Friends of DuPont Forest (FODF) is a nonprofit partner to DuPont State Recreational Forest, working in close collaboration with the NC Forest Service to care for trails, protect natural resources, and inspire love for the Forest. With more than one million visitors annually and growing demand on trails and natural areas, FODF is at a pivotal moment—shifting from planning to implementation of the DuPont Forest Master Recreation Plan.
To meet this moment, we are hiring a Development Director to help build the financial resources, partnerships, and systems needed to sustain and grow our impact.
Overview
The Development Director is a remote position responsible for securing the financial resources needed to support our mission of caring for the trails, protecting natural resources, and advocating for the future of DuPont State Recreational Forest. The ideal candidate is a motivated, detail-oriented professional with a passion for the outdoors and a talent for building relationships.
This role will help develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, cultivate a growing donor base, and assist in grant writing to support the long-term sustainability and expansion of our programs.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
- Assist in developing and implementing an annual fundraising plan.
- Support campaigns for individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving initiatives.
- Track performance metrics and help refine strategies to meet annual fundraising goals.
Donor Management
- Maintain and update the donor database, ensuring accurate record-keeping of all contributions.
- Process and acknowledge donations in a timely and professional manner.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with current and prospective donors through personalized outreach.
Grant Writing
- Research and identify grant opportunities that align with our mission and program needs.
- Assist in preparing, writing, and submitting grant proposals and required follow-up reports.
- Maintain a grants calendar to ensure timely submissions and reporting.
Event Support
- Support the planning, promotion, and execution of community events and fundraising activities.
- Assist with event logistics, volunteer coordination, and on-site support as needed.
Communications
- Help develop compelling fundraising materials, including email appeals, social media content, donor updates, and impact stories.
- Assist with the creation of the annual report and other year-end communication materials.
- Ensure alignment with brand and mission in all fundraising communications.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit development, or a related field.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized with excellent attention to detail.
- Proficiency with donor management software (e.g., Wild Apricot, leading CRMs).
- Strong working knowledge of Google Workspace.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team.
- Proven ability to build relationships and maintain the highest level of integrity when engaging with people from all walks of life.
- Passion for trail stewardship, outdoor recreation, conservation, and our organization’s mission.
Reports to
Executive Director
Hours
Part-Time: 24 hours per week
Full-Time: 40 hours per week
This position requires a flexible schedule to meet the needs of our programs and events. While most work will occur during standard business hours, some early mornings, evenings, and weekend shifts should be expected.
The salary range for this position is $50,000 –$60,000 for full-time employment, prorated for part-time schedules. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, and alignment with organizational needs.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to info@dupontforest.com.
Deadline to apply: February 6, 2026
Friends of DuPont Forest is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, inclusion, and community in all aspects of our work.