Available Opportunities:
Director of Philanthropy
Indian River Land Trust
Vero Beach, FL (In-Person Employment)
Founded in 1990, Indian River Land Trust (IRLT) is a conservation organization that protects critical
spaces in Indian River County in perpetuity. IRLT promotes conservation throughout Indian River
County by preserving habitat, protecting the scenic waterfront, and providing access for public
recreation and education. Under IRLT's thoughtful stewardship, the organization has successfully
protected 1,300 acres of land in Indian River County, including 12 miles of Indian River Lagoon shoreline,
in its first 35 years.
IRLT is at an exciting moment in its history. The organization has recently committed to a five-year
strategic organizational plan and five-year strategic fundraising plan with the goal of increasing IRLT's
relevance in Indian River County, ensuring its sustainability, and guaranteeing the protection of Indian
River County's preserved lands and important natural resources.
IRLT seeks a seasoned Director of Philanthropy (Director) to build and operationalize a comprehensive
fundraising program focused on the diversification of philanthropic income sources. The successful
candidate will create a major and planned giving program and carry a portfolio of major gifts prospects,
with responsibility for prospect research, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. In
parallel, the ideal candidate will lead emergent, short-term capital campaigns to fund mission-critical land
acquisition and public access projects while overseeing the annual fund and events. The Director will
preserve and foster long-term alliances with existing donors while systematically identifying and targeting
new prospects in Indian River County and beyond.
To ensure philanthropic growth, the successful Director will serve as a change agent responsible for
deepening the culture of philanthropy and building strong collaborative relationships with leadership,
Board members, and colleagues. The ideal Director will work closely with the Executive Director to provide
meaningful engagement opportunities and effective support. The candidate will report to the Executive
Director and lead the development team with two direct reports: Assistant Director of Philanthropy and
Donor Relations / Database Manager. S/he will staff the Philanthropy Committee of the Board of Directors.
Indian River Land Trust has retained Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC to facilitate this executive
recruitment. Please send confidential inquiries and applications directly to Freeman Philanthropic
Services, LLC via e-mail at IndianRiverLandTrust@glfreeman.com.