Conservation Development Specialist

The Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (IASWCD) is as statewide non-profit organization representing Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) as one voice, and to assist the leadership of local SWCDs through coordination and education for the wise use and management of our natural resources.

Position Overview: 

The IASWCD is currently seeking an individual capable of managing existing grant resources while developing future opportunities within the organization.  It is intended that this position will be multi year in scope.  It is currently funded with an IDEM 319 Nonpoint Source grant through May 2010.

The Conservation Development Specialist (CDS) assists local organizations (primarily Indiana Watershed Initiatives and Soil and Water Conservation Districts) with growth and organizational development.  Specifically, the CDS will infuse the Indiana conservation delivery system with information and expertise related to proper, creative leveraging of local/state/federal funds, fundraising, private donor relationships, capacity building, and grants development.

Responsibilities: 

To accomplish this task, the CDS will be responsible for the following:

• Maintain partner and member relationships 
• Support partnership efforts by providing development resources for technical staff
• Manage, track, and report on existing IASWCD grant resources
• Develop and implement regional development and capacity building training for local organizations 
• Create customizable development oriented materials for local use 
• Support proposal development and respond to local requests 
• Customize targeted one on one mentoring relationship with local organizations
• Develop topic specific sessions for Annual Conference of SWCDs
• Coordinate efforts with Communications Manager to communicate successes
• Seek out, draft, and/or provide comments on relevant grant proposals

Qualifications: 

The position requires the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• At least 5 years professional experience in organization and resource development and/or fundraising
• Proven understanding of grant writing techniques and cultivation of donor relationships
• Demonstration of successful project management (ability to plan, strategize, and implement programs)
• Clear understanding of evaluative indicators, their use, and tracking 
• Experience in conservation and knowledge of the Indiana Conservation Partnership and current funding mechanisms is preferred bu not required.  (This includes resources such as: Clean Water Indiana, USEPA Section 319 and 205j, Grants.gov, and Lake and River Enhancement Program)
• The right person will demonstrate a balance of strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, personal initiative, and creative management.

Compensation: Salary will be negotiated based on qualifications and experience. A benefit package is available and will be negotiated depending on individual needs.

To Apply: 

Please email cover letter, resume and references to Jennifer Boyle, Executive Director, IASWCD, no later than the close of business: Tuesday, May 19, 2009. (electronic copies only)