Vice President for Development

Join our passionate and dynamic team as Vice President for Development, and contribute to the protection and restoration of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Apply today and be part of the mission to safeguard this invaluable natural resource for generations to come.

The Potomac Riverkeeper Network (PRKN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and their tributaries. We champion clean water, advocate for environmental justice, and engage the community through education, activism, and stewardship. With a growing budget of $2.4 million and a fervent commitment to safeguarding this vital waterway, PRKN works alongside communities to stop pollution, promote sustainable practices, advocate for policy changes, and enforce clean water laws to ensure that the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers are fishable, swimmable, and drinkable.

The Vice President for Development will play a critical role in advancing PRKN's mission by spearheading our fundraising initiatives, cultivating donor relationships, and creating innovative strategies to diversify our funding streams. Reporting directly to the President, the VP for Development will oversee all aspects of development, including major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, membership, planned giving and special events.

Key Responsibilities:    

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with PRKN's goals and objectives, ensuring sustainable financial support for current and future programs
• Donor Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations. Conduct regular outreach and engagement activities to deepen relationships and increase donor loyalty
• Major Gifts: Identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts from individuals and philanthropic organizations. Create tailored proposals that resonate with potential donors and align with their philanthropic interests
• Membership: Develop a plan to maintain and expand PRKN’s base of individual dues paying members
• Marketing: Plan and develop a digital marketing strategy in collaboration with the Communications Director
• Grant Management: Lead the identification, preparation, and submission of grant proposals. Collaborate with development team staff to articulate project needs and outcomes effectively
• Corporate Partnerships: Develop and expand corporate sponsorship programs, identifying potential partners and creating mutually beneficial partnerships that support PRKN's initiatives
• Fundraising Events: Plan and execute annual fundraising events, including galas, auctions, and community engagement activities that promote PRKN's mission and foster member/donor connections
• Legacy gifts: Develop a strategy to encourage members and donors to include PRKN in their estate planning
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the development team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability within the department
• Reporting and Evaluation: Develop metrics for evaluating fundraising effectiveness and report regularly to the President and Board of Directors on progress toward meeting fundraising goals

Qualifications:

• Proven experience (12 + years) in nonprofit development, fundraising, or related fields, with a track record of successful fundraising campaigns, grant writing, and major gift solicitation
• Strong leadership and management skills, with experience leading and mentoring a team
• Demonstrated success in developing substantive donor relationships and in supporting senior management, program staff and high-level volunteers in executing donor strategies
• Analytical, strategic and problem-solving skills with the ability to function independently and as part of a team
• Ability to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication, and presentation skills, as well as attention to detail
• Passion for environmental protection and environmental justice. 
• Familiarity with fundraising tools, including direct mail, events, Google ads, social media, and Google Analytics
• Familiarity with fundraising databases, CRMs, preferably Salesforce
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic nonprofit environment

Benefits: 

• Salary between $100K and $140K, depending on experience
• Full benefits package including health insurance, retirement benefits, generous vacation and time off for holidays, and flexible work arrangements 
• A top-notch team of fellow professionals
• Private office space in our beautiful office on M Street in Georgetown in DC, but the option of working remotely from other venues to the extent consistent with job requirements 
• Lots of fun activities with your colleagues and our members, including paddle, rafting, and fishing trips 
• The satisfaction of knowing that you are working to make the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers cleaner and safer for everyone to use and enjoy

Work Schedule and Location: This is a full time position with some evening and weekend work required. Some of the work can be done remotely, but at least one day per week in the Georgetown office in Washington, D.C. is required.

To apply, please email your resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant skills and experiences to: apply@prknetwork.org. Please include "Last name-VP for Development " in the subject line of your email. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone inquiries, please.

Potomac Riverkeeper Network prioritizes an equitable and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to engaging the skills and leadership of people of color, LGBTQ persons, and other individuals from diverse backgrounds. People from these and other historically marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Statistics show that women and people of underrepresented groups are more likely to apply to jobs only when they meet 100% of the job qualifications. We encourage individuals to break those statistics. No candidate ever meets 100% of the requested qualifications. We look forward to your application.