Development Manager

Manchester Essex Conservation Trust

Website: https://mect.org

Contact: jobs@mect.org

Posted: 8/30/2026

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Are you fearless, flexible and fast on your feet?  We need YOU to take our fundraising program to the next level. We are looking for a charismatic and enthusiastic team player. We are fiercely passionate about protecting our natural resources in a hyperlocal area - the seaside towns of Manchester and Essex, Massachusetts. We’re all about the land AND the people. We are a small organization with a very active Board of Trustees and a supportive community. You will lead our ambitious annual and project-based philanthropic efforts.  We’ve radically accelerated our land acquisition achievements, and we need to strengthen our funding to match our land conservation priorities.  At MECT, we protect over 1800 acres, and we’ve been defending environmentally strategic land for over 6 decades. MECT is a proud equal opportunity employer, and we strive to be an inclusive and diverse organization. 

Job Title: Development Manager

Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications. We’re anticipating the salary range will begin at $28/hour and increase with relevant development experience.

Hours:  Part-time position, flexible, with some remote work possible. Some event and evening meeting attendance is expected. We’re anticipating 25-30 hours per week, but we want to hear from you.

Location:  Our headquarters are in Essex, Massachusetts, close to our extensive network of trails and the Great Marsh of Cape Ann. Staff gather in the office at least one day per week. 

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Manager leads all philanthropic efforts for MECT. You will amplify and uplift our fundraising for annual programs and land projects, and build ardent fervor and loyalty among our highest-capacity donors, in partnership with the Development Committee and Board of Trustees. You will inspire the Board of Trustees, staff members, and volunteers to participate in your brilliant development strategies. 

Leadership

Provide leadership for all facets of the development operations

Participate at meetings of the Board of Trustees and committees to provide advice and counsel, and report on development-related interests

Prepare reports for the Executive Director and Board on strategies/ideas/metrics

Fundraising

Manage top philanthropic relationships with individual and institutional donors – under the direction of the Executive Director and Development Committee members.

Manage donor prospects –under the direction of the Executive Director and Development Committee members -  as well as ongoing major donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship

Continually assess the fundraising program – under the direction of the Executive Director and the Development Committee - and evaluate performance to ensure optimal achievement.

Work with the Executive Director and Treasurer to prepare and oversee the annual Development budget.

Manage all aspects of solicitations, acknowledgments, donor research and record keeping, including ownership and responsibility for Little Green Light database (CRM) and data entry policies and procedures.

Spearhead 4-5 foundation and public grants each year, and lead one high-tier donor event. 

 

Key Qualifications

Minimum of one year of development experience

Track record of securing major gifts at the 5-figure level

Independent professional who can manage and prioritize multiple projects.

Excellent analytic and strategic-thinking skills and listening skills

“Can do” spirit and a sense of humor

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Drive

Experience with CRM/contact database, preferably Little Green Light

Skilled at establishing and cultivating strong relationships at all levels

Energetic and authentic writing voice

Creative and effective at problem solving

A passion for the environment

Proven ability to work with efficiency

 

Find us at MECT.org, on FaceBook and Instagram. 

 

Show us what you can do! Email your resume and cover letter to jobs@mect.org. We do not have an online application.  No phone calls please.