Description
Background and Mission
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (the Preserve) embraces its mission to increase the knowledge and use of native plants by serving as an educational resource and destination that inspires conservation action as the nation’s only accredited museum focused exclusively on native plants. Founded in 1934, the Preserve is a member-supported nonprofit organization that welcomes over 30,000 visitors annually on 134 acres with over five miles of hiking trails through undeveloped forest, meadows and the Pidcock Creek watershed. The Preserve boasts renowned educational programming, a robust special events calendar and a nationally-recognized Native Plant Nursery.
Position Summary
The development manager is a crucial role for the Preserve’s fundraising and community engagement efforts. The successful candidate will be a front-facing leader with exceptional communication skills, an energetic and passionate demeanor, and the ability to enthusiastically articulate the mission and goals of the Preserve to the community. A proven track record in donor cultivation, securing philanthropic gifts and acquiring corporate sponsorships is essential. This position prioritizes measurable fundraising responsibilities and reports directly to the director of donor and partner relations.
Responsibilities
Fundraising
Meet or exceed annual charitable giving revenue budgets, as assigned
Manage a portfolio of mid- to high-level donors
Establish a Preserve-wide sponsorship program
o Manage and grow a portfolio of corporate, community and individual donor sponsorships and partnerships
o Create annual collateral, track financial commitments, send sponsorship acknowledgements and collaborate with marketing to fulfill associated benefits
o Manage and grow tribute and memorial program (memorial bench, memorial tree)
Campaign support
o Support Annual Fund spring and fall appeal cycles, including content creation and design, digital communications and mail house vendor management
o Support design and production of collateral for all other development campaigns and promotional needs, collaborating with marketing team
o Track measurable data and produce impact reports for campaign initiatives
Special Events
Support the planning and execution of annual fundraising event, Rooted In Our Future, as well as supplemental fundraising and/or cultivation event(s), including vendor management and event logistics
Participate in other annual events including Nursery Season Opening, Native Plant Conference and Preserve @ Play
Fiscal and Administrative
Manage Preserve’s donor CRM database, DonorPerfect
Process all charitable contributions and gift acknowledgements
Manage matching and reoccurring gift accounts and processes
Generate departmental reports, including weekly/monthly revenue and gift reports
Work with finance team to produce reports and audits, as needed
Manage development department’s annual timeline to ensure deliverables are met
Track revenue and expenses for Rooted In Our Future
Co-manage volunteer Development Committee with director of donor and partner relations
Prospecting and Cultivation
Conduct ongoing donor and new prospect research
Proactively track and report on giving trends; benchmark local and like organizations
Manage logistics for donor meetings for Preserve leadership, and attend as needed
Host/attend donor and exploratory partnership meetings
Provide charitable giving support for Board of Trustees, as assigned
Work Schedule
This is a permanent full-time position with a required schedule of Monday through Friday, and occasional weeknight, weekend and holiday work as needed. A limited amount of regular remote work hours may be available following a successful 90-day review.
The Preserve is open seven (7) days a week and on most federal holidays, including Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day. The Preserve is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual salary range for this position is $68,000-$75,000 and is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Benefits include:
Health insurance cost-sharing program
Generous PTO policy
Annual allowance of WFH hours
401(k) retirement plan with company contribution after one (1) year of employment
Employee discounts
Complimentary Preserve membership
The Preserve is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to non-discriminatory policies. All decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotion and all other terms of employment will be made without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, marital status, status as a qualified handicapped or disabled individual, or any other impermissible factor in accordance with applicable laws.
Requirements
Position Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business, communications or similar field
5+ years of fundraising or sales experience
3-5 years of proven fundraising history
Budget management experience
Dynamic relationship-building abilities
Superior communication skills
Strong acumen for data analytics
Strong project management experience
Proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva
Strong database management acumen
Event planning experience preferred
Experience in working with non-profit organizations and volunteers preferred
Proficiency in social media platforms preferred
Familiarity with the Preserve’s conservation and environmental mission
Physical and Organizational Requirements
Effectively maneuver around the Visitor Center and the Preserve at large
Sit and use a computer, keyboard, mouse for prolonged periods
Bend, squat, reach
Lift and carry up to 30 pounds
Occasional support of outdoor special events from spring through fall in possible light rain and hot or cold temperatures
Valid driver’s license
Background check is required
