Development and Communications Director

The Sierra Nevada Alliance has been protecting and restoring Sierra land, water, wildlife and communities since 1993. The Alliance unites hundreds of individuals and groups behind a common goal of protecting and restoring the natural values of the Sierra Nevada for future generations while promoting sustainable communities.

The organization is increasing the income stream to fund a new strategic plan for the next 5 years. Current funding sources include individual donors, major donors, foundation grants, events, business sponsors, board contributions, and member group dues. In addition, the organization produces a trimester newsletter, annual report, four electronic newsletters and other communications.

Position Overview:

The Development and Communication Director is responsible for leading the organization's major donor, individual donor, event, and sponsorship programs. They are also responsible for managing our web communications and producing various organizational outreach communications.

The Development and Communications Director reports directly to the Executive Director, supervises an Outreach and Development Program Associate and works closely with the Board and staff on organizational fundraising efforts. 

Responsibilities:

Development

• Work with the Executive Director to implement of a fundraising strategic plan, fundraising strategies, organizational communications, and activities
• Establish and maintain ongoing communication and positive relationships with major donors, including effectively articulating and writing about the organization's programs and activities
• Research and identify new donor and sponsor prospects
• Cultivate and solicit gifts from individuals, businesses and foundations
• Manage board members' volunteer activities to raise funds, including cultivating donors and making solicitations
• Improve the sophistication and effectiveness of direct mail campaigns, increasing the member base
• Supervise the direct mail, email and online giving programs
• Supervise House Party Program to attract new supporters
• Support the Board Organizational Development Committee, which focuses on organizational fundraising
• Supervise the management of the donor database and oversee the tracking and reporting of all nonfoundation fundraising

Communication

• Manage staff and contractors to produce trimester newsletter and Annual Report 
• Coordinate staff and contractorsto insure high quality communications, consistent look, and compelling messaging of program newsletters, factsheets and website 
• Work with contractors to lead production of other major organizational outreach materials such as the brochure
• Assist the Executive Director with other marketing and publication outreach as needed

Other

• Support the Sustainable Organization Team, including participating in meetings, workplan production/updates, and staff retreats
• Supervise an Outreach and Development Program Associate
• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:

• 4 plus years related work experience
• Proven track record of success in closing solicitations and raising funds
• Experience managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors
• Knowledge of current technology and trends in charitable giving
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Experience developing compelling donor materials
• Ability to work with diverse groups and people
• Experience organizing events
• Ability to attend evening and weekend events and travel throughout California and Northern Nevada
• Ability to handle multiple projects, layout work tasks, identify resources to complete projects, leverage human and financial resources, focus his/her own work, complete tasks on time, on budget and of a high quality
• Strong public speaking and telephone skills 
• Independent, highly motivated, able to work under pressure with frequent deadlines and limited supervision
• Passion for the Sierra's natural environment and rural communities
• Attention to detail
• Computer database management experience
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite, InDesign, Photoshop, personal computers and the Internet
• Ability to travel throughout the region via automobile up to 10% of time each month. Must have a valid unrestricted State Driver's license and be insurable at commercially reasonable rates
• Occasional lifting (office supplies, etc.) of 25 pounds
• Computer use and keyboard entry up to 8 hours per day
• Willing to locate to the South Lake Tahoe area

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with conservation or environmental causes
• Familiarity with the Sierra 

Compensation: Competitive salary dependent on experience and qualifications. Full healthcare benefits including dental coverage. 2 weeks paid vacation to start. 15 paid holidays and 12 sick days accrued each year.

To Apply:

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to submit your cover letter and resume. The application process will start immediately. Interviews will be arranged as soon as possible.

~ All submissions are confidential. People of color are encouraged to apply. The Sierra Nevada Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. ~