Director of Philanthropy

Organization description and position Profile

New Hampshire Audubon Mission: To protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people.

New Hampshire Audubon (NH Audubon) is one of the oldest conservation nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire. Founded in 1914, NH Audubon was established separately from National Audubon Society and remains fully independent. As such, NH Audubon’s focus is entirely on the protection of New Hampshire’s wildlife and habitats.

NH Audubon has four key program areas: environmental education, environmental policy, conservation science, and land stewardship. We have three staffed centers where we offer programming and education: McLane Center (headquarters) in Concord, Massabesic NH Audubon Center in Auburn, and Paradise Point NH Audubon Center (seasonal) in Hebron.  NH Audubon has an operating budget of close to $3 million. NH Audubon has 5,000 members and over 3,000 donors, with combined income from these segments of approximately $1.5 million. Last year we benefited from the contributions of over 2,000 volunteers to help us accomplish our work. We are recognized as one of the most influential and visible conservation organizations in the state, and we work closely with many conservation partners on both a regional and state-wide basis.

In 2019, NH Audubon released Valuing Connections, a Vision for our Second Century. This document lays out the organization’s four strategic priorities that will guide our work in the coming decades. 

• See: http://www.nhaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/NHAudubon-Strategic-Vision-Digital-Copy-2019.pdf

Position profile and role: Director of Philanthropy

The Director of Philanthropy leads and manages the critically important department responsible for all philanthropic revenue at NH Audubon, including membership, major donors, the annual fund, corporate sponsorships, grants, planned giving, capital and other campaigns, fundraising events, and endowment gifts. The Director supervises a staff of four, including a Grants Manager, Annual Fund and Membership Engagement Manager, Development Database Administrator & Prospect Researcher, and Community Outreach Coordinator. The Director also supports and guides the philanthropic duties of the President and the Board of Directors.

The Director is one of NH Audubon’s leaders, developing, sustaining, and supporting a functional and optimistic culture of philanthropy. The Director trains, coordinates, and supports the staff and Board to participate effectively and appropriately in the organization’s fundraising efforts. The Director is a key spokesperson for the organization, knowledgeably discussing and explaining all aspects of NH Audubon’s diverse conservation programs and mission, while also cultivating among current and potential donors a deeper commitment to the organization’s future success.

The new Director arrives at an exciting time, as we in the early phases of a large capital campaign that will be active through 2029-30. The Director will be responsible for growing overall philanthropic revenue to meet the challenges of today’s conservation needs. The campaign will be the vehicle towards the goal of dramatic organizational growth.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE: DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY

LOCATION: McLane Center, Concord, NH

HOURS: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, one-hour lunch.  Additional hours may be required as necessary.

SCHEDULE: 35 hours per week, full-time exempt (salary paid) staff position. Schedule may vary according to needs.

FUNCTION: This position will support the mission of New Hampshire Audubon: to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people, by leading and supervising all Development functions and staff; raising unrestricted revenue from multiple sources, with a focus on major donor stewardship and acquisition; supporting the President in all major donor functions; developing and implementing the organization’s strategic fundraising initiatives; and overseeing the annual fund appeal, membership functions, grants, and foundation relations.

ESSENTIAL WORK DUTIES:

Grow major donor revenue for the annual fund by stewarding existing donors and securing new donors and members in collaboration with President and Philanthropy staff;

Manage, supervise, and lead a small team of dedicated Philanthropy staff and all fundraising functions including membership, planned giving, annual fund, corporate sponsorship, and grants/foundation relations;

Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising and development program that secures significant financial giving from individuals, corporations, and foundations by:

• Leading, cultivating, and growing major donor giving, focusing on donor stewardship and collaborating closely with the President on major donor programs and individuals;
• Supporting a strong, optimistic, and collaborative culture of philanthropy among staff and Board of Directors;
• Participate on the Senior Management Team;
• Identifying opportunities to leverage the expertise of New Hampshire Audubon’s Board of Directors, conservation scientists, educators, land managers, and staff leadership to attract and cultivate potential donors and to steward existing donors;
• Establishing plans for the Board of Directors to participate in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship;
• Meeting regularly with the President to assess the status of major donor individual development plans and to plan future cultivation efforts (moves management);
• Managing and expanding planned giving program, with emphasis on a strong bequest program, and the development of a Legacy Society for the organization;
• Working closely with the Finance team to reconcile income reports and annual audits;
• Leading and motivating an effective, efficient team to capitalize on opportunities;
• Strengthening major donor stewardship and cultivation, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations, membership development, and laying the groundwork for future capital campaigns;
• Managing functions assigned to Philanthropy staff, including:
• Annual appeal and other solicitation letters
• Analyses of fundraising and membership, building effectiveness and initiating strategic changes based on results to grow and retain members
• Grants, foundations, and other unrestricted and restricted philanthropy
• Major donor events
• Corporate partnerships
• Performing other duties as assigned

LEADERSHIP:  This position reports to the President and supervises 4 staff members.

WORKING CONDITIONS: NH Audubon’s work culture is characterized by excellent colleagues who share a collaborative spirit, commitment to mission, open communication, and high integrity.  Non-smoking environment.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Required experience:

• Five to seven years of in-depth fundraising experience in a nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated success in attracting, cultivating, and stewarding major donors.
• Knowledge of campaign management (particularly annual fund management), and membership solicitation.
• Strong managerial and leadership skills.
• Overseeing grant writing.

Preferred Experience:

• Knowledge of comprehensive campaign administration, including but not limited to experience structuring the administrative processes of dispositioning and reporting on pledges and payments.
• Foundation solicitation and management.
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge and basic database navigation and functionality.
• Professional experience in environmental conservation or strong demonstrated connection to environmental issues.

Skills, Traits, and Characteristics Necessary for Success:

• Requires exceptional interpersonal skills including persuasive writing skills, attention to detail, financial acumen, superior problem-solving skills, and a high degree of organization.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to make independent decisions.
• Management and supervisory skill and confidence.
• The ability to work effectively within a diverse community.
• Must have a positive attitude and a professional and courteous manner, the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• A personal commitment to the natural world.

Physical Demands: To perform the essential functions of the position, the following applies: requires standing, stretching, bending, walking, lifting and transporting a minimum of 25 pounds. Must be able to climb stairs as well as be physically and mentally capable of performing multiple tasks under extended heavy pressure while maintaining collaborative spirit with diverse colleagues, partners, trustees, and donors.

COMPENSATION:

• $85,000-$95,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience.
• This position is eligible for NH Audubon’s generous benefit package, including paid time off (13 holidays, vacation & sick time), medical and dental plans, a health reimbursement agreement, 403(b) retirement account with employer match, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a NH Audubon annual membership, access to pro deals, and paid professional development opportunities.
• Mileage beyond normal commute traveled in a personal vehicle for work related tasks reimbursed at current federal rate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

NH Audubon is a welcoming, inclusive organization that is committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and respected.  NH Audubon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or Vietnam Era/Disabled Veteran status, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NH Audubon complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NH Audubon has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.