Why Join Merck Forest & Farmland Center?

At MFFC, we build barns with timber we’ve milled ourselves onsite. We lead hikes through
breathtaking landscapes. We host signature events for hundreds of visitors multiple times a year.
Our culture is hands-on, collaborative, and driven by our mission. We’re a place where
innovative ideas meet practical action, and where your work will foster deep connections
between people and the land.

The Opportunity
The Director of Development will take the helm of our fundraising efforts, stewarding
relationships with individual donors, foundations, businesses, and government agencies. You’ll
play a key role in shaping our strategic direction, ensuring the financial health of the organization
while fostering a culture of philanthropy across all levels of MFFC. This effort should be
accomplished in a diverse array of creative ways, including:
Designing and leading:
● major donor cultivation efforts
● cyclical capital and endowment campaigns and/or comprehensive
campaigns
Providing strategic guidance and oversight for:
● All Annual Fund fundraising efforts
Serving as a key member of MFFC’s leadership team by:
● representing the donor perspective in all strategic conversations
● Fostering a culture of philanthropy at all levels of the organization
● Collaborating with the Executive Director and Director of Program to
identify, pursue, and secure foundation, state, and federal funds to support
MFFC’s work
● Serving as an ambassador for the organization and its work to internal and external stakeholders
● Fostering a growth-oriented culture of collaboration, mutual respect and collegiality consistent with the organization’s core values
The Director of Development will:
● Work with the Executive Director to Develop a comprehensive fundraising plan aligned
with the organization’s strategic plan.
● Lead development staff, volunteers, and consultants in the successful implementation of
the fundraising plan
● Monitor and analyze fundraising data to ensure progress towards goals and to make
adjustments as necessary.
● Ensure the proper use of, and maintain accurate and up-to-date records in, MFFC’s donor
database
● Collaborate with the Communications Manager to ensure that all donor-centric
communications (appeal letters, acknowledgement letters, campaign materials, etc.) are
effective while aligning with organizational voice and brand standards.
● Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure Trustees understand the fundraising
plan, are kept informed of key metrics, and are empowered to support the organization’s
fundraising efforts.
● Represents the donor perspective as a member of MFFC’s leadership team
● Instill a culture of gratitude to ensure that all MFFC staff understand and appreciate the
critical role that donors play in the organization
Required Skills/Experience
● A minimum of five years of successful nonprofit fundraising experience.
● Leadership and management with a track record of meeting ambitious goals.
● Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal.
● A passion for the natural world, outdoor recreation, sustainable land management.
● Familiarity with donor databases (preferably Salesforce).
Preferred Skills/Experience
● Foundation relations and grant writing expertise.
● Experience in event planning and execution.
● Knowledge of farming, forestry, conservation, place based education, forest ecology
and/or conservation.