Director of Development
Location: Columbus, OH
Immediate Supervisor: Center Director
Division/Department:

Purpose of the position

The Director of Development is responsible for raising funds, overseeing earned income activities, and providing marketing and public relations for the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. He or she manages all development and public relations programs, with the objectives of: a) meeting annual revenue goals, b) expanding the Grange Insurance Audubon Center’s base of support, c) overseeing the public phase of the capital campaign, and d) identifying and pursuing appropriate governmental, foundation, and corporate support for the priority activities of the Center. The Director of Development will be responsible for membership development, volunteer management, special events, marketing and communications, and fundraising.

Essential Functions

1. In conjunction with staff and board, formulate and implement development and marketing plans to support the mission and goals of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.
2. Work closely with the Center Director and other field staff to coordinate and meet annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, membership, government, foundation and corporate giving goals for each fiscal year.
3. Direct and manage volunteer and staff cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors.
4. Provide support to earned income activities at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center, including the nature store and facilities rentals program.
5. Assume primary responsibility for grant writing and compliance, annual giving campaign, and membership program.
6. Implement major donor program.
7. Work with the staff, board, and volunteers to implement the public phase of the capital campaign.
8. Coordinate special fundraising events, donor cultivation events, trips, etc.
9. Direct all marketing and public relations activities for the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.
10. Serve as Grange Insurance Audubon Center’s representative to the media, coordinating appropriate staff contacts.

Additional Functions

1. Oversee production of newsletter and other member benefits.
2. Write press releases for media and articles for Grange Insurance Audubon Center publications.
3. Ensure Grange Insurance Audubon Center is represented at select community events including festivals, special events, and other high profile activities.
4. Keep all donor recognition signage up to date.
5. Articulate the Audubon mission of protecting birds, other wildlife and their habitats, and the more specific objectives of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center.

Relationships

Internal: Reports to the Center Director. Will be a member of the Leadership Team. Works closely with the Manager of Administration. Works closely with Director of Education to establish priorities for funding. Communicates with the Stewardship Board on a regular basis to engage board members in development and stewardship activities.

External: Deals with media regarding Audubon activities. Works with visitor industry and others to market the Center. Builds relationships with grant making organizations and major donors.

Equipment (e.g., computer, typewriter, calculator, copy machines, telephone, etc.)

Computer experience essential. Knowledge of Word, Excel and other Microsoft programs necessary. Knowledge of donor database management programs such as Millennium and/or Access helpful. Command of internet for research purposes. Website design experience helpful, but not essential. Knowledge of publishing software and web networking helpful, but not essential.

Qualifications (e.g., education, training, experience, licenses and skills)

• Persuasive communicator and fundraising experience in a nonprofit setting.
• Bachelor’s degree required with experience in marketing, public relations and fundraising.
• Interest, understanding and commitment to Audubon mission and vision.
• The ability to effectively communicate Audubon’s mission, goals and programs effectively and with the highest professional standards.
• Good writing skills and demonstrated success in grant proposal development.
• Demonstrated comfort and skill in telephone interaction, personal visits and group presentations.
• Strong planning, organization, time management, communications and multi-tasking skills.
• Comfort with working in a fast-paced, collegial, team-oriented and entrepreneurial environment.
• Capacity to work easily and effectively with a wide range of people, build relationships, be diplomatic and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding of the dynamics of a complex organizations.
• Experience in obtaining financial and personal information about companies and individuals on line.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision or instruction.
• Willing to work outside of regular business hours on an as needed basis.
• Must be able to adapt to unforeseen changes in the day to day routine.
• Desktop publishing and editing experience desirable.
• Experience with retail sales and facilities rentals extremely helpful.