location
This is a Vermont-based hybrid position that requires reliable, high-speed internet for any remote work. Staff meet in person twice monthly at our Waterbury office but can work on site whenever they choose. Additional in-person attendance is expected throughout the year for fundraising events, donor and foundation meetings, and other organizational activities.
Desired Experience
While not critical, we’d love it if you had the following experience:
- Experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a focus on individual philanthropy and major gifts, including engagement with high-net-worth donors.
- Bachelor’s degree in writing, communications, marketing, a related field, or equivalent professional experience
- Demonstrated success with identifying, applying for, and reporting on private, state, and federal grants.
- Organizational and/or project management skills including: collecting and analyzing data; and fostering positive relationships with a wide variety of people, programs, and partners.
- Self-starter with a positive attitude and ability to adapt quickly to changing needs
- Knowledge of the outdoor recreation industry
- Experience with, or the ability to quickly learn the following platforms: SalesForce, Google Suite (gmail, docs, sheets, forms, etc…), Windfall, Adobe Creative Cloud, Stripe, and Zoom
Benefits
- Competitive salary: $70,000 – $75,000 depending on experience
- 32-hour work week
- 401k contributions (10% of salary) and home office reimbursements
- Three weeks paid time off (increases to four weeks after one year of employment and five weeks after five years)
- 10 paid holidays per year (alternatively, these can be added to your PTO)
- 16 weeks family leave (four weeks paid, 12 weeks unpaid)
- Eligibility for six-week sabbatical leave every five years
To Apply
If you’re passionate about creating an enriching outdoor experience for everyone, please submit a cover letter and resume to info@vermonthuts.org with the subject line: Development Director – Last name, First name. We look forward to hearing from you.
Vermont Huts & Trails is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ, and persons with disabilities.
As an organization, our mission is to make outdoor recreation accessible to all through our growing network of backcountry huts and trails. Specifically, our FOREST Program partners with other nonprofits, schools, and communities to actively invite underserved youth and other historically marginalized communities onto the trails and into our huts entirely free of charge. We provide transportation, gear, and food along with an outdoor educator and curriculum tailored to suit the participants. The program aims to introduce students and those who have been previously excluded to outdoor recreation in a safe and welcoming way, encouraging lifelong participation and stewardship of their natural environment.
