Edisto Island Open Land Trust
JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title:   Development Director – leading to Executive Director role

            

Reports To: Executive Director                                Employment Status: Exempt                   
                                                                                    

Position Summary:

Development Director will lead and coordinate the fundraising and development efforts of the Edisto Island Open Land Trust, as well as the educational outreach of the organization. This person will work strategically for the long term growth of the organization. He/she will expand the membership, manage fundraising events, educational events and friend raising events, actively solicit and manage the solicitation of major donations, recruit and train and manage volunteers, coordinate on-going website updates, develop both print and e-newsletters, coordinate all publications (both print and Internet based), develop promotional materials (brochures, flyers, educational booklets, etc.), write press releases and other announcements, and take on additional projects and roles as may be necessary for supporting the team’s efforts to insure EIOLT’s success.

Major Responsibilities: 

  • Conducts the identification, research, cultivation and acknowledgement of donors/members.  Is responsible for the membership renewal-cycle communications.  Works to increase the donor base and the average membership gift amount. 
  • Works with Executive Director and Development Committee to develop an Annual Fundraising Plan, based on 5-year Strategic Plan. 
  • Works with Development Committee (and Board) to plan and implement major gifts campaigns to meet established goals set forth by the Annual Fundraising Plan.  Makes (face-to-face) major gift asks, usually with the E.D. or a Board Member. 
  • Works with Development Committee (and Board) to develop a Planned Giving program and to implement that program
  • Works with Development Committee to plan and budget for fundraising events.  Works with volunteer event chair(s), and other volunteers to oversee budget for event and the implementation of fundraising events.
  • Works with the E.D. to increase the visibility of the organization and enhance EIOLT’s reputation in the Edisto and in the conservation community via publicity, both written and verbal.
  • Works with E.D. (and outside printing company) to draft, edit and layout quarterly print newsletter (and periodic e-newsletters or email updates to members). 

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  • Also responsible for creative planning of all new print media – brochures, flyers, information pamphlets, etc.), with final editing by E.D. 
  • Works with appropriate Board Committee to plan and implement educational events (ex. seminars for landowners, on-going nature excursions, special programs for Heirs property owners, programs for school children, etc.)
  • The D.D. is the primary telephone communications person and utilizes this opportunity to foster positive membership relations
  • Drafts grant applications and other requests for funding, as well as grant reports to funding organizations.
  • Is responsible for timely follow up (thank you) for each and every gift and personalized (written, phone and/or face-to-face) follow up with major donations.
  • Accepts other duties as assigned.

Other Dimensions:

The Development Director maintains positive and productive working relationships with members, with a cross section of community stakeholders and organizations, media, and with other conservation groups.  The position requires a broad knowledge/familiarity with the methods/details of preserving and protecting lands.  To be successful this position requires the ability to multi-task and re-prioritize tasks throughout the day.  The position often works under pressure and with short deadlines.

Qualifications:  

A.  Education:  Bachelor degree or equivalent experience in fund raising, marketing, communications, journalism, business, or related field.
B.  Experience: Prefer minimum of three years experience in fundraising or marketing, preferably for a non-profit, with a proven performance record.   Must have a proven track record of success in direct mail and special events fundraising and a demonstrated ability to meet fundraising goals. Experience in public relations is also helpful.
C.  Other:  Excellent written and oral skills and computer savvy are a requirement.  Required computer skills include use of internet, word processing, database and/or spreadsheet applications.  Experience working with computer-based membership and donor tracking systems is a plus.  

 

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