Chief Development Officer

BACKGROUND

Wildlands Conservancy, founded in 1973, is an eastern Pennsylvania-based, membership-supported conservation organization established for the benefit of the public.   So far, it has projects in 16 counties in eastern Pennsylvania .   Its main – but not exclusive – area of focus is the 10-county Lehigh River watershed, which includes the Lehigh Valley ( Pennsylvania ’s third-largest metropolitan area, and home to over 650,000 people), and extends north into the Pocono Mountains .   Wildlands Conservancy, among the largest and most successful land trusts in the state and in the country, works in partnership with state and federal agencies, county and local government entities, other not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals.   Its talented and committed staff of experts (15 people) is involved with river conservation, land protection, experiential environmental education, community planning, native-plant projects, and recreational-trail development.   Its work also involves brownfield redevelopment and urban renewal.     Wildlands Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION

Reporting directly to the president of the organization, who was on staff for 11 years and   appointed president in October 2006, the chief development officer is responsible for the planning, implementation, and oversight of a comprehensive advancement program that secures significant un-restricted and restricted financial support from foundations, government, corporations, and individuals to achieve the organization’s broad conservation goals.   The successful candidate will:

• provide leadership for cultivation of all major-gifts and related activities, which include planned giving, principal gifts, donor prospecting and research, donor cultivation and solicitation, donor recognition, and special multi-year fund-raising campaigns;
• work cooperatively with the chairman of the board and the board’s advancement committee to support the involvement of the entire board in fundraising ;
• manage the president’s case load of donors, involving others when appropriate;
• direct the membership-acquisition program, as well as manage all marketing efforts, which include a quarterly newsletter and a web site, media relations, brochure development, special events, and a speakers’ bureau;
• coordinate all grants-writing efforts of the organization;
• oversee the database-management operation, as well as guide the procedural aspects of the organization’s receipt-and-acknowledgement functions;
• work with senior program staff to establish fund-raising and marketing goals, and be accountable for these goals;
• oversee the management of the volunteer corps; and
• be responsible for leading, motivating, and developing the advancement staff (currently two people) and outside contractors, as well as establish goals for each person.
• work collaboratively with the president/CEO and other senior staff;   

KN OWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

A candidate is being sought with broad skills and knowledge of the field of advancement.   A general knowledge of environmental issues would be a plus, but it is not a necessity.   He or she will:

• hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communication, public administration or a related field, and have five to ten years of specific fund-raising experience in a position of comparable responsibility, CFRE or ACFRE preferred;
• have extensive management experience including an ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a closely knit team fostering an environment of creativity and professional growth;
• have expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major-gifts giving, solicitation, and capital campaigns;
• be able to demonstrate success in obtaining major gifts, and in building and maintaining long-term relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporations;
• possesses a working knowledge and effective understanding of at least the basics of planned and estate giving ;
• have superb communication and presentation skills, and be able to communicate a broad vision to others, individually and in groups;
• have an ability to work with a broad-based constituency that includes influential people who may have divergent views related to environmental issues;
• understand, and can ensure, the organization is compliant as to ethical principles as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals;
• have the ability to design, implement, and direct multiple projects, setting deadlines and ensuring program accountability;
• have the ability to think strategically, creating competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans;
• have the ability to communicate a compelling and inspired vision, and a sense of core purpose to any audience;
• have the ability to cultivate the creative ideas of others, make connections between ideas, and project potential outcomes;
• maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information; and
• have a valid driver’s license and a functioning personal vehicle.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Wildlands Conservancy offices are smoke-free.   The ability to work harmoniously in manifestly friendly – but close – quarters is required.   Working long and unusual hours, including some evenings and weekends, is common.   Travel is usually fairly local, rarely requiring overnight stays.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary is open and will be commensurate with experience.   Benefits include generous medical and disability insurance and annual SEP contribution.

No Calls. Please send resume to the following address:

CDO Search Committee
Wildlands Conservancy
3701 Orchid Place
Emmaus, PA 18049

Click here to download a PDF with information regarding this position.