Development Officer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in District of Columbia, +1 more state.

📋 Description

• Create and execute fundraising strategies in collaboration with program and development directors to achieve or surpass annual and long-term programmatic fundraising objectives.

• Identify, nurture, solicit, and manage relationships with high-net-worth individuals.

• Research and pursue grant opportunities from private foundations and corporate entities, overseeing the submission of proposals and reports.

• Manage donor communications, including updates on conservation impacts, thank-you letters, and other personalized outreach efforts.

• Oversee donor recognition initiatives and stewardship/cultivation activities to foster long-term engagement.

• Maintain the highest standards of grant stewardship.

• Ensure adherence to gift acceptance policies, reporting standards, and donor intent.

• Monitor fundraising progress and keep accurate records of donors and prospects in ABC’s CRM (EveryAction) and other grant tracking systems.

• Assist in developing and maintaining program budgets in collaboration with program, finance, and other development team members.

• Stay updated on trends in philanthropy, conservation funding, and best practices for donor engagement.

• Contribute to conservation planning and project implementation.

• Support various projects as needed.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of three years of experience in major gifts and foundation fundraising.

• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills, particularly in crafting grant proposals, reports, and compelling donor updates.

• Knowledge of prospect research methodologies.

• Proven experience in guiding donors from prospecting to solicitation and stewardship.

• Demonstrated ability, willingness, and enthusiasm to reach out to donors and build relationships with diverse funders.

• Outstanding organizational skills and a proven ability to manage deadlines and complex tasks, particularly related to grant and donor stewardship.

• Proficient in computer usage and software applications, including Excel and CRMs.

• Preference for candidates with experience in EveryAction CRM and Netsuite/PyanGo systems.

• Experience in the conservation sector is considered advantageous.

• Willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends, primarily for donor meetings, birding trips, and networking events (with the option to take compensatory time off).

• Proactive with a strong personal drive, growth mindset, positivity, and a sense of urgency.

• Outgoing and adaptable personality with an entrepreneurial perspective.

• A good sense of humor.

• Strong leadership capabilities.

• Strategic thinker.

• Ability to collaborate effectively and respectfully with a team, as well as work independently while meeting deadlines.

• Capability to engage with a wide range of individuals across various levels and backgrounds.

• Commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of donor information.

• All remote and hybrid employees must ensure they have a reliable and high-speed internet service provider before commencing work for ABC.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, flexible spending accounts, and employer-matched retirement savings.

• Paid vacation days starting at 15 annually, increasing to 20 days after one year of employment.

• Paid holidays, encompassing both US holidays and additional ABC holidays, as well as sick leave.

• Coverage for lodging, meals, and transportation for work-related travel away from home when applicable.

• Reimbursement for rental vehicle or personal mileage where applicable.