Conservation Northwest has a 30-year track record of success protecting and connecting wildlands in Washington and British Columbia and recovering our region’s iconic wildlife including wolves, wolverines, fishers, lynx and grizzly bears. Our M.O. is simple: connect the big landscapes, restore the most vulnerable wildlife, and protect our natural heritage for future generations. Our approximately 20 staffers represent over 4,000 dues-paying members in Washington, British Columbia and beyond. Our conservation community also includes over ten thousand activists, supporters and online followers.

Conservation Northwest is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace that represents the diversity in our communities. Veterans and people with diverse social, racial and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without preference given to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, social background, or disability status.

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced manager and innovative leader to guide strategies and action to meet a $2.5 million budget and raise the profile of Conservation Northwest across the region. This Seattle-based position leads a high-performing team that includes major gifts, foundation relations, special events, and membership & operations staff. The Development Director also maintains regular coordination with the Executive, Communications, Programs, Policy and Finance Directors as well as the IT Manager and other conservation staff to ensure consistent and effective operations across the organization. This is a wonderful opportunity to help a reputable, financially-solid, and growing conservation nonprofit sustain and develop revenue needed to achieve its ambitious goals and vision for keeping the Northwest wild.

We will consider structuring as a Development/Operations Director position for candidates who have expertise and interest in areas such as HR, operations, finance and change management.

Responsibilities Individual Giving

  • Develop and implement membership strategies for donor recruitment and stewardship through strategic use of direct mail, email campaigns, social media, events, and emerging technology in collaboration with development staff
  • Integrate the work of Major Gifts Director, Executive Director and Board of Directors to achieve major gifts program goals
  • Coordinate core fundraising strategies (e.g. special appeals, monthly donors, etc…)
  • Coordinate with Communications Director regarding online and other timely fundraising opportunities tied to breaking news or program milestones

Events

  • Provide oversight and support for Member Engagement & Community Partnerships Coordinator and Major Gifts Director with planning and execution of the Hope for a Wild Future dinner and auction, with annual attendance of approximately 300 donors and a goal of $400,000
  • Coordinate with Member Engagement & Community Partnerships Coordinator, Major Gifts Director, Executive Director, Communications team and program staff to plan cultivation and stewardship events, such as Major Donor Briefings, giving campaigns, and volunteer outings

Grants

  • Oversee and collaborate with Foundation Relations Manager who is responsible for grant research, writing, and relationships with institutional funders. Coordinate with program and accounting staff to ensure funds management complies with grant terms
  • Support the cultivation of new foundation, agency and other grant funding prospects

Management Responsibilities

  • Serve on Conservation Northwest’s senior leadership team and provide updates to management and the board on a monthly basis
  • Regularly coordinate with Fiscal Director to review monthly financial statements and provide budgetto-actuals reports to Board of Directors
  • Draft and manage approximately $500,000 development budget
  • Oversee management and facilitate improvements to core development department systems and technologies such as Salesforce and ensure compliance with internal fiscal controls
  • Participate in and lead ongoing organizational Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) work
  • Manage all development staff and oversee operations of Seattle office
  • Drive development strategies for special campaigns and coalitions

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a leader and steady manager with at least seven years in direct fundraising and management in the Seattle area nonprofit community. Experience with budgeting and finance and a passion for and familiarity with Northwest wildlands and wildlife conservation also highly desired.

Hours and Compensation

Employment Type: Full-time, exempt

Compensation: $75,000-$90,000 with possibility to exceed this range for candidates with significant operations or development experience beyond that stated in qualifications section. Benefits include medical/dental/vision insurance, Simple IRA, and a starting package of three weeks of paid vacation.

Location: Seattle, WA

Apply

Please send résumé and a one-page cover letter detailing your interest in this position with Conservation Northwest to Mitch Friedman, Executive Director, at mitch@conservationnw.org.

Applicants granted an in-person interview will be asked to provide professional references.

Position is open until filled. Priority consideration given to applications received by March 19th 2021. Please no follow-up calls.