Director of Development

Job Purpose

The Bahamas National Trust (BNT) is seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of Development to lead its fundraising efforts. This role focuses on expanding philanthropic support through fundraising, communications, and advocacy, working closely with Executive Leadership, BNT Council, the Advancement Committee, and staff to advance BNT’s mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute BNT’s comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with current and potential donors to achieve the Trust’s fundraising goals.
• Design and implement a coordinated prospect management and solicitation strategy for targeting individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Cultivate and solicit annual, major, and principal gift prospects.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and follow-up of fundraising events, donor field trips, and donor prospect visits.
• Serve as the lead expert in fundraising, providing training and development for the Advancement Committee and staff.
• Create and oversee volunteer leader engagement strategies and plans
• Develop and implement a volunteer peer screening strategy to enhance prospect identification.
• Prepare and manage budgets for fundraising programs.
• Act as a liaison to various fundraising-related committees and external philanthropic organizations.
• Develop strategies to meet membership goals.
• Work closely with Communications to strategically manage the member database.
• Foster relationships with international donors, ensuring compliance with gift acceptance processes across different jurisdictions.
• Engage legal professionals for the acceptance of gifts of land or assets in The Bahamas, the United States, and Canada.
• Assist the Executive Director with special projects as required.
• Perform additional job-related duties as assigned

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a role involving Customer Relationship Management is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and strong relationship-building capabilities.
• Excellent project management skills, with proven experience in planning and executing campaigns and events.
• Ability to manage confidential information with a disciplined work ethic, strong organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database applications; familiarity with Blackbaud/eTapestry fundraising software is an asset.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with proficiency in word processing, databases, presentations, design, and spreadsheets.
• A passion for national and global environmental issues and conservation initiatives is a significant advantage.