Director of Development

Date Posted: 2/10/2026
Department: Development
Type of Employment: Full-Time

Position Title: Director of Development
Status: Permanent, Full-time salaried, Exempt
Reports to: Executive Director 
Location: Des Moines, IA / Hybrid

ABOUT THE IOWA ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL 

The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the largest environmental coalition in the state. Through education, advocacy, and coalition-building, we raise awareness, generate action, and create large-scale change. We work on federal, state, and local public policy issues to ensure a just, healthy environment and sustainable future for all Iowans.

IEC provides a highly collaborative, supportive, and flexible work environment and values teamwork, innovation, and shared leadership. 

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY 

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for the Iowa Environmental Council’s fundraising and revenue-generation efforts. This role is responsible for creating and implementing annual and multi-year development plans aligned with the Council’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. 

Primary areas of focus include individual giving and major gifts, donor relations and retention, fundraising events, coalition membership engagement and renewals, and diversification of funding streams. 

The Director of Development partners closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and senior staff to build a resilient, values-aligned funding base that supports IEC’s programs and long-term sustainability. 

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES 

• Develop, implement, and manage an annual fundraising campaign, establishing clear objectives, strategies, timelines, and metrics in partnership with the Executive Director and Board Development Committee. 
• Integrate annual campaign revenue goals and fundraising strategies into organizational work plans, projects, and initiatives. 
• Provide leadership and oversight of IEC’s CRM system to ensure accurate data, meaningful reporting, and effective use across development and communications functions; work closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications to track, analyze, and evaluate fundraising data. 
• Proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, including managing a portfolio of mid-level and major donors and regularly meeting with current and prospective supporters, corporate sponsors, and coalition members. 
• Develop and implement a strategy to expand and retain organizational memberships and business contributions, including responsibility for coalition member engagement, relationship management, and renewals. 
• In collaboration with the Director of Marketing and Communications, manage fundraising campaigns such as direct mail, Giving Tuesday, and annual year-end appeals. 
• Research, track, and pursue foundation and corporate grant opportunities in support of program staff. 
• Partner with the Executive Director to engage and support board members in fundraising activities through committees, donor outreach, and special initiatives. 
• Develop and execute a comprehensive plan for fundraising events, including sponsorship strategy and cultivation. 
• Work closely with the Finance and Operations Administrator to develop revenue projections, establish annual budgets and goals, and monitor progress throughout the year. 
• Serve as the fundraising lead for the organization, providing guidance and training to program staff as needed to support integrated development efforts. 
• Communicate accurately, professionally, and in a timely manner with board members regarding fundraising performance, financial reporting, and development-related updates. 
• Uphold fundraising practices that reflect IEC’s values around equity, justice, transparency, and authentic community partnership. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Required 

• Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising, particularly individual giving, donor cultivation and retention, and fundraising events and sponsorships. 
• Ability to clearly and compellingly communicate the mission, impact, and funding priorities of the organization and directly solicit gifts. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with close attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Demonstrated initiative, strong follow-through, and the ability to manage priorities independently in a flexible, results-oriented work environment. 
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining a strategic perspective. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and adaptability. 
• Ability to travel and meet with current and prospective donors to cultivate relationships. 
• Passion for IEC’s mission and enthusiasm for representing a dynamic, statewide organization. 
• Experience working with donor databases (CRM systems), spreadsheets, and document management tools. 
• Understanding of and experience with multiple fundraising and solicitation platforms. 
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with board members. 

Desirable 

• Familiarity with Iowa-based and regional funding sources related to environmental, natural resources, and energy work. 
• Experience working in a nonprofit organization with a mission-driven staff and engaged board. 
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience. 

Benefits 

• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Family Leave, and Volunteer Time Paid Holidays
• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Simple IRA
• Parking Provided, Travel Reimbursed 
• Flexible work arrangement including working from home and/or outside of regular business hours as approved by supervisor 

The Iowa Environmental Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to building a culturally diverse and pluralistic community engaged with working in a multicultural environment, and strongly encourages applications from all qualified applicants.

Compensation: $75,000 - $85,000, commensurate on experience.

TO APPLY

Please send a cover letter, resume, and references to Sarah Green, Executive Director: green@iaenvironment.org.