Founded in 1905, The National Audubon Society “Audubon” is a national nonprofit conservation organization with 400,000 members and close to 500 local chapters throughout the Americas. Our mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats, for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. Focusing on birds as an indicator of overall environmental quality, Audubon employs a range of integrated strategies to engage people in conservation through its national network of community-based nature centers, chapters, Important Bird Areas, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy activities. What has traditionally set Audubon apart from other conservation organizations is its focus on people’s actions as the solution to the environmental challenges we face today. Audubon believes that individuals can make a difference in protecting our environment and develops programs that strive to inspire and empower individuals to help reach its ambitious goals. Audubon continues to reach and engage new audiences through a variety of strategies. Audubon’s headquarters are in New York, supporting more than 700 staff in over 80 locations, nationwide. It has a national budget of $81 million.
The Donor Relations Manager develops and implements strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors potentially capable of major and/or deferred gifts. He/she conducts initial exploratory meetings with donors and prospects to determine capacity for major giving. The position reports to the Vice President for Strategic Gifts and works closely with the Senior Directors for Strategic Gifts in Connecticut and New York.
- Build relationships with donors/prospects via phone calls, ongoing written contact, personal visits.
- Provide program information to donors/prospects and drafts routine correspondence and acknowledgments.
- Educate donors and prospects about various giving vehicles.
- Responsible for documenting meetings and interactions with donors in the donor data base as well as through contact reports.
- May assist with asking for and closing major gifts. Asks for and closes gifts of $1,000-$5,000.
- Persuasive communicator and proven fundraiser with 3-5 years of development and/or sales experience.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Ability to design, implement, and direct fundraising initiatives including cultivation, solicitation, and recognition strategies.
- Ability to determine an individual’s interest, capacity, and inclination to help.
- Ability to make accurate situation assessments with informal or incomplete information.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; confident and personable. Active listening skills and proven donor relations abilities essential.
- Strong motivation to succeed, self-starter, ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to balance multiple competing priorities, complex situations, and meet tight deadlines.
- Proficient with computers, databases, and data mining applications.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, carry out, and successfully implement projects and initiatives in a complex and geographically diverse environment.
- Self-starter, and quickly create a positive network of relationships out in the field.
- Strong passion for the mission, programs, and philosophy of Audubon.
- Ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people and organizational functions.
Audubon offers a competitive salary and benefits package. A Search Committee will oversee the recruitment process. Please submit a cover letter, including salary requirements, and a resume to Tom O'Handley via email.
Email applications are strongly preferred.
National Audubon Society is an equal opportunity employer.