The Outdoor Foundation/Washington, DC
Position Title: Director of Development, The Outdoor Foundation
Reports to: Christine Fanning, Executive Director
Location: Washington, DC Metro
The Outdoor Foundation
The Outdoor Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization established to inspire and grow future generations of outdoor enthusiasts and environmental stewards. The recognized charitable partner of the Outdoor Industry Association and more than 250 outdoor companies, the foundation has emerged as a top leader working with the public and private sectors to spur a massive increase in outdoor recreation, particularly among youth.
The Outdoor Foundation focuses its efforts on three core areas: groundbreaking research, youth engagement and charitable investment. Through this inter-related work, the foundation is mobilizing a diverse coalition – from outdoor companies and public agencies to grassroots organizations and passionate individuals – to spur a mainstream movement that connects young people, of all ages, with the outdoors. Learn more at www.outdoorfoundation.org.
The Position: Exceptional Fundraiser
The Outdoor Foundation is seeking a Director of Development who will lead the organization's overall development efforts. The Director of Development will create an annual development plan and implement fundraising campaigns for the organization. Must have a proven track record and demonstrated ability to lead and execute successful, national fundraising campaigns.
This position will be responsible for soliciting support from corporate, foundation and public agency donors and cultivating relationships to promote long-term partnerships.
This senior leader will work directly with the Executive Director and will regularly collaborate with foundation staff, donors and constituents. A successful candidate will demonstrate authenticity, sense of purpose and a deep connection with the mission while generating significant financial support for the organization. Experience with youth development, outdoor recreation and / or healthcare is a plus.
The successful candidate is:
- High energy, independent and entrepreneurial.
- Flexible and collaborative in her/his approach.
- Interested in the outdoors, health, youth and / or sports.
- A true brand champion who understands the importance of purpose, customer service and striving for excellence.
Basic Responsibilities
- Raise $500,000 in additional revenue from corporations, foundations and public agencies in the first year.
- Reach annual fundraising goals, including restricted and unrestricted grants, by executing development plans created with the Executive Director.
- Manage a list of target corporate, agency and foundation sponsors.
- Research grant opportunities and write grant proposals and reports to corporate, foundation and government funders.
- Cultivate partnerships with current and potential corporate, government and foundation sponsors and manage relationships.
- Work with foundation program and marketing teams to deliver on partner marketing and donor recognition obligations.
- Work with foundation team to strengthen overall strategies and outreach efforts to current and potential donors – sharing success stories and evidence based impact.
- Develop a fundraising strategy to target individual donors.
- Develop creative approaches for involving individual stakeholders, especially those in the Millennial generation.
- Direct all development operations, including but not limited to donor databases, acknowledgements and processes affecting donor management.
- Stay current in industry trends for the outdoors, health and wellness and conservation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum 5 years of related experience in development and fundraising.
- Proven track record of leading national fundraising campaigns and achieving revenue goals.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Exceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to work with internal and external stakeholders.
- Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel.
- Experience with social media and graphic design software a plus.
- Self motivated with the ability to work independently.
Applications must include a resume, cover letter, salary requirements and a clear connection to the mission of the Outdoor Foundation. Applications missing this information will NOT be considered.
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