The Advancement Director is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic vision and management of SELT’s vibrant and successful fundraising and donor engagement programs. This position leads efforts to secure the philanthropic resources necessary to advance the organization’s mission by leading major gifts, planned giving, and place-based capital campaigns, overseeing membership programs, and collaborating on foundation and corporate relations. The Advancement Director works closely with the Executive Director, Board members, and staff to deepen donor relationships and grow philanthropic support of SELT.

SELT has set the ambitious goal to increase participation among the general and major donor pool by 50% by the year 2030 to support the visionary Strategic Plan. In addition, SELT anticipates launching a comprehensive campaign in the next 2-3 years. These endeavors, including contracting professional counsel to advise SELT on growth and campaign strategies, will be led by the Advancement Director.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership

• Develop, manage, and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with SELT’s organizational goals.
• Set annual engagement and revenue targets; track and report progress regularly.
• Partner with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, and Board to foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the organization and SELT’s donor community.

Leadership and Major Gifts

• Lead SELT’s major gift program (SELTie Conservation Circle), identifying and engaging high-potential donors to build long-term relationships that result in significant contributions to support SELT’s annual operations, land conservation projects, and select programs.
• Manage and grow a personal portfolio of major donors; regularly solicit and secure gifts in the four- to seven-figure range.
• Support the Executive Director’s cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation of major donors through the development and management of a portfolio, strategy development, material and donor visit preparation, and regular donor outreach.
• Design and manage capital campaigns, major fundraising initiatives, and micro-campaigns, as needed, for place-based conservation priorities such as Merrymeeting Clean Forever, coordinating across departments and with consultants as needed.
• Manage Advancement’s extensive operations, including two direct reports, to meet ambitious annual and project-based goals.
• Lead Salesforce platform strategy, including overseeing donor data management analyzing metrics, and reporting on donor giving trends to course correct as needed and refine strategy to increase impact.

Planned Giving

• Continue to grow SELT’s planned giving program (Conservation Legacy Society) to secure increased long-term support.
• Understand simple and complex planned giving vehicles to educate and inform donors of the options to support SELT while meeting personal estate planning needs.
• Recognize and steward relationships with donors who have made planned gifts.
• Identify and cultivate new planned giving prospects to secure gifts at the 5 – 7-figure range as part of major donor portfolio management.
• Engage with professional advisors (e.g., estate planners, financial advisors) to support planned gift arrangements.
• Develop and manage planned giving events and marketing materials to raise awareness about estate gift options among donors and external professionals such as realtors, CPAs, and financial advisors.

Membership Program and Foundation Support

• Oversee administration of SELT’s membership program, including appeals, communications, and events to deepen member engagement. Ensure a seamless integration of membership efforts with overall fundraising strategy.
• Plan and implement membership growth strategies to help SELT achieve a 50% increase in its donor base by 2030.
• In collaboration with the Outreach and Education Director, identify and pursue foundation funding opportunities; maintain select institutional donor relationships.

Strategic Leadership and Team Management

• Serve on the Leadership Team, contributing to strategic planning, organizational development, and operational decision-making.
• Supervise advancement staff and consultants, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work culture.
• Support Board committees related to fundraising and development and engage Board members in donor cultivation and solicitation efforts.
• Conduct fundraising practices in accordance with the Donor Bill of Rights and to the highest ethical standards to gain and maintain the trust of SELT’s supporters.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Land Trust Alliance Standards

Key Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• Deep commitment to SELT’s mission and a passion for land conservation and the natural world.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, including major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns.
• Proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from both new and established donors.
• Deep expertise in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship best practices.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of developing successful and engaging fundraising initiatives.
• Experience cultivating and developing relationships and community-based partnerships with people of a variety of socioeconomic and political backgrounds.
• Experience supervising staff, leading teams, and motivating volunteers in a collaborative, high achieving environment.
• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Ability to present an organization to a broad audience and speak publicly and engagingly about its vision, mission, initiatives, and impact.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the strategic, data-driven use of donor management systems (Salesforce experience ideal); familiarity with fundraising analytics tools.
• Background in land conservation, environmental nonprofits, or related sectors is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., fundraising, communications, business); Master’s degree preferred.

Compensation
The Director of Advancement position has a salary of $125,000+ commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes health insurance plan; long-term and short-term disability insurance; NH paid family and medical leave; employer match to 403(b)(7) retirement plan; and paid vacation, sick time, and holidays. Free solar-powered EV charging is available on site for SELT employees.

To express interest in the position, please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence here. For more information, please visit www.developmentguild.com.

The Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT) seeks to hire a Seasonal Land Steward to assist with the management of our 47 SELT-owned properties. This position is full-time, temporary, hourly, and non-exempt.

The primary task of the Seasonal Land Steward will be to assist in the implementation of the organization’s stewardship program through the completion of basic land management tasks. The successful candidate will receive a thorough understanding of the role conservation lands play in natural resources protection, the importance of a strong stewardship program, and best practices for land management. SELT seeks the best candidate for the job. We encourage applicants from all walks of life to apply. We recognize the value that a variety of candidates can bring to our organization and the broader community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with basic land management tasks including, but not limited to, property inspections, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, wildlife camera maintenance, and boundary maintenance
• Routine mowing and grounds maintenance of the Mathey Center Campus
• Assist with the collection and management of field data including property features, invasive species mapping, and trail infrastructure
• Observe and document property conditions and infrastructure through digital photographs, notes, GPS, tablet, and other tools
• Participate in and assist land management staff with conducting volunteer workdays
• Enter appropriate information into LOCATE (SELT’s lands database)
• Assist with other administrative tasks as time allows

Qualifications & Skills

• Currently enrolled in or a graduate from a degree program in a related field (environmental studies, natural resource management, wildlife, forestry, etc.)
• Demonstrated interest in conservation, natural resources, environment, or related fields
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a wide range of people from various backgrounds, including volunteers, community members, contractors, neighboring landowners, and local government officials whose perspectives may vary widely
• Enthusiastic, well-organized, detail-oriented, able to work independently
• Physical ability to hike rough terrain, navigate via map and compass, comfortable working alone in the field in all weather conditions
• Knowledge and ability to read and understand boundary surveys and maps
• Experience in using ArcGIS 9 or 10 and/or ArcGIS Pro (knowledge of ArcGIS Online a bonus), including creating maps
• Experience with using a tablet for GPS and data collection in the field, including using ESRI’s Field Maps App
• Experience in using suite of Microsoft Office software, including Word and Excel
• Experience with Salesforce BackOffice Thinking LOCATE database or similar relational databases is desired
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle

Start Date and Compensation

This is a temporary, full-time, non-exempt, hourly position (40 hrs/week) with an expected work period between early-May and late-August 2025. A total of 16 weeks is expected. Exact dates are flexible depending on the availability of the successful candidate. Typical work week is Monday through Friday; however, occasional Saturday or Sundays (1-2 a month) may be needed for volunteer workdays. Compensation is $19.50 an hour. Mileage will be reimbursed at the standard IRS rate.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands

This position includes extensive fieldwork out of the office in all weather conditions and generally involves walking, bending, lifting, crouching, and occasionally climbing. Operates GPS, compass, camera, and related tools. A portion of the work is performed in a normal office environment not subject to extremes of noise, temperature, odor, etc. Operates computer, printer, and other office equipment. Work may require extended sitting and repetitive motion in the use of computer, keyboard, and mouse. Regular travel is required. A locker room with showers is available at our office for transitions from field work to office work.

To Apply

Applications are due by 5:00 pm on Friday, February 20th, 2026. Please email a resume and cover letter (both in PDF format) to Chad Fierros, Forest and Wildlife Habitat Manager at careers@seltnh.org with “Seasonal Land Steward” and your name in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

Join the Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire (SELT) and their growing agriculture education program as the Farm Education Intern.

Highlights of this position’s responsibilities include:

• Overseeing our 5,000 square foot educational garden, featuring vegetables, flowers, herbs, and play spaces
• Acting as point person for the weekly volunteer work sessions for garden upkeep
• Conducting additional upkeep to allow for a productive garden
• Conducting maintenance to garden infrastructure and surrounding education program areas
• Working with the local food pantry to coordinate harvest donations
• Working with the education program manager to assist with elementary school farm field trips
• Working with the education program manager to deliver one week of farm-based summer camp
• Work with outreach staff and interns to develop and deliver garden outreach programming throughout the summer months
• This internship is designed to be 10 hours per week, with the exception of increased hours during one week of summer camp. The hours are flexible and the schedule can be arranged with the Education Program Manager.

Ideally, the intern would be with us during the active garden season, the beginning of April through the end of August. Stipend will be paid monthly at the amount of $700 per month. Work will take place at SELT’s beautiful Burley Farms campus in Epping, NH, a 15 minute drive from the UNH campus.

The Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment for our employees and are actively engaged in ensuring our properties, activities, and events are inviting to all.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to SELT’S Education Program Manager, Lizzy Franceschini at lizzy@seltnh.org.