Development Manager

Background and Mission

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve (the Preserve) embraces its mission to increase the knowledge and use of native plants by serving as an educational resource and destination that inspires conservation action as the nation’s only accredited museum focused exclusively on native plants. Founded in 1934, the Preserve is a member-supported nonprofit organization that welcomes over 30,000 visitors annually on 134 acres with over five miles of hiking trails through undeveloped forest, meadows and the Pidcock Creek watershed. The Preserve boasts renowned educational programming, a robust special events calendar and a nationally-recognized Native Plant Nursery.

Position Summary

The development manager is a crucial role for the Preserve’s fundraising and community engagement efforts. The successful candidate will be a front-facing leader with exceptional communication skills, an energetic and passionate demeanor, and the ability to enthusiastically articulate the mission and goals of the Preserve to the community. A proven track record in donor cultivation, securing philanthropic gifts and acquiring corporate sponsorships is essential. This position prioritizes measurable fundraising responsibilities and reports directly to the director of donor and partner relations.

Responsibilities

Fundraising

Meet or exceed annual charitable giving revenue budgets, as assigned

Manage a portfolio of mid- to high-level donors

Establish a Preserve-wide sponsorship program

Manage and grow a portfolio of corporate, community and individual donor sponsorships and partnerships

Create annual collateral, track financial commitments, send sponsorship acknowledgements and collaborate with marketing to fulfill associated benefits

Manage and grow tribute and memorial program (memorial bench, memorial tree)

Campaign support

Support Annual Fund spring and fall appeal cycles, including content creation and design, digital communications and mail house vendor management

Support design and production of collateral for all other development campaigns and promotional needs, collaborating with marketing team

Track measurable data and produce impact reports for campaign initiatives

Special Events

Support the planning and execution of annual fundraising event, Rooted In Our Future, as well as supplemental fundraising and/or cultivation event(s), including vendor management and event logistics

Participate in other annual events including Nursery Season Opening, Native Plant Conference and Preserve @ Play

Fiscal and Administrative

Manage Preserve's donor CRM database, DonorPerfect

Process all charitable contributions and gift acknowledgements

Manage matching and reoccurring gift accounts and processes

Generate departmental reports, including weekly/monthly revenue and gift reports

Work with finance team to produce reports and audits, as needed

Manage development department’s annual timeline to ensure deliverables are met

Track revenue and expenses for Rooted In Our Future

Co-manage volunteer Development Committee with director of donor and partner relations

Prospecting and Cultivation

Conduct ongoing donor and new prospect research

Proactively track and report on giving trends; benchmark local and like organizations

Manage logistics for donor meetings for Preserve leadership, and attend as needed

Host/attend donor and exploratory partnership meetings

Provide charitable giving support for Board of Trustees, as assigned

Position Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business, communications or similar field

5+ years of fundraising or sales experience

3-5 years of proven fundraising history

Budget management experience

Dynamic relationship-building abilities

Superior communication skills

Strong acumen for data analytics

Strong project management experience

Proficiency with Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Mailchimp, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva

Strong database management acumen

Event planning experience preferred

Experience in working with non-profit organizations and volunteers preferred

Proficiency in social media platforms preferred

Familiarity with the Preserve’s conservation and environmental mission

Physical and Organizational Requirements

Effectively maneuver around the Visitor Center and the Preserve at large

Sit and use a computer, keyboard, mouse for prolonged periods

Bend, squat, reach

Lift and carry up to 30 pounds

Occasional support of outdoor special events from spring through fall in possible light rain and hot or cold temperatures

Valid driver’s license

Background check is required

Work Schedule

This is a permanent full-time position with a required schedule of Monday through Friday, and occasional weeknight, weekend and holiday work as needed.A limited amount of regular remote work hours may be available following a successful 90-day review.

The Preserve is open seven (7) days a week and on most federal holidays, including Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day. The Preserve is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $68,000-$75,000 and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include:

Health insurance cost-sharing program

Generous PTO policy

Annual allowance of WFH hours

401(k) retirement plan with company contribution after one (1) year of employment

Employee discounts

Complimentary Preserve membership

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to:

Sarah Norris, director of donor and partner relations, at norris@bhwp.org

Visit us at www.bhwp.org for more information.

The Preserve is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to non-discriminatory policies. All decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, promotion and all other terms of employment will be made without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, marital status, status as a qualified handicapped or disabled individual, or any other impermissible factor in accordance with applicable laws.