Cherise Tolbert

About Cherise Tolbert

I care deeply about conserving nature in its most original form, as quickly as possible…

Experience

1. Director of Development

   Finger Lakes Land Trust

   Jul 2025 — Present · Ithaca, NY, US

   POSITION SUMMARYFundraising responsibilities include securing public and private sources of funding to support an annual operating budget of over $2 million and frequent project campaigns. The DoD oversees all aspects of donor identification, acquisition, solicitation, and cultivation. The DoD is part of a leadership team that is headed by the President and also includes the Director of Stewardship, Director of Conservation, and Chief Operating Officer.RESPONSIBILITIES* Lead the strategic management of a comprehensive development and outreach program. Use data to optimize effort and approaches.* Build and advance strong relationships with Land Trust members and friends that result in philanthropic contributions, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Lead the Land Trust’s major gift program, planned giving, annual fund, and any other special project fundraising.* Responsible for directly managing relationships with a portfolio of major donors.* Work closely with the President, Board of Directors, relevant board committees, and volunteers in planning and executing strategic initiatives with a focus on the integration of long-term development strategies. Engage the Board of Directors to maximize their impact.* Work with staff and volunteers to research and identify individual, business, corporate, and foundation prospects.* Coordinate private and public foundation and corporate relations programming; work collaboratively with program staff and the Director of Communications to produce grant proposals and reports.* Supervise a team that includes the Development Specialist, Development Associate, Development Assistant, and consultants.* Develop and implement special events and programs designed to engage and inspire existing donors and prospective supporters.* Create heightened visibility of the organization with the general public and targeted conservation sector allies.

Education

• University of Vermont

  B.S., Public Communications, Community & International Development

• Syracuse University

  Master's, Media / Communications

  2008 — 2013

• University of Vermont

  Bachelor's of Science (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences), Public Communications (Minor in Community & International Development)

  2004 — 2008

Skills

• Creative Writing
• Construction
• Research
• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Retaining Customers
• Fundraising
• Public Speaking
• Communications
• University Teaching
• Strategic Planning
• Graphic Design
• Project Management
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Event Planning
• Management
• Customer Service
• Creativity
• Public Relations
• Organization
• Admissions
• Contract Negotiation