As a member of Audubon’s national development team, the Development Officer will play an important role in the success of the fund development program in New York and Connecticut. Reporting to the Managing Director for Individual Giving, Northeast (Atlantic Flyway), the Development Officer leads the development and expansion of the mid-level donor program in New York and Connecticut, both as a source of critical unrestricted revenue and also as a pipeline for major and planned giving. Additionally, the Development Officer supports the Managing Director for Individual Giving, Northeast (Atlantic Flyway), the NY & CT Executive Director, Northeast, Audubon Center directors, and volunteer leaders in their role as fundraisers.
S/he will build and manage a portfolio of individual and institutional donors and prospects capable of giving in the range of $1K-$9.9K annually. The Development Officer 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.
- Work with the Managing Director for Individual Giving, Northeast (Atlantic Flyway), local Audubon Center directors, and volunteer leaders to drive the implementation of the annual development plan in order to maximize income in support of Audubon’s strategic priorities and State-level operating and capital needs.
- Build and maintain a portfolio of 150-200 mid-level donors and prospects, executing planned strategies for these individuals, businesses, or foundations, including personal visits, regular communication, event invitations and tours.
- Coordinate the design and implementation of fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events, including the execution of follow-up strategies.
- Manage the design and execution of appeals, including mail and email appeals (list development, appeal content, vendor management and follow-up strategy); collaborate on donor communications.
- 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 Managing Director for Individual Giving, Northeast (Atlantic Flyway).
- Other administrative duties as assigned by the Managing Director for Individual, Northeast.
- Interest, understanding, and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society, and ability to communicate Audubon’s mission, goals, and programs effectively.
- 5 years professional experience in a development position that includes portfolio management, directly and/or in support of a senior leader focused on major gifts.
- Demonstrated success securing 4-and-5 figure gifts from individuals and/or institutions.
- Understanding of basic fundraising principles, 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 is comfortable working independently, including remotely, 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.
- 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 York & Connecticut up to 30% of the time.