Description

Position Purpose

The Director of Development provides key leadership to all philanthropic initiatives at Riveredge Nature Center and

serves as an important part of the Center’s leadership team. The Director of Development directly supervises the Development Team including a Membership & Database Manager,  Marketing & Communication Specialist, Grants Specialist and a part-time Administrative Assistant. The Director of Development is critical to planning, implementing, and supervising all aspects of fund development.

Primary Duties

Leadership and Management

Work with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, Board of Directors and Development Team to design and fulfill annual fundraising strategy and goals

Monitor fundraising results and report progress to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors including participation in Board Meetings and Philanthropy Committee Meetings

Manage and empower the development team in designing and fulfilling their goals, meeting every two weeks

Work with the Executive Director and the Philanthropy Committee to build Board’s capacity, consistency, and confidence in fundraising

Fundraising and Communications

Oversee successful creation and implementation of the annual development plan   

Lead annual giving and planned giving programs focused on engagement with 100+ major donors

Manage donor communications for high-level, strategic fundraising opportunities

Oversee grant-seeking strategies, proposal development, and submission of 100+ proposals annually

Lead planning and execution of membership and fundraising events including Farm-to-Table Dinner Gala  

Successfully cultivate corporate relationships to grow memberships, volunteerism, and sponsorships

Work with Executive Director and Development Team to create and implement the development communications plan and annual report   

Other

Represent Riveredge with media, donors, community partners, environmental committees/organizations, etc. 

Contribute to the staff team philosophy by staffing the Visitor Center on 3-4 Saturdays per year

Additional responsibilities as assigned by Executive Director

Additional Duties
In addition to the Primary Duties, the Director of Development is expected to meet the following expectations set forth to all staff members of Riveredge Nature Center:

Meaningfully contribute to the Riveredge staff team. This includes helping with projects, programs, and events that may fall outside of the primary duties or departments of this position description 

Foster an inclusive and supportive environment through personal actions such as supporting and helping other staff members and volunteers

Provide high quality customer service experiences to all guests and volunteers

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven work experience as Development Director or similar role; 3+ years experience in fundraising
• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in a leadership position including the supervision of staff and volunteers
• Fluency in Microsoft Office, Google Workplace and familiarity with CRM (e.g. Neon or comparable database)
• Bachelor’s degree
• Collaborative spirit, bringing out the best in staff members through an asset-based approach to leadership
• Interest in sustainability education and its connection to environmental issues and a community’s well being
• Strong, clear, and timely oral and written communication skills
• Experience in event planning 
• CFRE or other fundraising certifications a plus