Are you a gifted storyteller with a talent for meeting new people and engaging with diverse groups? Columbia Springs seeks an extraordinary relationship builder to be our next Development Director. We are looking for someone who can communicate the heart of our mission and ensure that all fundraising activities are consistent with our vision, values, and principles.

Columbia Springs, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is located on more than 100 acres of urban green space and home to the historic Vancouver Trout Hatchery. Columbia Springs offers our community a unique setting and educational experiences that foster a greater awareness of the natural world and inspire stewardship. Please see our website for more information, www.columbiasprings.org

Summary of Position

The Development Director is responsible for the operational and financial performance of the development program at Columbia Springs. The Development Director is responsible for stewarding $250k – $500k in annual revenue. The Development Director will write grants; oversee special fundraising events; and assist with other marketing efforts connected directly with fundraising, connecting businesses and individual donors to Columbia Springs. This role will work with the Executive Director and communicate with the Board of Directors to coordinate annual efforts, including major and planned giving.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Implement the Fundraising Program (70% of time)

• Execute strategies and tactics to meet fundraising goals in collaboration with the Executive Director. Monitor progress of those goals.
• Supervise the creation of marketing materials to keep donors informed of needs, development programs and activities, and opportunities to give.
• Oversee major annual fundraising events, secure volunteer leadership and event sponsors.
• Grant writing and reporting.
• Gift processing, pledge billings, and gift acknowledgement.

Donor Relations (30% of time)

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit new donors.
• Engage current donors and solicit their annual gift.
• Support the Executive Director on management of major donors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent of work experience.
• 5+ years of Development experience with a progressive track record of success.
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and writing skills.
• Experience soliciting major gifts of $1,000+.
• Experience developing and implementing grants as well as annual giving, major gift, planned giving, and public relations programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse personalities.
• A record of meeting deadlines.
• High energy; self-motivated. Passion for fundraising and meeting people.
• Sense of humor and ability to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Passion for children and environmental education.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and donor database software. We use Little Green Light.
• Safe driving record; current vehicle insurance; and ability to use personal vehicle for Columbia Springs business.
• Must be able to pass criminal background check.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment and involves constant use of a computer. Work also includes frequent use of the telephone to communicate with current and potential donors. The Development Director will be required to drive to perform work with donors in the community, including occasional evening and weekend events. Out-of-town travel may be required.

If you are passionate about the environment, enjoy working outdoors, connecting community to nature, educating others about our natural surroundings, and want to leave a legacy for generations to come, we encourage you to apply.

Columbia Springs is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a disabled person.