ID: 2020-4365
Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
Position Summary
As a member of Audubon’s national Development team, the Development Manager will play an important role in the success of the fund development program in Alaska. Reporting to the Vice President for Development overseeing the Pacific and Central Flyways, the Development Manager leads the development and expansion of the mid-level donor program for Alaska, both as a source of critical unrestricted revenue and as a pipeline for major and planned giving. Additionally, the Development Manager supports the Vice President for Development, the Executive Director of Alaska and volunteer leaders in their role as fundraisers. They will build and manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and in state-based institutions, as well as state’s Grinnell Society program, which entails ongoing stewardship of donors who have included Audubon in their estate plans. The Development Manager directly and indirectly identifies, cultivates and solicits gifts from donors and prospects using a range of activities, including personal visits, written proposals, telephone, email, appeals, events and tours.
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter to be considered for this position.
Essential Functions
Work with the Vice President for Development, Executive Director of Alaska and volunteer leadership to drive the implementation of the annual development plan in order to maximize income in support of Audubon’s strategic priorities and Alaska’s operating and capital needs.
Help set and achieve specific fundraising goals for Audubon Alaska
Participate in the planning, construction, and management of annual and three-year contributed income work plans to support annual budgets for Audubon Alaska.
Build and maintain a portfolio of 75-100 mid-level donors and prospects, executing planned strategies for these individuals, businesses, or foundations, including personal visits, regular communication, event invitations and tours.
Staff the Executive Director of Alaska in her fundraising, including the identification and prioritization of major gift prospects for personal engagement, development of cultivation and solicitation strategies, preparation of prospect research and briefing memos as well as the development of proposals and stewardship reports.
Ensure accurate donor and prospect data collection and management in Salesforce.
Track progress towards annual fundraising goals and prepare regular (weekly, monthly, and quarterly) reports as directed by Vice President for Development and Executive Director.
Serve as the primary staff liaison to Audubon Alaska’s Board Development Committee in the planning of cultivation and solicitation strategies, events, trainings, and other fundraising activities as appropriate; plan and prepare these committees’ meetings, minutes, and reports.
Coordinate the design and implementation of fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events for Audubon Alaska including the execution of follow-up strategies.
Manage the design and execution of appeals for Audubon Alaska, including mail and email appeals (list development, appeal content, vendor management and follow-up strategy); collaborate on the development of regular newsletters and the annual report.
Manage and lead state grant program with assistance from program and conservation staff members. Grant writing is required for this position.
Work with the Audubon Alaska staff to leverage fundraising opportunities including philanthropic messaging.
Other administrative duties as assigned by the Vice President for Development.
Qualifications and Experience
Interest, understanding, and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society, and ability to communicate Audubon’s mission, goals, and programs effectively.
Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 5 years’ professional experience in a development position that includes portfolio management, directly and/or in support of a senior leader focused on major gifts.
Demonstrated success securing 5-figure gifts from individuals and/or institutions.
Understanding of basic fundraising principals, best practices and procedures including moves management and effective fundraising pipeline development.
Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills.
Strong interpersonal skills; understanding of person-to-person relationships and ability to convincingly articulate needs and goals that motivate potential donors to make gifts and existing donors to make bigger gifts. Ability to interact with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders, such as board members other VIPs and colleagues at all levels of the organization is also important.
A self-starter who works well independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize workload, and ensure deadlines are met.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, while exercising discretion and personal judgment where appropriate.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and development database programs required.
A flexible approach to work, with the willingness to work some evenings and weekends and travel for events when necessary.
Ability to travel – 25%-35% to Alaska and within the lower 48
Must have a valid Driver’s License.