As a member of Audubon’s national Development team, the Development Manager will play an important role in the success of the fund development program at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Reporting to the Managing Director of Development, Florida, the Development Manager leads the development and expansion of the mid-level donor program for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, both as a source of critical unrestricted revenue and also as a pipeline for major and planned giving. Additionally, the Development Manager supports the Center Director and Director of Individual Giving, and volunteer leaders in their role as fundraisers. They will build and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of giving in the range of $1K-$9.9K annually for individuals. The Development 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.
- Work with the Managing Director of Development 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 Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’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;
- Manage the Cypress Council giving program, tracking and invoicing pledge payments;
- Tracks all inquiries and record keeping for memorial and tribute funds;
- Determines the appropriate donor lists for cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation activities;
- Conducts research on prospective donors and foundation partners;
- Ensure accurate donor and prospect data collection and management in Salesforce. Use the system to develop reports;
- Organizes and coordinates donor appreciation events and helps to design and implement other fundraising, cultivation and stewardship events;
- Work with program leaders to draft content for donor communications;
- Work with across the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary staff to leverage fundraising opportunities including philanthropic messaging in the center, at programs, and in presentations;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Interest, understanding, and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society, and ability to communication 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;
- A flexible approach to work, with the willingness to work some evenings and weekends and travel for events when necessary;
- Must have a valid Driver’s License;
- Not afraid of snakes, insects, panthers or the dark.