Become a force for nature and a healthy planet by joining the Illinois team! In Illinois we have proudly been connecting land, water, wildlife, and people for over 60 years. We are seeking a dynamic professional to serve as our Development Communications Specialist. The Specialist will be responsible for maintaining close relationships with colleagues in marketing, communications and conservation to ensure consistency of materials and to foster collaboration to engage donors.
The Development Communications Specialist manages, writes, produces and edits a variety of communication materials and resources that further fundraising goals. S/he is responsible for developing effective and compelling proposals, letters of inquiry, solicitation letters, stewardship reports, acknowledgment letters, presentations and fact sheets. She will manage writing, editing, and tracking other donor communication resources, such as naming opportunities, as needed. S/he will ensure appropriate measures are taken to vet donor solicitations and grant agreements through the proper channels to ensure legal compliance and fulfillment of donor intent. S/he will maintain the grants calendar and ensure that all proposals are submitted on time and that collaborating program and finance staff members are aware of spending and reporting requirements. The Development Communications Specialist will coordinate with Conservation, Finance and Marketing Resource Center (MRC) staff on communications-related work.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Accountable for meeting assigned project goals and objectives.
- May act as a resource to others to solve problems.
- Manages and implements projects with several variables in a timely fashion.
- May provide oversight for a key function of the team.
- Does not supervise any staff but may coordinate work of peers.
- Acts independently within the program’s strategic goals to prioritize and complete tasks in the absence of specific instructions or detailed management review of work.
- Exercises independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
- Ensures compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal) requirements).
- Financial responsibility includes working within a budget, and tracking grants to ensure financial reporting reflects donor intent.
- Provides input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs.
- Works with teams across multiple disciplines and in remote locations.
- May be required to travel occasionally to visit projects and attend TNC trainings. Flexible work hours may be available; however, must be willing to work extra hours as needed to complete projects.
- Scope of work varies and requires an ability to innovate.
- Experience writing or editing one or more of the following: newsletters, magazines, annual reports, web-site articles/stories, donor profiles, presidential acknowledgment letters, campaign brochures, funding proposals, fact sheets, presentations, or equivalent.
- Experience coordinating multiple projects.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
- Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
- Experience implementing and measuring communication and engagement plans/strategies
- Ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet deadlines.
- Familiarity with communication technologies and best practices.
- Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline.
- Experience leading or managing projects.