Location: Delaware

Reports To:  Board of Directors

FLSA Status: Exempt

Mission:

To enhance quality of life in Delaware by connecting people to trails, pathways, and scenic corridors that support outdoor discovery, healthier lifestyles, conservation, and community connection.

DGI Core Values:

DGI’s work is guided by environmental stewardship, community advocacy, connected networks, enhanced outdoor experiences, and healthier lifestyles.

Position Overview:

The Executive Director (ED) of Delaware Greenways, Inc. (DGI) will serve as the organization’s chief fundraising strategist and relationship builder, responsible for securing the resources needed to advance DGI’s mission.

Working with the Board, staff, volunteers, donors, public agencies, foundations, and community partners, the ED will grow contributed revenue, deepen donor engagement, and connect supporters to DGI’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership:

• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan with the Board, including individual giving, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, planned giving, campaigns, and events.
• Set revenue goals, track performance, and report progress with recommendations to strengthen donor engagement and revenue growth.

Donor, Partner, and Community Engagement:

• Serve as a visible ambassador for DGI, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, funders, public officials, businesses, civic leaders, and community partners.
• Oversee day-to-day operations with attention to strong fiscal stewardship, accurate donor records, timely gift acknowledgment, and effective coordination of fundraising activities.
• Manage staff, volunteers, and consultants involved in program, communications, and administration, building a culture of accountability and donor-centered service.

Operational/Financial Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations while functioning as the bridge between governance and operations ensuring the Board and staff share a common vision.
• In collaboration with the Board Treasurer, draft DGI’s annual budget, oversee financial reporting, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; relevant advanced degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of nonprofit leadership experience with demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, grants, sponsorships, campaigns, or related resource development.

Skills:

• Demonstrated success creating and executing fundraising plans; cultivating donors, funders, and partners; and advancing individual giving, major gifts, grants, sponsorships, events, and development communications.
• Excellent communication, storytelling, public speaking, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect DGI’s mission to persuasive cases for support.

Working Conditions:

• Occasional evenings, weekend, and in-state travel are required for donor meetings, fundraising events, Board activities, community engagement, funder meetings, partnership development, and site visits.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to jobs@delawaregreenways.org by [application deadline]. Cover letters should highlight measurable fundraising accomplishments and donor relationship experience.

Delaware Greenways, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.