Development Director

The Deschutes River Conservancy seeks a Development Director to join our dynamic team in restoring streamflow and improving water quality in the Deschutes Basin.

• Reports To: Executive Director
• Location: Bend, OR

WHO WE ARE

The Deschutes River Conservancy (DRC), based in Bend, Oregon, is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1996 to restore streamflows and improve water quality in the Deschutes Basin. We bring together tribal, irrigation, environmental, hydropower, and federal, state and local government interests to accomplish our mission through financing and implementation of voluntary ecosystem restoration projects.

The DRC is governed by a 15-person board of directors and managed by a full-time Executive Director with ten employees. The DRC has a $2.1 million annual budget.

WHAT WE VALUE

We are an innovative, consensus-based, and highly collaborative organization. We proactively seek new solutions for solving old problems. We don’t engage in litigation, preferring instead to leverage partners’ strengths to get the watershed-scale outcomes we seek. And we live the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our full Mission, Vision and Values can be found here: (https://www.deschutesriver.org/about-us/mission-and-vision/).

We honor the native people who have called this region home for thousands of years.  We join them in stewardship of our rivers for the next seven generations. 

WHO YOU ARE

You are someone who can:

• Inspire investment in an innovative conservation organization.
• Develop and execute fundraising strategy.
• Communicate the DRC’s story to the community, foundations, and donors to inspire investment.
• Build thoughtful and enduring relationships with donors, foundations, and corporations.
• Support the organization’s mission and collaborative approach.
• Contribute to the organization’s commitment to advance Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity.

Note: The ideal candidate will have proven experience raising unrestricted funding in the non-profit sector.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

The primary purpose of the position is to generate unrestricted funding commensurate with the size and requirements of the growing organization, and to work with the Leadership Team to increase the DRC’s visibility in the donor community. 

Fundraising and Development

• Develop and execute the annual development plan with specific and measurable goals, focused on major donors, foundations, and corporations.
• Develop and implement a donor giving strategy including:
  • Maintaining current donors
  • Soliciting new donors
  • Migrating existing donors to higher giving
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to cultivate past, current, and prospective donors.
• Facilitate visits with prospective donors and the Executive Director and/or Board members.
• Direct major donor events and gatherings, as well as donor mailings.
• Conduct meetings, events, and field trips as needed to cultivate potential contributors.
• Create community connections through regular donor communications.
• Maintain and expand the organization’s revenue from foundation and corporate sources.
• Cultivate corporate and organizational sponsors for DRC events.

Administration and Management

• Assess and optimize databases and systems for managing donor information from prospects to major long-term donors.
• Generate, analyze, and present regular updates to the Executive Director, Leadership Team, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors on fundraising progress and special reports as needed.
• Participate with the Executive Director as part of the Leadership Team to guide the organization’s daily operations.
• Supervise administrative support staff in development support functions (25% FTE).

COMPENSATION 

• Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000 full time (dependent on experience); part-time negotiable with pro-rated salary; includes competitive benefits package.

HOW TO APPLY

• Please click "Apply" below to email your resume and cover letter by January 31st.
• Target start date is March 1st.

The DRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and incorporates the values of Justice, Equity and Diversity throughout our hiring and work practices.