Development Director

Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) conserves and enhances land in the Rogue River region to sustain our human and natural communities forever. SOLC is the oldest regional land trust in the state, currently managing over 13,000 acres of protected forests, farms, and natural, undeveloped landscapes through conservation easements and stewardship of a small but growing portfolio of owned preserves.

Join a dynamic, committed, creative team safeguarding vital landscapes in one of the most biodiverse regions in Oregon. We are seeking an experienced Development Director to build on Southern Oregon Land Conservancy’s steady growth and significant opportunities to expand permanent land conservation and community engagement. This position is based in the scenic and vibrant small city of Ashland.

GENERAL STATEMENT of DUTIES

The Development Director leads a team of three and sustains a comprehensive membership and fundraising program and oversees marketing and outreach efforts to achieve the Land Conservancy’s strategic and fundraising plans. The Development Director, in conjunction with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors, is responsible for meeting revenue goals for annual operations and special campaigns, planned giving, outreach and events, and communications (FY2023 $615,00 gifts/special events goal). The Development Director works closely with and reports to the Executive Director and collaborates with staff, appropriate board members, trustees, and advisory bodies.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising

• Works with the executive director to execute fundraising plans based on the strategic direction set by the board and projected organizational needs.
• Works with the executive director to plan, design, implement, and analyze donor acquisition and retention activities.
• Acts as the staff lead with the Development Committee coordinating meetings and initiatives.
• Identifies, cultivates and stewards new and prospective donors to develop lasting relationships.
• Develops direct mail campaigns for prospective, current, and lapsed donors.
• Ensures that gift acknowledgements are accurate, timely, and relevant.
• Engages and sustains membership through outreach activities and programs.
• Identifies and researches major donor prospects for the board members, executive director, and trustees.
• Coordinates gift solicitations for the executive director, board members, and volunteers.
• Provides support and direction to Board members to strengthen their relationships with donors.
• Coordinates with the executive director to develop reports for the Board and as needed for board, committee, and membership meetings.
• Works closely with the executive director and board to implement planned giving programs.
• Helps executive director identify grant opportunities for operational support and programs.
• Prepares department budget and produces relevant financial reports.

Marketing & Outreach

• Directs and supervises the planning and implementing of public outreach activities, including public relations, promotions, and special events (annual meeting, member events, presentations, Conservation Celebration) to expand awareness of the organization’s mission and programs.
• Directs and supervises the Marketing and Communications Manager, and the Event and Volunteer Coordinator, and assigns tasks and projects as needed.
• Oversees the preparation of promotional materials in consultation with the executive director (newsletters, brochures, fundraising campaign documents)
• Ensures all publications are accurate, effective, and timely.
• Maintains involvement with external organizations and professional groups that build long- term relationships with potential donors/supporters.
• Makes presentations to community groups to promote the organization within its focus areas as needed.
• Oversees website content and works with staff and Marketing Manager to update as necessary.

Administration and Supervision

• Recruits and manages development/outreach staff to maintain and ensure effective staffing levels; balance workload among employees, honoring individual strengths.
• Ensure development/outreach staff participation in internal and external professional training and professional growth.
• Provides leadership and supervision for development/outreach staff.
• Supervises gift processing and overall database management.
• Carries out other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

REQUIREMENTS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• 5+ years of increasingly responsible work in non-profit development, fundraising, marketing, public outreach, or related fields
• Bachelor’s degree preferred and 3 to 5 years of successful work in leading a team, or equivalent experience.
• Proven success in multiple aspects of donor recruitment and retention
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects, and motivate colleagues, volunteers, and board members to support fundraising and outreach work.
• Familiarity with grant writing.
• Skills utilizing donor database, CRM, and other software to manage and track fundraising and volunteer engagement.
• Experience with engaging diverse partners toward broad community involvement with and support of SOLC.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Computer proficiency in word processing, Adobe Creative Suite, database, and spreadsheet applications required.
• An outgoing and friendly personality with the ability to meet new people easily and quickly earn their confidence.
• A genuine interest and enthusiasm for voluntary land conservation.
• Cultural competency training and skills to integrate Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion into SOLC’s work, and expand partnerships with diverse communities in our region.
• A self-starter with the ability to initiate and follow through on new programs or projects.
• Exceptional communications skills (oral, written, and graphic); strive for error-free product.
• Ability to inspire and motivate individuals and businesses to make financial contributions.
• Knowledge and experience in conservation and land trusts preferred.
• Spanish language skills encouraged.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Enthusiasm and ability to participate in ‘out of office experiences’ in rugged terrain, sharing the joy of protected lands and places deserving protection.

COMPENSATION

• Salary Range:
  • $70-85,000 depending on experience.
• Benefits:
  • SOLC offers employer paid health insurance, SIMPLE IRA match contribution, paid annual leave, holidays, and sick leave. Our work is based in the Rogue River basin and Klamath-Siskiyou ecosystem, so you’ll have access to outstanding all-season outdoor recreation, wine, food and world class theater.

TO APPLY

Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter and resume, or mail to: PO Box 954, Ashland, OR 97520

SOLC is an equal opportunity employer, making employment decisions without regard for race, color, religion, national origin or ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.