Director of Development

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Career Opportunity: Director of Development

Sanborn Mills Farm | Loudon, New Hampshire

Position Type: Full-Time / Onsite

Pay Range: $85,000 – $90,000

Health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off

To Apply:
We recognize that candidates bring a wide range of experiences. If you are excited about the mission, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every qualification.   Please send a cover letter and a resume to:  Mike Molla, Executive Director, Sanborn Mills Farm.   mike@sanbornmills.org   The full job description can be found on the Sanborn Mills Farm website at sanbornmills.org.

Sanborn Mills Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Please send a cover letter and resume to Mike Molla, Executive Director of Sanborn Mills Farm. Click the button below to email. Having trouble with the button? Send your materials directly to mike@sanbornmills.org.

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Position Overview

The Director of Development is a key leadership role responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a comprehensive fundraising program. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will work closely with leadership and the Board of Directors to build sustainable funding streams through individual giving, major gifts, annual appeals, grants, and special events.

The ideal candidate is a strategic builder who excels at cultivating authentic relationships, translating a unique organizational mission into compelling donor impact, and managing the day-to-day operations of a growing advancement office.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Fundraising & Donor Relations:

    • Design and execute a comprehensive annual development plan aligned with the farm’s strategic goals.

    • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual donors, major gift prospects, and corporate partners.

    • Oversee the major gifts program and manage a portfolio of key donor relationships.

  • Annual Giving & Campaigns:

    • Plan and manage annual fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, digital giving, and appeal letters.

    • Develop and grow leadership annual giving circles and recurring donor programs.

  • Grants & Foundation Support:

    • Research, write, and submit grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and government entities.

    • Maintain a robust grant calendar, ensure timely reporting, and manage grant compliance.

  • Events & Community Engagement:

    • Collaborate with staff to integrate development goals into farm events, open houses, and workshops.

    • Plan and execute donor-centric stewardship events and cultivation gatherings.

  • Operations & Administration:

    • Maintain accurate donor records, tracking systems, and gift-acknowledgment procedures using the organization’s CRM/database.

    • Provide regular progress reports, analytics, and revenue forecasts to the Executive Director and Board of Directors.

    • Manage development-related communications in coordination with the marketing and communications team.

    Qualifications & Skills

    • Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or institutional advancement (arts, culture, education, or environmental preservation backgrounds preferred).

    • Demonstrated success in personally cultivating and closing major gifts or growing annual fund revenue.

    • Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling organizational narrative to diverse audiences.

    • Strong organizational skills with experience managing multiple projects, donor pipelines, and deadlines concurrently.

    • Familiarity with donor management databases/CRMs and digital fundraising tools.

    • A genuine appreciation for the mission, working landscape, and traditional crafts embodied by Sanborn Mills Farm.