Development Director

Environmental Advocates of New York is your government watchdog in Albany and a leading voice for conservation, the environment, and public health in the State Capital.

As a nonprofit organization with a relatively small staff of 12 professionals, advancing the cause of environmental protection, we seek candidates who are highly motivated to effect change in New York State. The annual operating budget of the organization is approaching $1 million.

The organization will have in place a new strategic plan at the end of this year that will chart a course for future growth of the organization, and a corresponding increase in revenues. 

Position Overview: 

Environmental Advocates seeks applicants for the position of Development Director.  The Development Director is a senior-level position that reports directly to the Executive Director and is responsible for overseeing all fundraising activities for the organization, as well as helping manage relationships with members and donors and finding ways to reach out to our members across the state.

The Development Director serves as the staff liaison to the Board of Directors for matter involving fundraising, member relations, and special events. The Development Director oversees the work of one full-time and one part-time staff member.  This is a full-time exempt position.

Responsibilities:

Overall Management &  Planning:

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan and budget consistent with the organization's goals and evaluate results;
• Manage the organization's development efforts and coordinate those efforts with program and communications staff to maximize fundraising and membership opportunities;
• Oversee efforts to build relationships with members and involve them in the work of the organization;
• Manage and oversee the work of two development staff who are primarily responsible for maintaining our donor database and fundraising from non-major donor individuals;
• Ensure the fundraising database is maintained and used to maximum capacity for tracking relationships, giving histories, communications with supporters, etc.;
• Maintain and update a calendar of mailings, outreach events and foundation deadlines; and
• Prepare and present bi-monthly reports on development efforts to the Board.

Foundation Fundraising:

• Manage the prospecting and researching of potential foundation supporters;
• Work with the Executive Director, Communications Director, Policy Director and program staff to develop foundation proposals and reports; and
• Ensure that relationships are built and maintained with foundation program officers.

Individual Donors:

• Conduct major donor cultivation, prospecting and solicitations;
• With the Executive Director and members of the board, ensure that all major donors and prospects are solicited and contacted for informational/relationship-building purposes; and
• Strategically grow and maintain a membership program that solicits donations and forges a relationship with our supporters via direct mail, outreach events, Internet outreach, and other media.

Special Events:

• Plan and produce the Advocates Award Gala, Environmental Advocates' annual event in New York City; and
• Oversee the planning and execution of other outreach events throughout the year that are aimed at members and donors and new donor prospects to engage them in our work and to forge lasting relationships.

In addition to the specific responsibilities described above, the Development Director may be asked to take on other duties as directed by the Executive Director.

Qualifications:

• At least 5 years of experience in fundraising for nonprofit organizations;
• Proven track record in event planning and fundraising from individuals and foundations, including Internet-based fundraising;
• Proficiency with fundraising database software, such as DonorPerfect as well as Microsoft Office applications;
• Ability to juggle competing priorities, manage multiple projects, and make decisions under pressure;
• Willingness to travel as needed;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Excellent verbal and writing skills; and
• Ability to lead and work as part of a team.

Compensation: Salary will be commensurate with experience, excellent health benefits, retirement savings including an employer contribution, and a vibrant, fast-paced work environment.

To Apply:

Please email or mail a cover letter, resume, references salary requirements, and a writing sample.

Application Deadline: Applications will be received through September 15, 2008

Robert Moore, Executive Director
Environmental Advocates of New York
353 Hamilton Street
Albany, NY 12210