Development Manager

Summary/Purpose of Position: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (FRWC) is dedicated to the conservation of species in peril, conducting scientific research, training of professionals, responsible management of natural resources, and public education. Consisting of 1,800 acres on the northern edge of Texas Hill Country, FRWC hosts over 200,000 visitors each year and cares for 1,200 animals representing 50 wildlife species native to Texas and Africa, most of which are endangered or threatened.

• The Development Manager will work closely with the FRWC Executive Director to raise funding for capital development, mission-based programming and operations.
• Assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive fundraising plan to expand philanthropic support of the organization.
• The Development Manager will assist in identifying and strengthening relationships with donors and community stakeholders, actively pursuing and managing corporate and individual leads, fostering strong donor and sponsor stewardship, and coordinating grant funding.
• The Development Manager will report directly to the Executive Director and shall also interact, plan and work with the Chief Marketing Officer.

Specific/Mandatory Duties:

• The essential responsibilities of the Director of Development include but are not limited to the following:
• Assist in the creation of a development plan in consultation with FRWC Executive Director.
• Be intimately familiar with the mission, vision, programs and operations of FRWC and ensure that they are accurately represented to donors, sponsors and grantors at all times.
• Accompany donors to FRWC for VIP visits to familiarize them with our mission, people, operations, achievements and needs.
• Demonstrate an ability to think strategically in supporting the FRWC mission, vision and operations.
• Constantly expand the donor, grantor and sponsor community by building and stewarding relationships.
• Build and manage a pool of 25- 50 prospects and donors.
• Individually and in cooperation with FRWC staff, identify potential grant opportunities and coordinate grant applications, award, reporting and revenue within the donor database.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, department directors, staff and volunteers in acquiring leads, meeting potential donors, and closing with donors.
• Fully comply with FRWC employee rules, procedures, policies and budgets, and carry out all fundraising activities at the highest ethical level.
• Meet with the Executive Director on a regular basis to provide updates and to plan and coordinate development activities. Provide email updates to the Executive Director as needed.
• Assist in the preparation of an annual Development Department income and expenditure budget and monitor the budget throughout the year.
• Be available to travel locally, regionally and nationally by road and air on behalf of FRWC as needed for fundraising, or for training purposes.
• Work closely with the CEO to track and execute moves management for significant donors.
• Serve as a relationship holder for certain major donors.
• Prepare materials that highlight the mission impact for a portfolio of major donors.
• Maintain donor information to a high standard within the organization’s database. Including data pulling, reports and prospect lists.
• Produce gift acknowledgement letters and verify that email acknowledgements are sent to donors.
• Generate major gift donor prospects by conducting preliminary donor research.
• Identify opportunities for increases from existing donors.
• Provide support in the coordination of fundraising events and additional creative donor-centered programming.
• Utilize creative talents and resources to develop and improve existing workflows and protocols.
• Serve as relationship holder for a portfolio of foundations.
• Write and submit grant proposals to foundations that demonstrate a compelling need for financial support.
• Manage foundation funding prospects
• Research potential foundation opportunities 
• Maintain grants calendar to ensure timely submission of letters of inquiry, proposal deadlines, gift acknowledgments, reports, and other stewardship activities.
• Maintain up-to-date records of grant applications in the organization’s database
• Additional responsibilities of the Director of Development include but are not limited to the following:
• Be familiar with and understand the structure and function of all FRWC departments.
• Remain highly focused on Fossil Rim’s priorities as identified in the development plan.
• Develop familiarity with regional business, civic and philanthropic communities.

Provisional Required Experience, Capacity and Skills:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent prior experience.
• 2+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, funder relationship management, grant writing, and/or a related field.
• Excellent personal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels.
• Have strong interpersonal skills necessary to build positive and lasting relationships internally and with donors, sponsors and grantors.
• Ability to establish meaningful long-term relationships with prospects, donors and volunteers on behalf of Fossil Rim.
• Mission-driven and creative with strong management skills.
• Ability to set objectives, develop plans and implement programs to achieve goals.
• Able to manage multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• The Manager must be a high energy self-directed individual with a positive, “can-do” attitude.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including but not limited to Excel, Access and Word, and development software. Ability to learn other software programs as needed.
• Highly articulate with exceptional interpersonal, writing, and editing skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the fundraising process: cultivation, stewardship, asking, and reporting.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proven successful project management skills.
• Display a positive attitude, and demonstrate presence, self-confidence, and good listening skills.
• Embrace and respect the mission, vision, and goals of Fossil Rim.
• This is a full-time, salaried position

Work Requirements:

• Typically, the Manager will have a 5-day workweek but some flexibility will be required.
• There will be some irregular scheduling that deviates from the normal business day.
• Evening, weekend, and holiday workdays, functions and events will occur throughout the year.
• Adherence to all applicable rules and policies as stated in the employee manual.
• Please submit your resume today!
•   We are a Non-Profit organization and an equal employment opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected classification under federal and state law.
• Fossil Rim is an “at will” and equal opportunity employer.
• It should be noted that it is company policy to conduct background checks on potential new employees, inclusive of testing for drugs and controlled substance use.