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Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary

Development Director

Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary

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Job Summary

Leads all organizational efforts to raise funds that support the programs and initiatives of Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary (OHNS). This includes prospecting, stewarding, cultivating individual, corporate, and foundation gifts or grants, planned giving, annual fund appeals, and fundraising events. The Development Director is expected to build upon our reputation as a beloved environmental education destination while growing financial support and deepening donor engagement. Additionally, this position is responsible for correspondence, scheduling, donor and sponsor solicitation, meeting preparation, and budgeting and administrative tasks. The ideal candidate loves the outdoors, thrives in small organizations, is a team player, goal-oriented, outgoing, a self-starter and eager to take Owl’s Hill to the next level. This position works closely with the Executive Director.

Job Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising & Events:

  • Establish annual fundraising goals, objectives, and strategies for the organization in conjunction with the Executive Director and Board of Directors and implement an annual work plan to meet these goals. Strategies include annual appeals, grant writing, sponsorships, major gifts, and planned giving. Evaluate activities on an ongoing basis.
  • Prepare, submit and track funding proposals
  • Research grant opportunities and oversee writing of grant applications and reports, in collaboration with the Executive Director
  • Solicit corporate organizations for program and event sponsorships
  • Lead prospect research and cultivation efforts to expand donor base. Support staff and board in pursuing potential sources of funding from individuals, government, private foundations, and businesses to support OHNS operations, programs and initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain productive relationships with donors, stakeholders and volunteers.
  • Coordinate direct mail, annual appeals and fundraising campaigns.
  • Oversee regular donor communications, including but not limited to newsletter, emails, annual report, thank you correspondence and pledge reminders.
  • Manage CRM database; ensuring records are current and accurate.
  • Ensure donations and gifts are entered, and acknowledged, in a timely manner.
  • Plan and execute spring/summer fundraising and donor appreciation events, including coordinating planning committees.
  • Identify and prioritize key actions for the Executive Director and Board of Directors to take to engage current and potential donors.

Administrative

  • Maintain a fundraising calendar to ensure funding submissions, grant applications and mid-cycle or final report deadlines are met.
  • Schedule and coordinate meetings with board members, sponsors, and donors.
  • Prepare quarterly board reports and attend Board of Directors meetings.
  • Reconcile revenue and expenses to budget
  • Assist with program services and delivery, as needed

Marketing and Communications:

  • Manage website and social media (or manage social media intern, if applicable).
  • Submit OHNS events and happenings to community calendars in a timely manner.

DESIRED SKILLS, TRAITS AND ABILITIES

  • Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with donors and prospects that result in gifts.
  • Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects or concurrent tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Solid event and project management skills. Detail oriented.
  • Strong team player with commitment to OHNS’s mission.
  • Dynamic interpersonal skills, flexible, outgoing and driven.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Apps, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media platforms.
  • Valid TN driver’s license and personal transportation is required.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree with minimum three years of experience in not-for-profit fundraising or management preferred.
  • Donor database or CRM software knowledge is required.
  • Excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills; successful grant writing record is a plus.
  • Experience working on a capital campaign is a plus.
  • Enthusiasm and appreciation for nature and the outdoors.
  • Ability to work events, including evenings and weekends, is required.

Additional Information

Benefits

Benefits include generous paid time-off (10 holidays, vacation and sick), healthcare stipend, workers compensation, and savings incentive match plan option (SIMPLE IRA). 

How to Apply

TO APPLY:

Send resume, letter of interest (tell us why you are the right candidate for this position), three professional references, and writing sample of a solicitation appeal to info@owlshill.org. Electronic submission required for all materials. Please reference the position title in the subject line of your message.  Review begins immediately; position open until filled.

Top candidates will be contacted for interviews. Employment is conditional upon a satisfactory background check.

Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary is an equal opportunity employer

Details

  • Date Posted: August 1, 2022
  • Type: Full-Time
  • Job Function: Fundraising / Revenue Development
  • Service Area: Environment
  • Salary Range: 45,000-52,000 DOE
  • Working Hours: 40 hrs/wk