Eno River Association
Location: Durham, NC
Employment Type: Full-Time Hybrid
Hiring Range: $50,000 – $55,000, plus benefits
Position Overview
The Development Manager works collaboratively with the Director of Development and Communications to maximize financial support for the Eno River Association (ERA). This position manages all fundraising campaigns for donors under $1,000, develops and maintains donor management and stewardship systems, and ensures consistent and meaningful communication with the Association’s members, donors, volunteers, visitors, and other stakeholders.
The position is full-time (approximately 40 hours per week). Most work will take place during regular working hours, though occasional evening and weekend work is required. Please note: All employees are asked to support programs hosted on July 4th and New Year’s Day, with flexible holiday dates provided instead.
Salary: $50,000 to $55,000 depending on experience, with a benefits package including paid time off (PTO), health insurance reimbursement, and a 403(b) retirement plan.
Primary Responsibilities
Fundraising (50%):
Plan and execute at least two (2) comprehensive fundraising campaigns each year to solicit unrestricted contributions. Campaigns may include direct mail, email, social media, paid advertising, giving days, and other channels. Collaborate with the Director of Development and Communications to incorporate matching gifts, corporate sponsorships, and major gift strategies.
Manage the Sustaining Member program to encourage monthly contributions. Promote through various communications, manage benefits, and track performance to ensure retention and growth.
Plan and execute donor/membership renewal campaigns as needed. Maintain benefit and communication plans, monitor performance, and adjust strategies to meet and exceed national retention benchmarks.
Set and track goals for donor acquisition and retention; adapt strategies as needed to meet or exceed goals.
Use reporting and donor management software to identify and target lapsed donors, volunteers, and other donor subpopulations for engagement and cultivation.
Support the major gifts pipeline by stewarding donors in the $500–$999 range and notifying the Director of Development and Communications of notable gifts, first-time donors, donor communications, and engagement activity.
Donor Stewardship (25%):
Develop and manage a comprehensive stewardship program for all donors and members. Support other staff in stewarding their volunteer networks. Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor and volunteer records in the constituent relationship management (CRM) system.
Oversee donation acknowledgements in line with best practices. Regularly update thank-you letters to support donor engagement goals, and manage the customization and signing process by relevant staff.
Conduct monthly outreach to any sustaining donors with credit cards that have been declined to minimize lost income and ensure future monthly gifts.
Collaborate with the Director of Development and Communications on donor events and support giving societies including the Sustaining Members, Wildflower Society, and Legacy Society.
Serve as the main contact for general development inquiries from members and donors.
Partner with the Finance & Operations Manager to monitor and update the CRM. Ensure accurate gift entry and reconciliation with accounting software. Create lists, queries, and reports to support segmentation, solicitation, and recognition.
Communications (25%):
Provide strategy, project management, and content development support to the Association’s communications and marketing efforts.
Work with the Director of Development and Communications to create a comprehensive communications plan that integrates Association programs, properties, events, and fundraising goals—mobilizing the community to become visitors, members, and supporters.
Oversee production of publications including the website, social media, annual report/newsletter, and monthly eNewsletter. Coordinate with staff, interns, contractors, and volunteers to generate and produce content.
Establish engagement goals for subscribers, interactions, and growth across communications platforms. Track and report on performance toward goals.
Other Duties:
Participate in planning and tracking budgets for all assigned program areas.
Support board and volunteer committees related to development and marketing.
Recruit and manage interns, contractors, or volunteers as needed to support projects and meet objectives.
Periodic tabling at community events to highlight ERA and our work.
General Standards of Conduct
All staff at the Eno River Association are expected to:
Work collaboratively to support the mission, goals, and programs of the organization.
Maintain a strong understanding of the Association’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
Respect and support the responsibilities of fellow staff, volunteers, and board members.
Execute their duties with professionalism, initiative, and commitment.
Communicate proactively, clearly, and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Uphold the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals; actively work to reduce barriers to participation for underrepresented groups.
Adhere to all policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
Job Requirements
Demonstrated commitment to equity and anti-racism in nonprofit work.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to connect authentically with donors, volunteers, partners, and community members.
Experience in development, sales, marketing, or a related field.
Collaborative, self-motivated team player with a sense of humor and dedication to community-based environmental protection.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and database systems; willingness to learn tools like DonorPerfect, Constant Contact, and Canva.
Preferred but Not Required
Bilingual in Spanish and English.
College degree (work experience may be substituted for degree attainment).
How to Apply
Email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Hsi Chen, Director of Development and Communications, at association@enoriver.org by October 5, 2025.
Please note that we will reach out to you for permission before contacting any of your references.
About the Eno River Association
The Eno River Association is an accredited land trust and watershed nonprofit founded in 1966 with a mission to protect the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Eno River basin in northern Durham and Orange counties. The Association has protected over 8,000 acres of natural and working lands and has helped create seven parks: Eno River State Park, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, West Point on the Eno City Park, Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve, Little River Regional Park, Panther Branch Natural Area, and Confluence Natural Area.
ERA continues to acquire land and secure easements, provide stewardship, offer education programs, and host events like the annual Festival for the Eno to inspire the community to prioritize our natural resources. Learn more at www.enoriver.org.
We are not just an equal opportunity employer—we are committed to operating as a non-discriminatory and inclusive nonprofit land trust. Read our full Environmental Justice / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Vision Statement on our website.
