Employment

Donor Development Manager

The Ausable River Association (AsRA), a non-profit conservation organization with a mission of helping communities protect our stream and lakes, seeks a qualified individual to manage donor outreach and development. This is a new position that builds upon a strong, well-organized communications and outreach strategy currently in place. The successful candidate will use communications, outreach, event management, research, networking and relationship-building skills to inspire philanthropy in support of AsRA's science-based programs and conservation results. AsRA's office is located in Wilmington, New York.

Position Overview

Status: Full time exempt

Compensation: $37 – 46,000, dependent on experience, with health, dental, vision, and savings benefits

Timeline: Applications due no later than June 15, 2019

AsRA currently employs a small staff of hardworking conservation professionals with expertise in science, stream restoration, communications, grant-writing, non-profit management, and program building. Our strategic program growth, in response to our mission, goals, and the needs of our community, requires dedicated development, outreach, and fundraising support.

Position Description

Supervised by the executive director (ED), the position holder will:

Communicate AsRA’s mission and programs – primarily through outreach events and face-to-face meetings but also, working closely with other staff, via publications, marketing, and media – to elevate the profile of AsRA, increase public awareness, and expand AsRA’s audience
Create and execute successful strategies for engaging, cultivating, and growing a sustaining base of members and annual individual donors. This involves:

working with AsRA’s ED, staff, and board to identify and cultivate potential donors and to build and maintain informed, engaged relationships with existing members and donors;
organizing fundraising events, outreach events, and special opportunities that attract and engage the public, members, and potential donors to learn about AsRA’s programs and conservation results;
and, providing evaluation of the progress and effectiveness of each effort to adapt as needed to achieve goals.

Oversee the membership and donor database and ensure supporters are promptly and appropriately recognized for their generosity
Secure and identify opportunities to expand financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations
Develop a planned giving program
Work with program staff to identify grant opportunities, develop proposals, and assist with tracking and reporting on use of public, foundation and corporate funds

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be at ease with people with diverse backgrounds and experience. She or he will be committed to our mission of helping communities protect the clean waters, healthy streams, and diverse habitats of the Ausable watershed. Besides the proficiencies noted below, the ideal candidate will be able to quickly understand organizational needs and goals and take initiative in planning and executing strategies for increasing membership and member engagement, expanding outreach through events and targeted communications, and identifying and cultivating potential supporters of AsRA’s mission. The ability to work closely with the executive director, manage multiple tasks, and concisely share ideas and questions is essential, as is a sense of humor and a willingness to listen, share, and solve problems with a small team of dedicated coworkers. While limited mentoring will be available to build the successful candidate’s existing outreach and development skills, the donor development manager must possess the ability to work autonomously and with limited direction.

Minimum Qualifications

BA/BS degree and two to five years’ experience in non-profit/charitable development and fundraising, or, in communications/marketing, or, in work closely related to development, marketing, or communications
Excellent public speaking skills with a variety of audiences
Excellent writing, reporting, and proofreading skills
Proficiency with computer and cloud software including donor database management
Ability to analyze and summarize information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities and for solving problems
A blend of personal confidence, strong interpersonal skills, and initiative tempered by a sensitivity to organizational needs and donors’ interests

Desired Qualifications (in addition to the above)

A smart layman’s understanding of science (e.g. biology, ecology, hydrology, climate change) and scientific methods demonstrated by an undergraduate degree, focused coursework, employment or volunteer work
Knowledge of Salesforce CRM
Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite
Connection to or familiarity with the Adirondack Park

About AsRA

Since 1998, AsRA has been working with landowners, local, state, and federal government, NGOs, researchers, and other stakeholders to conserve the valued resources of the Ausable watershed. AsRA’s conservation programs provide transferable solutions to issues that challenge many watersheds. We undertake rigorous monitoring to mitigate the effects of pollutants on aquatic life and drinking water; provide early detection, education, and outreach to reduce invasive species threats; assess the abundance of aquatic native species, such as brook trout, and work to protect their habitat; and we restore the health and balance of our streams, sustaining ecological diversity and providing flood resilience for our communities. See our website: www.ausableriver.org for more details.

How to Apply