Job Description
Freshwater Future is a catalyst for community action that strengthens policies designed to safeguard the waters of the Great Lakes region. We help create and strengthen community action on water by providing grants and professional development services to over 2,000 community groups working on local issues impacting their water. Through this engagement with groups, we learn of and track emerging issues that impact many communities in the region, and are able to synthesize those concerns into strategic policy solutions. We elevate the voices of many communities to the state, provincial and federal level where policy change happens. We champion the causes of communities and have taken leadership roles in coordinating on issues such as stopping Asian carp from entering the Great Lakes, securing over $5 billion for Great Lakes restoration activities, and passing the Great Lakes Compact to prevent diversions of Great Lakes water.
Job Summary:
The Director of Development will plan and implement a development and fundraising program to provide for the short- and long-term needs of the organization.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Sets annual monetary goals and budgets according to organizational goals and needs.
- Establishes fundraising objectives for the organization, setting one year, five year, and longer-term goals.
- Responsible for actively cultivating and soliciting new funding opportunities and development strategies for a broader base of donors.
- Maintains a list of potential financial donors including corporations, foundations, and individuals.
- Produces relevant and informative fundraising material for distribution to previous donors, current donors, potential donors and the public.
- Collaborates with the Executive Director, Associate Director and other staff as needed on fundraising strategy and to ensure production of innovative communications materials.
- Collaborates with Database Manager to ensure the maintenance and integrity of high-quality data and coding for reports.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of tax planning principles and techniques that favor charitable giving.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or similar software.
- Proficient in utilizing databases to track and plan fundraising campaigns.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Fundraising or similar field required.
- Five years of experience in fundraising for a nonprofit organization highly preferred.
General Job Requirements:
- Participate in management decisions for the organization.
- Participate and assist with Freshwater Future staff meetings and events.
- Attend board meetings as appropriate.
- Assist with organizational planning.
Position Type: The Development Director position will be a full-time position. Job location is negotiable within the Great Lakes region.
Qualifications:
The Development Director will have excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrated leadership skills, strategic mindset, problem-solving skills, five-years nonprofit fundraising experience, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and excellent computer skills. Bachelor’s degree preferred. The position requires excellent organizational skills, ability to work independently and a commitment to equity and inclusion. Travel is required.
Compensation: Salary Range – $72,000-$80,000, depending on experience. Generous benefits including health, dental, vision, retirement, disability insurance, and paid time off.
Freshwater Future is an equal opportunity employer.
To apply please submit a resume and cover letter to stephanie@freshwaterfuture.org.
