Hiring: Director of Development (environmental non-profit organization)

Alissa Yee

Full Job Description

Director of Development
The JMT Wilderness Conservancy is looking for a Director of Development to join our non-profit organization. This position will support the JMT WC President and other team members in building and executing a fundraising plan directed at: (i) large environmental foundations; (ii) high-net worth individuals and family foundations; and (iii) “grass roots” social-media website-driven donors. This position will be supported by research and data base management.
The JMT WC is dedicated to the conservation of the wilderness, wildlife and waters along the high Sierra Nevada crest defined by the John Muir Trail (est. 1915). Our mission is to restore and conserve the wilderness of the JMT corridor, in light of steeply increasing recreational use now compounded by the effects of climate change. The region is roughly 10 miles wide and 220 miles north-to-south running from Yosemite Valley to Mt. Whitney, and includes over 390 miles of trails and roughly 2.8 million acres of surrounding wilderness along the high Sierra Nevada crest.
We work with the National Park Service (NPS) and United States Forest Service (USFS) who design and implement the restoration projects, and add grants of public funds in addition to our private donations to support their efforts. In particular, we work with the four principle federal agency teams in charge of the region: the NPS in Yosemite, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and the USFS in both the Inyo and Sierra National Forests.
We bring together the various stakeholders and resource managers in an effort to strategically fund the durable capital projects needed to restore and conserve this sensitive wilderness and support the many species that inhabit these lands.
Position: Director of Development
Commitment: Regular full-time employee, 40 hours/week; headquarters likely in Truckee; possible to work remotely part of the time; travel 4 to 6 trips a year to the Bay Area will be needed where the bulk of our prospects reside; will need to manage and attend several fundraising events in the Bay Area and Sierra Nevada annually.
Compensation: $100,000 - $120,000, commensurate with qualifications, experience and references. Excellent benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision; vacation and sick leave.
Reporting: Direct report to the JMT WC President; will also work closely with JMT WC administrative and field staff in executing fundraising campaigns and events.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Donor Development & Communications Responsibilities:

• Develop 25 to 50 new qualified individual or foundation prospects annually;
• Coordinate and conduct research to locate publicly-available personal and professional information about all donor prospects;
• Master the personal and professional information for the key prospects currently in our data base;
• Develop the schedule and communications content for fundraising campaigns annually;
• Each year, manage all donor prospects based on their interest level, responsiveness, and personal engagement in order to re-prioritize donor classifications and engagement strategies;
• Must be able to communicate directly with a group of 25 to 30 highly-qualified donors to build philanthropic giving potential, i.e. to act as a lead relationship manager;
• Work closely with the manager of grants & field programs to understand the geography, science and practical aspects of our field work in order to communicate effectively with donors;
• Work closely with the director of operations on the DonorPerfect data base for individual and groups of donors on communications strategies, data input and ratings;
• Manage donors lists, event prospect lists, and invitation lists as needed.

Marketing Responsibilities:

• Support the design of communications and marketing collateral both on-line and hard copy, including ConstantContact email updates, USPS letters, brochures, web site content, the Annual Report and weekly social media communications;
• Assist with events, in the Bay Area and the central Sierra Nevada, including personal participation at annual reception, small-format socials & major donor hikes;
• Create reports to schedule and track performance of fundraising campaigns.

QUALIFICATIONS:
We seek a proven team-player who is flexible and able to work in a small development operation where each member must, at times, pitch in to advance the common purpose. A commitment to continuing professional development is highly valued.

• BA degree from a recognized college or university;
• Strong writing and presentation skills;
• 4+ years working in donor development and management, with a proven track record of fundraising success;
• 2+ years’ experience working with DonorPerfect or a similar database;
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with on-line research tools;
• Basic understanding of tax and financial accounting involved with charitable contributions, include donor advised funds, stock transfers, bequests, cash contributions etc.
• Working proficiency in Word and Excel (or Apple’s Pages and Numbers);
• Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and an ability to manage a variety of projects simultaneously with short deadlines;
• Strong social and interpersonal skills to work in a positive collaborative team environment;

OTHER QUALIFYING CRITERIA:

• Educational background in environmental or biological sciences is helpful, but not required;
• Experience with environmental or wilderness conservation and remote overnight backpacking;
• Knowledge of the Bay Area, Southern California and Central Valley philanthropic communities, and the major environmental foundations working in California.

The JMT Wilderness Conservancy is 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable nonprofit located in Menlo Park, CA which does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants because of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition or any other basis protected by state or federal laws.
To apply, please send: (1) a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and what makes you excited about the position; and (2) a resume. Please be prepared to have three professional references, when requested.

Please reach out to Toby Suckow Director of Operations & Marketing and mention this post on the Blackbaud Community Job Board.

Toby@jmtwilderness.org

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance