Director of Development & Engagement

Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT), Middlebury, Vermont

The Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT) is entering a bold new chapter! With an ambitious 15-year vision to expand conserved lands, grow its trail network, and deepen environmental education across Addison County, this regional conservation leader is seeking a Director of Development & Engagement to help power this vision.

MALT is looking for a dynamic, results-oriented fundraiser who is passionate about building a broad and engaged community of donors committed to protecting the incredible landscapes that make this region special. This new role will ensure MALT has the resources needed to achieve its strategic goals—driven by strong relationships, meaningful partnerships, and sustained philanthropic support. As MALT’s reach and impact grow, this position will play a central role in shaping that trajectory, with corresponding opportunities for the role and compensation to grow over time.

Working closely with MALT’s Executive Director, this position sits at the heart of the organization’s community engagement efforts. The ideal candidate is a very strong communicator and relationship-builder who enjoys meeting new people, cultivating long-term donor relationships, organizing community events like the beloved TAM Trek trail race (now in its 23rd year), and telling the stories that inspire people to invest in conservation. If you believe that strong communities and healthy landscapes go hand in hand, this is a unique opportunity to help build both!

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About MALT

Founded in 1987, the Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT)'s mission is to connect our community with the lands we protect through conservation, recreation, and education. Community is at the heart of our work, and our programs are designed to ensure that people of all ages and backgrounds can access and benefit from the outdoors.

MALT has conserved over 3,500 acres of land through 24 conservation easements and seven conserved properties and manages more than 30 miles of trails, including the beloved Trail Around Middlebury (TAM) — a 19-mile community trail encircling Middlebury.

Our programs connect thousands of residents and visitors to nature every year through:

  • Summer camps and youth education programs

  • After-school outdoor learning

  • Public talks and community events

  • Volunteer trail stewardship days

  • The annual TAM Trek, a popular trail race and community celebration

Looking ahead, MALT’s Vision 2040 sets an ambitious course to expand conservation, grow trail access, and deepen community engagement across Addison County.

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Position Overview

The Development & Engagement Director will lead the growth of MALT’s philanthropic resources and offers a unique opportunity to help shape and grow MALT’s development program at a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. As MALT advances Vision 2040 and its new three-year strategic plan, the Development & Engagement Director will play a central role in expanding philanthropic support, strengthening community partnerships, and building the long-term sustainability of the organization.

This position is chiefly focused on fundraising leadership but also blends elements of communications, event management, and community engagement. The Director will seek to cultivate relationships with donors and partners, will lead fundraising initiatives, seek and secure new grants, and will work closely with staff and volunteers to deepen community support for MALT’s mission.

The Development & Engagement Director reports directly to the Executive Director and co-chairs MALT’s Development Committee alongside board leadership. Working closely with the Executive Director, the role will help to translate MALT’s conservation & community engagement vision into increased philanthropic support and long-term organizational sustainability. This position will also support the Executive Director to develop and manage external relationships, fundraising strategy, and organizational storytelling.

While this role includes traditional development responsibilities, it is not a desk-only fundraising job. MALT’s culture is grounded in a strong connection to the land and community. The Development & Engagement Director will regularly engage with the landscapes and trails that define MALT’s work—participating in community events, volunteer trail days, site visits, and programs that connect people directly with the lands we protect.

Candidates who thrive in a “boots muddy, hands dirty” conservation culture and enjoy being outdoors and actively engaged with their community will find this role especially rewarding.

This position is ideal for a motivated professional eager to take a leadership role in growing a respected, community-based conservation organization while remaining closely connected to the land and people it serves.

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Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development Leadership (75%)

  • Implement MALT’s fundraising priorities aligned with the organization’s Vision 2040, 3-year strategic plan and evolving program needs.

  • Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, businesses, and community partners

  • Manage and grow MALT’s annual giving program, including annual appeals and donor stewardship

  • Lead grant research, writing, and reporting

  • Identify major gift opportunities and support leadership in pursuit of increased revenue

  • Track fundraising progress and maintain donor records in the organization’s database

  • Help foster a culture of philanthropy across staff, board, and volunteers

  • Co-chair the Board Development Committee and help support board engagement in fundraising

  • Contribute to strategic planning and organizational initiatives

Community Engagement & Events (15%)

  • Plan and implement community fundraising events, including the annual TAM Trek

  • Coordinate donor gatherings and volunteer appreciation efforts

  • Help expand community participation in MALT programs and activities

  • Represent MALT at community events and partner meetings

  • Maintain a strong connection between fundraising efforts and MALT’s community-based conservation work on the ground

  • Occasionally participate in trail stewardship days, volunteer events, or site visits

Communications & Outreach (10%)

  • Help Executive Director implement a cohesive, consistent, and compelling MALT communications strategy which is aligned with VISION 2040 and three years strategy

  • Oversee the work of staff who work day-to-day to produce content and ensure that external communications are aligned with MALT’s communication strategy. The content could include include:

    • Social media

    • E-newsletters

    • Website updates

  • Help MALT better articulate a compelling case for support for MALT’s conservation, trail, and education programs and shape that message to various targeted audiences.

  • Produce professional content & communications targeted to donors

  • Work with day-to-day staff and media to produce long-form stories that highlight the impact of MALT’s work on the land and community

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Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, results-oriented fund-raiser that brings a mix of fundraising experience, communications skills, and enthusiasm for community engagement and the outdoors.

Preferred qualifications include:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience

  • 3–7 years of experience in fundraising and/or grant writing or other relevant areas.

  • Experience cultivating and stewarding donor relationships

  • Experience planning events or community engagement initiatives

  • Strong writing and communication skills

  • Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and board members

  • Organized, self-directed, and comfortable managing multiple projects

  • Passion for land conservation, outdoor recreation, and community-based nonprofit work

Experience with grant writing, CRM databases, or digital communications tools is a plus.

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Work Environment

This position is based in Middlebury, Vermont, with a hybrid mix of office, community, and occasional field work. Some telework is possible. MALT is outcome focused, but has a flexible and relaxed work culture. 

Some evening or weekend events may be required throughout the year.

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Compensation & Opportunity

The base salary range for this position is $50,000–$60,000 or more, depending on experience. As MALT’s resources and impact continue to grow, there will be meaningful opportunities for this role to expand in scope, influence, and compensation. This position will play a central role in driving that growth—shaping the organization’s future while sharing in its success.

MALT offers a generous benefits package, including three weeks of paid vacation to start, twelve paid holidays plus a year-end office closure, retirement contributions with up to a 3% match, and health cost support through HSA/HRA contributions. Additional benefits include wellness initiatives and ongoing professional development opportunities.

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How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter to recruitment@maltvt.org describing your interest in the position and connection to MALT’s mission.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.