As a member of Audubon’s national Development team, the Development Officer/ Manager will play an important role in the success of the fund development program in New Mexico. Reporting to the Vice President for Development overseeing the Central and Mississippi Flyways, the Development Officer/ Manager leads the development and expansion of the mid-level donor program for New Mexico, both as a source of critical unrestricted revenue and also as a pipeline for major and planned giving. Additionally, the Development Manager supports the Vice President for Development, the Executive Director of New Mexico and volunteer leaders in their role as fundraisers. S/he will build and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of giving in the range of $1K-$9.9K annually for individuals, and $5K-$25K+ for institutions, as well as state’s Grinnell Society program, which entails ongoing stewardship of donors who have included Audubon in their estate plans. The Development Officer/ Manager directly and indirectly identifies, cultivates and solicits gifts from donors and prospects using a range of activities, including personal visits, written proposals, telephone, email, appeals, events and tours.
This role is based in Audubon's Santa Fe office. Travel will be statewide in New Mexico, but primarily in the Albuquerque/ Santa Fe area. Candidates based in Albuquerque are encouraged to apply.
The title of this role will be Officer or Manager, depending on the front-line fundraising experience the hire brings to the role.
- Work with the Vice President for Development, Executive Director of New Mexico and volunteer leadership to drive the implementation of the annual development plan in order to maximize income in support of Audubon’s strategic priorities and New Mexico’s operating and capital needs.
- Build and maintain a portfolio of 75-100 mid-level donors and prospects, executing planned strategies for these individuals, businesses, or foundations, including personal visits, regular communication, event invitations and tours.
- Staff the Executive Director of New Mexico in his fundraising, including the identification and prioritization of 50+ major gift prospects for personal engagement, development of cultivation and solicitation strategies, preparation of prospect research and briefing memos as well as the development of proposals and stewardship reports.
- Ensure accurate donor and prospect data collection and management in Salesforce.
- Track progress towards annual fundraising goals and prepare regular (weekly, monthly, and quarterly) reports as directed by Vice President for Development and Executive Director.
- Serve as the primary staff liaison to Audubon New Mexico’s Development Committee and Campaign Committee in the planning of cultivation and solicitation strategies, events, trainings, and other fundraising activities as appropriate; plan and prepare these committees’ meetings, minutes, and reports.
- Coordinate the design and implementation of fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events for Audubon New Mexico including the execution of follow-up strategies.
- Manage the design and execution of appeals for Audubon New Mexico, including mail and email appeals (list development, appeal content, vendor management and follow-up strategy); collaborate on the development of regular newsletters and the annual report.
- Maintain a grants calendar in coordination with program staff who will generate content and coordinate the compilation of grant proposals and reports.
- Work with the Audubon New Mexico staff to leverage fundraising opportunities including philanthropic messaging in the center, at programs, and in presentations.
- Other administrative duties as assigned by the Vice President for Development.
- Interest, understanding, and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society, and ability to communicate Audubon’s mission, goals, and programs effectively.
- Demonstrated success securing 5-figure gifts from individuals and/or institutions.
- Understanding of basic fundraising principals, best practices and procedures including moves management and effective fundraising pipeline development.
- Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills; understanding of person-to-person relationships and ability to convincingly articulate needs and goals that motivate potential donors to make gifts and existing donors to make bigger gifts. Ability to interact with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders, such as Board members other VIPs and colleagues at all levels of the organization also important.
- A self-starter who works well independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and results-oriented environment, can manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize workload, and ensure deadlines are met.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, while exercising discretion and personal judgment where appropriate.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (specifically Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and development database programs required. Knowledge of Salesforce a plus.
- A flexible approach to work, with the willingness to work some evenings and weekends and travel for events when necessary.
- Ability to travel throughout New Mexico up to 30% of the time.
- Must have a valid Driver’s License.