Reporting to and working closely with the Vice President and Executive Director, the Director of Development is responsible for developing and implementing sustainable revenue plans and draws support from the Audubon Louisiana team, Board of Directors, and National Audubon Society (NAS) Development team in order to effectively manage donor relations and solicit contributions to support annual budgets, projects, and campaigns. S/he will coordinate and coach various program staff and Board members engaged in fundraising plans. The Director will manage a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects and work collaboratively to leverage donors across projects, Flyways and the national organization, where appropriate, in order to support NAS’s major gifts program. Additionally, as an instrumental member of Audubon Louisiana leadership team, the Director of Development will plan and build state and program budgets and match current and prospective donors to those budgets. S/he will also oversee and/or coordinate the efforts of staff, contractors and volunteer leaders to coalesce strategies and plans to generate and expand financial support for Audubon Louisiana.
- In collaboration with the Executive Director and other program leaders, develop fundraising strategies for the annual budget which encompass donor cultivation and fundraising best practices
- Identify prospective donors and implement a cultivation and contact strategy for new major gift prospects.
- Collaborate with other Audubon state programs and national Development staff on donor strategies under the One Audubon approach to members and donors.
- Develop and implement a stewardship and recognition program to cultivate and develop existing donor relationships.
- Maximize funds raised by identifying further opportunities to solicit support (including additional personal gifts, submissions to foundations or approaches to companies), and working with colleagues to develop these opportunities.
- Maintain donor and prospect records on the database, capturing and sharing relevant donor and prospect information and taking a sensitive approach to confidential material.
- Define and achieve contributed income targets with Executive Director and Senior Management Team.
- Work closely with Audubon Louisiana Finance Director on reporting contributed income against budget and activities on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis.
- Provide stewardship for key volunteers and board members as a primary contact, keeping them informed of developments at Audubon Louisiana and acknowledging their support.
- Support volunteers and board members in the recruitment of donors including advising them of cultivation opportunities, drafting letters, and preparing communications.
- Fully brief volunteers, executives and program staff on all donor interactions, including providing research information, goals of meeting, and talking points.
- Meet regularly and report back to volunteers and board members on progress with prospects.
- Coordinate 3 board meetings per year, or as defined by Audubon Louisiana by-laws; including preparing an agenda, coordinating logistics, and collaborating with staff on meeting content.
- 7-10 years’ progressive fundraising experience with 3-5 years at the senior and/or management level.
- Demonstrated track record of securing five-figure gifts or more in operating or campaign funds through a variety of sources, including individual donors, foundations, corporations, and endowments.
- Experience securing major gifts and leading effective programs, as defined by giving at the $10,000+ level. Knowledge of best practices of moves management and direct solicitation of supporters also necessary.
- Excellent leadership and management skills, experience coordinating and motivating teams, and working collaboratively with peers and as part of a management team. Experience working in a decentralized organization is a strong plus.
- Sales-oriented entrepreneurship, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and with a wide variety of stakeholder groups.
- Excellent writing skills backed by proposal and case statement examples.
- Superb verbal and presentation skills; must also have strong planning, organization, time management, and multi-tasking skills.
- A can-do attitude and a tolerant, friendly personality with a sense of humor are essential. Must possess high standards for integrity and quality of work.
- A flexible approach to work, with the willingness to travel frequently and work some weekends and evenings when necessary.
- Proficiency with MS Office, as well as strong expertise in donor database management systems essential; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.
- Interest, understanding, and commitment to the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitat is critical, as is the ability to communicate Audubon’s mission, goals, and programs effectively and with the highest professional standards.