Philanthropy Manager

JOB TITLE

Philanthropy Manager

Remote within Washington State

About Us:

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition works to create a greener, healthier, and more equitable Washington by advocating for conservation and outdoor recreation funding. For 37 years we have championed the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP), to fund parks, trails, wildlife areas, working lands, and shoreline access projects across every legislative district in Washington State.

We are a small, highly collaborative, and fully remote team united by a deep commitment to Washington’s outdoors. Our work is grounded in shared values around conservation, outdoor recreation, and effective legislative advocacy, and we take pride in working together to secure lasting investments that keep Washington healthy, accessible, and beautiful.

The Role:

The Philanthropy Manager partners with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to establish strategy and execute the Coalition’s fundraising efforts, including major gifts, corporate support, events, membership management, virtual fundraising campaigns, grant applications and management, and donor relations. The role includes event management, donor and campaign communications, and presenting the organization’s mission, philanthropy opportunities and membership benefits at conferences and partner organizations. The ideal candidate has a solid understanding of, and/or existing connections to Washington State’s recreation and conservation industries and the philanthropy community and/or opportunities that sustains them.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Annual Fundraising strategy and planning: Help develop the Coalition’s annual fundraising calendar and goals, milestones and campaign/appeal themes. Create calendar of events and identify new opportunities.
• Major Donor Development and Communications: Develop and manage relationships and/or support the Executive Director and Board Members in major donor relationship development and ongoing communications/relationship building.
• Corporations and Foundations: Manage all aspects of gifts, including prospect identification, relationship management, grant writing, partnership presentations, and reporting. This includes nominations and organizations award request submittals.
• Organization and Agency Membership renewals: Coordinate an annual renewal effort for all members and organization. Implement a new member drive and set up presentations/meetings with new members and organizations, including cities, counties, companies, and organizations within the recreation and conservation space.
• Annual and local fundraising events: Lead the planning, execution, and evolution of the Coalition’s Fall Fundraiser and cultivate other small fundraising events throughout the state.
• Coordinate Direct Appeals and Donor Communications: Plan and execute, including direct mail, email, social media, collateral development and campaign logistics.
• Grant Writing: Research grant opportunities and manage grant applications and timelines, with the goal of 2 submittals per month. (20 applications /yr)
• Social Media: Develop and implement social media strategies to promote fundraising campaigns, events, and the Coalition’s mission. Create and curate content, including collateral for social media campaigns and event promotion, and monitor engagement to maximize outreach and visibility.
• BOD Philanthropy Committee: Staff and support the Board of Directors’ Philanthropy Committee and collaborate on events and initiatives. Prepare for Committee meetings and report fundraising results. Work to accomplish 100% Board giving each year.
• Manage CRM database, including entering donations, account updates, and tracking progress toward goals. Ensuring timely thank you messages and updates for every donation received. Set up registration pages and donations QR codes for events and campaigns, and track campaign results year over year. Manage IT tickets as needed and work with Operations Manager to look for system improvements.
• Donor Engagement Events: Support and help coordinate various donor-related events, including "Meet the WWRC," donor house parties or community events, and other special cultivation opportunities to strengthen relationships and encourage giving.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these qualifications:

• Proven experience and results in not-for-profit fundraising, including a combination of grants, major gifts, sponsorships, annual appeals, virtual fundraising campaigns, and in-person events
• Understanding of fundraising communications strategies (e.g. storytelling, social media, etc.)
• Donor database experience to track and report on donors and campaigns (Charity Engine preferred)
• Fundraising event coordination or management experience
• Public speaking and presentation development skills and interest, to motivate Board and donor base in annual giving appeals and events, and to encourage member- and sponsorships.
• Marketing and fundraising collateral design experience, including event posters, organizational handouts and graphics for campaign email announcement and social media posts.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly and concisely
• A commitment to JEDI and a passion for integrating that into our work
• Passion for Washington State environment and outdoors, whether in urban or remote settings

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

$70,000 - 85,000 DOE. This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position, with bonus opportunities based on fundraising results.

The Coalition offers:

• Generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement
• Liberal vacation and sick leave
• Employees choose their own culturally or personally significant holidays
• Remote work flexibility within Washington

This position requires periodic travel throughout the state for fundraising and community events, sometimes including overnight trips. Candidate must have access to a vehicle and be licensed to drive.

The majority of the time will be spent working on the computer and/or phone, and working collaboratively with team members. Field trips include visits to project sites including working farms, hiking trails, and local parks. Must be physically able to access trail and beaches for ribbon cuttings and able to transport and lift supplies and equipment for events and site visits with elected officials and coalition partners. Reasonable accommodations will be provided, as needed.

JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, & INCLUSION (JEDI)

The Coalition is committed to advancing equity through our work and to becoming a more inclusive organization. People of color and others with underrepresented identities are strongly encouraged to apply. We are a white-led organization. We have a long way to go in regards to JEDI, but are committed to this work. We are actively learning and welcome the opportunity to improve our efforts and are committed to making the Coalition a welcoming workplace for people of all identities.

The Coalition is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, political ideology, age, veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or any other characteristic prohibited by law.

TO APPLY

Send your resume and cover letter to admin@wildliferecreation.org.

Cover letter should describe your qualifications and skills.

DEADLINE for applications is 10/23

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis, beginning immediately. All candidates must be eligible to work for any US employer.

The Coalition offers:

• Generous benefit package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement
• Liberal vacation and sick leave
• Employees choose their own culturally or personally significant holidays
• Remote work flexibility within Washington