DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Craigardan seeks its first director of development to join our talented team as we continue to expand programming and finish building the beautiful new 320-acre campus in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains.

This is a year-round, full-time position with room for growth that allows for creative problem-solving, innovation, and exploration in a supportive, inclusive environment.

This position provides a rich and rewarding experience while maintaining a positive work-life balance. The Adirondack region is known for its work hard / play hard ethos, and Craigardan is located at the center of this incredible playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Our staff is the heart and soul of this place-based organization and we value their personal well-being as much as their professional growth. Learn more about our people and programs at www.craigardan.org.

WHAT WE DO

Craigardan is a nonprofit arts organization and educational working farm that leverages collective creativity for social good. We bring people together for place-based and interdisciplinary learning, providing creative residencies, courses, and events that span diverse artistic and knowledge disciplines in order to foster curiosity, inquiry, and collaboration.

Craigardan supports ceramic, literary, visual, and performance artists, as well as farmers, chefs, activists, scholars, and researchers from the Adirondack region and around the world. We cultivate a dynamic that amplifies each individual’s work and activates collective creativity within the community. We believe that fostering the interaction between artists and the local public is as important as providing sheltered time to artists to further their creative practices.

As an organization deeply rooted in this region’s unique history, Craigardan exists at the nexus of processes (re)making this region’s present and future: environmental conservation, the resurgence of small farms, rural economic revitalization, and cultural/social activism.

By developing interdependent connections within our local Adirondack community, we nurture a deep sense of place through people, culture, food, stories, and the exchange of ideas and skills. With a built-in focus on equitable exchange across a wide range of disciplines, Craigardan offers an experience that ties the creative process to larger contexts. This experience leads to new questions and new initiatives; and it generates positive social change through collective creativity.

MISSION + VISION

Craigardan’s mission is to encourage the human imagination to interpret the world with philosophical, ecological, and artistic perspective.

We envision an Adirondack region defined by its makers who are committed to the development of sustainable systems that integrate the needs of human communities with the integrity of the natural world.

THE POSITION

As an integral member of Craigardan’s team, the Development Director must work closely with staff in all areas of the organization and bring leadership and vision to our development efforts. The position of Development Director is pivotal as we work to expand and maximize revenue streams, finish our capital campaign, cultivate ongoing and lasting donor relationships, and embark on our next five-year strategic plan. With the direction and close collaboration of the Executive Director, the development director will oversee two areas:

Communications (20%)
- - Assist with correspondence between staff, board, advisors, donors, and program alumni
  - Execute handwritten and electronic communications including development-related newsletters, publications, fundraising appeals, social media
  - Maintain message and brand consistency across channels and in all forms of written and digital communications
  - work with staff and board members to further develop our culture of philanthropy

Development Administration (80%)
- - Create the organization’s annual fundraising and development plan
  - Lead all fundraising and development administration and maintain all records and files
  - Identify prospective donors, work with current donors, and assist the Executive Director with donor and prospective donor outreach including major gifts
  - Manage our Bloomerang donor database and utilize its full potential
  - Write thank you notes and tax letters for donors in a timely fashion
  - Execute the annual report, annual appeal, summer benefit event, and other donor cultivation events, publications, and opportunities
  - Maintain and grow the database of grant opportunities and assist with writing and managing grants
  - Conduct foundation research and identify prospects
  - Assist Craigardan in successfully completing the current campus capital campaign
  - Introduce new fundraising and development ideas to Craigardan and increase fundraising effectiveness

WHAT YOU DO

You have acquired the life experience and fundraising and development skills for this position and you have a strong desire to think creatively, learn about, and promote:

- - The importance and role of philanthropy in the arts and social change
  - The value of cultural opportunities in rural regions
  - Connections between regional/national/international community members, program alumni, and organizational initiatives
  - The power of the arts and the creative process in designing the future we want to see in the world

You are capable, curious, and positive; and you are comfortable in your ability to:

- - Lead but also listen; ask questions and observe
  - Be highly responsible, dependable, adaptable, and organized
  - Communicate exceptionally well both verbally and in writing
  - Manage database systems and online platforms
  - Accept critical feedback
  - Think and act quickly and efficiently, without missing details
  - Manage spreadsheets and documents, databases, and project timelines in a clean and organized way
  - Develop systems to collaborate and work efficiently with others
  - Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
  - Continue to learn and grow; and set and achieve goals

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience:

- - Bachelors Degree, advanced degree a plus
  - At least 4 years of fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector working in a larger development team or leading a development program
  - Strong computer and online skills, including donor database management
  - Demonstrated success in communications and fundraising including gift solicitations
  - Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills

Applicants must have a strong affinity for Craigardan’s mission and work, live in or be willing to relocate to the Adirondacks, and thrive in a place-based environment — this position is not a remote or work-from-home position.

COMPENSATION

Full-time, 40 hour per week position

This position offers room for growth for the right candidate

Starting salary $60,000 - $65,000 commensurate with experience

The employment package includes:

30 paid holiday, personal, and wellness days per year
Monthly health care stipend
Staff shares of farm food produced at Craigardan and 15% off in the Farm Store
Free access to programs and educational classes
Continuing education, training, and professional development support

This position requires working occasional weekends and some holidays. This job description covers key responsibilities but does not outline all duties. This is a long term position, all applicants must be willing to commit to at least two years. Craigardan is an equal opportunity employer. We highly encourage applications from women, people of color, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+

APPLY

Apply in confidence. Email a cover letter, resume/CV, and three references by email to Michele Drozd, executive director, at info@craigardan.org. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2025

Craigardan

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Director of Development