Development Director

~ Since 1992 Ozaukee Washington Land Trust (OWLT) has been the region’s driving force in land preservation and protection. OWLT protects over 6,700 acres through conservation easements, partnerships, planned gifts, and our 32 preserves. ~

Our efforts improve the water quality of our lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands, protect and enhance wildlife habitat, and preserve the scenic and open spaces that define our rural landscape. By creating strong conservation relationships, we promote public awareness of the benefits of land preservation, and provide opportunities for nature-based recreation, improving the quality of life in our communities.

Position Summary

We are looking for a dedicated and innovative fundraising professional who is passionate about building relationships that connect the community to the land trust’s transformative work: protecting the land and water of our special corner of Wisconsin.

The Director of Development will plan, direct and oversee all fundraising, donor relations, and marketing functions for OWLT, including annual individual gifts, foundation grants, business membership, community outreach/fundraising events, and organizational marketing: including branding, social media, membership growth and retention and other additional fundraising, donor relations, and marketing activities as they arise.

This position requires an individual who has demonstrated successful fundraising experience, strong donor relations ability, excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written/verbal communication skills and demonstrates a high degree of attention to detail. The Director of Development needs to manage multiple tasks independently, be able to write and speak persuasively about the organization’s mission, and build relationships across the nonprofit and conservation sectors in southeast Wisconsin.

The Director of Development reports directly to the Executive Director, and works with the Executive Director, OWLT Board of Directors, Development Committee, OWLT staff, committees, conservation partners, and volunteers to ensure the long term financial sustainability of the organization in order to fulfill its mission and carry out its strategic plan.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have a track record of successful results demonstrating the following skills:

Development:

• Plan and implement the organization’s fundraising strategies including major donor program, grant management, membership program oversight, planned giving and fundraising events.
• Research, implement and experiment with groundbreaking fundraising strategies that capture the attention and win the support of our funders.
• Work with Executive Director and OWLT Board of Directors to cultivate deeper relationships with existing and prospective donors through one-on-one meetings and donor events.
• Create and execute individual and organization annual fundraising plans utilizing innovative, best fundraising practices.
• Report regularly to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on results related to individual, foundation, and business fundraising performance.
• Research, prepare, and execute grant applications and lead grant reporting process.
• Recruit and engage members of the Development Committee and Board of Directors to advance development goals.
• Recruit, train, and lead volunteers in carrying out duties related to development.
• Develop and track annual budget items and income performance metrics pertaining to the development program for review by Executive Director and Board of Directors.
• Promote high ethical behavior in fundraising through adherence to OWLT policies and procedures and application of Land Trust Alliance Standards and Practices as well as the codes of ethics promulgated by other professional philanthropic organizations.

Marketing & Community Outreach:

• Develop and implement a marketing plan and ensure compelling marketing pieces consistent with the professional brand of OWLT such as biennial donor report, two newsletters and regular donor appeals for dissemination via mail, email, social media, and website.
• Plan and execute fun community-building and donor-cultivating outreach events, such as the annual dinner fundraiser, house party receptions, and events across our Preserves.
• Represent and promote the organization at community events and meetings.
• Coordinate donor database and website improvements to improve donor experience and increase donations.
• Demonstrate leadership in using social media as a platform for creating and sharing inspiring stories chronicling organizational successes and expertise in order to grow our audience of donors.

Qualifications

Education, Skills, Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising, as well as experience in marketing, community outreach or business development.
• Experience with and knowledge of fundraising/development, finance, organizational management and strategic planning.
• Proven track record in establishing goals and meeting deadlines.
• Experience preparing and managing budgets and timelines.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience planning, developing and managing donor/membership databases
• Experience working collaboratively with partner organizations, government agencies, funders, and volunteers.
• Ability to work in a team environment and train and delegate work to volunteers.
• Strong desire to investigate better practices, learn new skills and continually improve organizational systems and procedures.

Salary and Benefits

• Full time salaried position with minimum annual compensation level of $70,000+. Successful candidate’s ultimate compensation will be commensurate with experience and ranges in Southeastern Wisconsin.
• Employee benefits include employer contributions to Healthcare Stipend or Healthcare Savings Account (if applicable), retirement savings account (employer matching up to 3%).
• We value a candidate possessing the passion and drive to deliver for our organization’s goals and accordingly we offer generous paid leave and holidays to ensure balance.
• The position will be based in our historic downtown West Bend office with the ability to work flexibly in fulfillment of the position’s demands to travel, meet with donors and attend events throughout Washington County, Ozaukee County and the Milwaukee Metropolitan area.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, resume, three (3) professional references, and relevant professional portfolio to Tom Stolp, Executive Director.
• Submissions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled with an expected start date of January 2020 or sooner.