Fund Development and Outreach Director
Job Title: Director, Fund Development & Outreach
Location: 9325 South Alda Road, Wood River, NE 68883
Status: Exempt
Reports to: Crane Trust President
Date: September 8, 2021. This outreach notice will remain open for three weeks.
Salary: Commensurate with Experience
Formed in 1978, the Crane Trust is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and maintaining critical habitats for whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, and other migratory birds along the Big Bend Region of the Platte River Valley through sound science, habitat management, community outreach, and education.
The Crane Trust is located at Exit 305 on Interstate-80 in south-central Nebraska, approximately 15 miles southwest of Grand Island, NE. Visit www.cranetrust.org for more information.
Job Summary
The Crane Trust seeks a Fund Development & Outreach Director to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive and sustainable fundraising plan to support the mission of the Crane Trust. This opportunity includes, but is not limited to, major gift solicitation, annual giving appeals, corporate and foundation giving, grant writing, special event fundraising, and activities to enhance the visibility of the Trust and its mission. The successful applicant will work on-site at the Crane Trust's Nature and Visitor Center and reside within 40 miles of this location.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Plan, administer, and implement all fundraising activities.
- Develop annual fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship plan in collaboration with the President and the Board of Trustees.
- Work with the President, staff, and Board of Trustees to identify, cultivate, and solicit key donors, major gift prospects to sustain and increase donor participation and revenue, including appropriate and timely recognition of key donors.
- Cultivate and develop the current donor database.
- Research and pinpoint potential grants/grantors and coordinate with staff through the grant application process.
- In collaboration with the President, staff, and Board of Trustees, oversee the planning, development, and implementation of the Crane Trust’s 50th Anniversary recognition in 2028.
- Develop and maintain close working relationships with the philanthropic community, individual and corporate donors, sponsors, and volunteers.
- Develop and implement best practices for fundraising, communications, events, stewardship, and database management.
- Responsible for the development and control of the fund development budget, including income and expenditure projections.
- Compiles financial, statistical, and informational reports as requested by the Board of Trustees or President.
- Travel as necessary to maintain donor relationships and cultivate new donor solicitations.
- Assists with generating written and graphic materials required for development fundraising activities or coordinating with external consultants to develop such materials as necessary.
- Assist with donor outreach activities during the spring migration and at other trust events as directed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or related field from an accredited college or university; and
- Four years of related experience, or
- An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential job responsibilities.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Knowledge of fundraising and development methodologies, techniques, and best practices.
- Knowledge of donor database software or tools.
- Knowledge of principles of publicity, promotion, and public relations.
- Development of analytical tools and reports for benchmarking and measurement progress.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, including making direct asks of donors for large gifts as appropriate.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality as required.
- Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to conduct presentations for both small and large groups.
- Strong oral and written communication skills and organizational skills.
- Ability to travel both locally and nationally.
- Flexibility to work weekends or evenings as required, especially during the spring migration season.
- Possess a valid driver’s license.