Development Manager

~ The Wolf River Conservancy is a nonprofit corporation organized in 1985. Its mission is “dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the Wolf River corridor and watershed as a sustainable natural resource”. ~

Through the cooperation of landowners and the generosity of the local community, the Conservancy has protected over 16,000 acres of sensitive wetlands which provide habitats for a variety of plants, trees, grasses and flowers and a rich wildlife population. Lands have been protected by means of direct purchases, donations and conservation easements.

Position Overview

The Wolf River Conservancy is currently seeking qualified candidates for a Development Manager. 

The Development Manager is a leader who has a key role in securing philanthropic contributions and increasing community support to further the mission of the Wolf River Conservancy.

The primary goal of the Development Manager is to ensure that the Conservancy’s special events and development operations are successful to help achieve our mission. To meet that goal, the Development Manager is responsible for all fundraising components of the three events at the Conservancy – our Annual Tree Planting, Cycle the Greenway and Greenway Soirée, including volunteer management, corporate sponsorships solicitation, event participation (i.e. ticket sales, registrations), donor cultivation, logistics and financial responsibility. Special events represent a significant portion of the Conservancy’s annual operating budget and are a critical role of the Development Department at the Wolf River Conservancy.

Responsibilities

Special Event Responsibilities:

• Oversee the three tent-pole fundraising events at the Conservancy: Annual Tree Planting (February/March), Cycle the Greenway (June) and Greenway Soirée (November)
• Increase special event revenue through sponsorships, in-kind contributions, auction donations, ticket sales and registrations
• Manage special events budget and work closely with the Director of Development and Chief Financial Officer on budget planning and provide updates as needed
• Secure event dates and work closely with vendors
• Facilitate monthly event committee meetings
• Manage all aspects of event committees and event-day volunteers, including volunteer recruitment, training, ongoing stewardship and follow-up
• Create and maintain corporate partnerships and sponsorships in conjunction with the Director of Development, and board and staff leadership
• Responsible for securing sponsorships and in-kind donations for events
• Record and track event data and constituent information
• Responsible for all event communications, including press releases, e-communications and social media messages
• Create evaluation process for each event or project to gain feedback from volunteers
• Identify new special event opportunities for the Conservancy and manage other special event and community events, such as Cooper-Young Festival, Outdoors Inc. Canoe & Kayak Race and Earth Day, including securing space, recruiting volunteers and all logistics needed to insure Conservancy is well represented

Development/Communications Responsibilities:

• Identify and strengthen the Conservancy’s volunteer program with special events and development activities, but also including service projects, internships, River Guides, Greenway Ambassadors, etc.
• Evaluate and improve current volunteer orientation program
• Work closely with Development Administrative Coordinator on database entry, volunteer and event tracking, and event administrative assistance
• Assist in maintaining organization’s website content and oversee all event website pages
• Contribute to weekly e-blast communications, social media content, Currents biannual newsletter, mailings and marketing materials
• Work closely with the Development Department on annual giving, membership, grant writing, corporate giving, special campaigns and other development duties
• Attend board Development & Marketing Committee Meetings

Qualifications

Required Background and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or two to three years’ experience in comparable job situation
• Computer skills: database management (preferably Abila/Sage, Blackbaud or CRM program such as SalesForce), research tools, MS Office software (particularly Excel and Word, with PowerPoint a plus)
• Knowledgeable about Memphis area philanthropic community
• Experience in event planning and securing event sponsorships
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships, meet goals, and articulate marketing message
• A multi-tasker with the ability to wear many hats
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility and dedication to the mission of the Conservancy

Physical Requirements:

• Standing and/or sitting for long periods of time
• Continuous verbal communication, visual activity to effectively manage others
• Continuous manual dexterity to type, operate a computer, operate a phone
• Occasional reaching, lifting, pushing and/or pulling up to 50 pounds
• Occasional outdoor work to visit events (educational and recreational programs and activities, service projects, etc.) and properties where good physical condition, vision and hearing are required to walk. Properties may or may not have developed trail systems and can consist of steep terrain
• Driving to sites requires use of personal vehicle (Note: mileage reimbursed)
• Must be capable of working periodically in harsh environments as needed including, but not limited to cold, damp conditions, hot humid conditions, exposure to hazardous plants and animals such as poison ivy, venomous snakes, biting insects, and other natural hazards

Note: Wolf River Conservancy, Inc. will modify these requirements to reasonably accommodate employees with disabilities.

Compensation: The Wolf River Conservancy provides all full-time employees health/dental/vision/life insurance, paid time off and 13 paid holidays.