POSITION DESCRIPTION

Director of Development, Audubon New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico

The mission of the National Audubon Society is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity.

Background

Founded in 1905, The National Audubon Society “Audubon” is a national nonprofit conservation organization with 450,000 members and 508 local chapters throughout the Americas. For over a century, Audubon has been a leader in bird conservation by emphasizing protection of birds and their habitats. We have succeeded in connecting people to nature through Audubon state programs, Audubon Centers and sanctuaries, Chapters, Audubon Adventures, Audubon at Home and a broad range of Citizen Science programs. Audubon is Birdlife International’s US partner in a global effort to identify and protect Important Bird Areas throughout the Americas.

In New Mexico, enormous demands are being placed on wildlife and ecosystems. Audubon New Mexico is entering its 24th year of operation as a state program with seven full time staff supported by an annual operating budget of $700,000. At the Randall Davey Audubon Center in Santa Fe, Audubon New Mexico manages 135 acres of important bird habitat and the historic Randall Davey House, runs an extensive environmental education program and houses state offices are housed on site. Audubon New Mexico also supports educational outreach programs across the state. Audubon has over 3,600 members in New Mexico and supports a network of four local Audubon Chapters and an active Council that helps develop and coordinate state-wide policy initiatives. Audubon New Mexico has an active presence at the state legislature and works closely with a number of federal and state agencies and other NGOs.

Audubon New Mexico plans to embark upon a multi-million dollar capital campaign within the next year. These funds will be used to implement the newly completed site plan for the Randall Davey Audubon Center.

Position Summary

The Director of Development is responsible for designing, managing, and overseeing implementation of the entire range of development activities for Audubon New Mexico, including major gifts, planned gifts, annual fund, and special events. Responsibilities include: devising effective strategies to secure private support for established priorities from individuals, foundations, and corporations; cultivating and soliciting prospects; and closing gifts. The position will support the State Director in all aspects of donor outreach and solicitation and work closely with staff and volunteers to plan and execute fundraising strategies in the state. The Director of Development also coordinates development and marketing-related communications for the state program.

Position Priorities

• In consultation with the State Director, establish long-range goals and objectives for a strategic development program that reflects and supports statewide initiatives.
• Work with State Director, program staff and state volunteers to develop and implement an annual fundraising plan related to major and planned gifts, annual unrestricted gifts, and capital and centers gifts. Monitor progress, revise and evaluate overall program results as basis for next year’s plan.
• Work with Executive Director, state board and staff to develop and successfully achieve, or exceed, the annual revenue goal for the state office.
• Identify, cultivate and solicit gifts from major individual, corporate and foundation prospects. Plan solicitation strategies with the Executive Director, state board, staff, and development committee members.
• Oversee the preparation of all proposal and other major gifts and annual fund materials related to solicitation, cultivation, donor acknowledgement, or outreach activities.
• Manage stewardship program to assure regular contact with donors through reports and various activities and events for continuing donor awareness of goals and needs in the state.
• Coordinate special fundraising events such as donor cultivation dinners, lunches with the Executive Director, Birdathon, Holiday Party at the Randall Davey House, Roundtables, donor cultivation events, trips, etc.
• Develop and oversee the annual budget for the state program’s fundraising expenses, directing allocations and expenditures appropriately.
• Utilize central development systems to ensure progress and timely, appropriate actions with prospects, donors and volunteers, including interaction reports. Work with the office manager to track and record funds received, and to maintain accurate, complete donor records.
• Work with staff on statewide and Center newsletters. Write copy and assist with design of promotional materials for both Center and statewide programs and offerings.
• Work closely with chapters within state office jurisdiction to on shared development objectives.
• Assist in planning and implementing the upcoming capital campaign.

• Work with the home office to identify, cultivate, manage, and track planned giving donors and prospects in the area.
• Participate in training and professional development conferences and workshops to keep abreast of current trends and developments in major donor, foundation, and corporate giving.
• Represent Audubon at local and regional events.
• Other tasks as requested.

Relationships:

• Internal: Reports to Executive Director. No immediate supervision of staff. Works closely with Office Manager on budgetary and grant reporting. Works closely with education and conservation staff on developing budget and funding sources for programs. Keeps state board abreast on Audubon happenings. Works with board and development committee on a variety of events and programs. Works closely with NAS staff on development activities, opportunities, and issues, grant reports, contracts and other matters.
• External: Works with media regarding Audubon activities. Builds relationships with grantmaking organizations and major donors. Works with New Mexico chapters on fundraising issues.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience: Five to seven years progressive experience in professional development, including major gifts, foundation and/or corporate fundraising. Ability to handle multiple tasks with minimum supervision a must. Candidate must be an organized self-starter who is flexible and comfortable working in a small office. Knowledge of Santa Fe/New Mexico donors preferred. Excellent writing and communication skills required. Willingness and ability to travel routinely throughout the state and elsewhere as required.

Equipment: (e.g., computer, typewriter, calculator, copy machines, telephone, etc.)

Computer experience essential. Knowledge of Word, Excel and other Microsoft programs necessary. Command of internet for research purposes. Website design experience helpful, but not essential.

Compensation and Application Instructions

Audubon New Mexico offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package. A Search Committee will oversee the recruitment process. Please submit a cover letter, including salary requirements, and a resume to: Recruitment@audubon.org.  Email applications are strongly preferred.

National Audubon Society is an equal opportunity employer.

12/7/07