Chief Development Officer

The Lake George Association (LGA), the preeminent lake-protection organization dedicated to safeguarding Lake George, seeks its next Chief Development Officer (CDO) to catalyze philanthropic support as the organization embarks on a new chapter of growth, innovation, and sustainability.

Located at the southern end of the Adirondack Park in New York, Lake George is among the clearest and cleanest large lakes in the world. Formed nearly 10,000 years ago by melting glaciers, the lake draws nearly 8 million visitors annually, cherished for its water clarity and scenic beauty. It is also a key ecological and natural resource. More than 90 percent of the watershed remains as natural forestland, with nearly half of the forested acreage publicly owned by New York State and constitutionally protected as forever-wild Forest Preserve. Designated by New York State as a Class AA-Special waterbody, Lake George serves as the primary source of drinking water for surrounding communities and residents. Lake George is the primary driver of the region’s tourism economy: its visitors generate roughly $3 billion in annual economic activity, support more than 500 tourism businesses, and account for nearly $630 million in direct tourism spending.

Founded in 1885, the LGA was the first lake conservation organization in the United States. Since its inception, the LGA has worked alongside residents, businesses, volunteers, educators, and local leaders who care deeply about protecting Lake George. In 2021, the LGA merged with The FUND for Lake George, a privately funded 501(c)(3). Today’s LGA is supported by over 23,000 donors and has a strong financial profile with a history of successful fundraising and budget achievement. Its endowment has more than doubled to $25 million in recent years. Recognizing that there are no subjects more pressing, consequential, and complex than those at the intersection of climate, environment, and society, the organization deploys its considerable assets to advance a science-guided, partner-driven model of freshwater protection designed for adaptation and scaling across the country and worldwide. With a new 2026–2030 strategic plan underway and momentum for a future capital campaign, the goal may be straightforward—keep Lake George clear and clean now and for future generations—but the work is far from simple and far from complete.

This is a compelling opportunity to shape the future of the Lake George Association by building a dynamic membership and development program that broadens awareness, deepens engagement, expands philanthropic support, and fuels the organization’s long-term impact. Working collaboratively with the President and CEO, Board Chair, Board of Directors, and staff, the Chief Development Officer will bring strategic vision, creativity, and relationship-building expertise to grow philanthropic and membership revenue at all levels across individuals and institutions. The successful candidate will strengthen the donor pipeline, elevate the member and donor experience, harness data to inform fundraising strategy, and foster a collaborative, high-performing culture in service of protecting Lake George in perpetuity.

The ideal candidate is an experienced and mission-driven fundraising leader with a strong record of building comprehensive development programs and campaigns, cultivating and closing significant gifts, and inspiring donors, boards, volunteers, and staff around shared philanthropic goals. With at least seven years of nonprofit fundraising experience, ideally in environmental conservation, candidates must bring demonstrated strength in strategic planning, major and annual giving, planned giving, donor stewardship, board engagement, prospect management, fundraising analytics, team leadership, and compelling donor communications. An appreciation for Lake George’s history and its loyal base of intergenerational supporters, together with a passion for translating the LGA’s science-informed work into meaningful giving opportunities, is essential. Lived experience in or a personal affinity for Lake George or the Adirondacks is a plus.

Jack Gorman is leading this search with Christina Garrison and Lisa Clayton.

The Lake George Association believes in providing equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on veteran status, military status, race (including traits historically associated with race), color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, status of being transgender, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), reproductive health decision-making (including the decision to use or access a particular drug, device, or medical service), national origin or ancestry, citizenship and immigration status, physical or mental disability, certain arrest or conviction records, predisposition or carrier status, marital or familial status, the status of being a victim of domestic violence, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), known relationship or association with any member of a protected class, or any other class or status protected by applicable law.