Philanthropy Associate - Mississippi River Watershed Focus

Position Summary

The Philanthropy Associate will have significant responsibility to help expand and steward the fundraising trajectory of America’s Watershed Initiative. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Philanthropy Associate will provide research, briefs, tracking and other materials, and will manage systems and processes resulting in new gifts and grants to the organization. The Philanthropy Associate will also be responsible for providing direct administrative support to the Executive Director, focusing on management of the Board of Directors. The position is currently fully remote with periodic travel throughout the Mississippi River Basin.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

Management of Donor Database   

• Select and implement a donor database       
• Oversee gift process, prompt acknowledgements and renewals       
• Research and develop recommendations and briefings on individual, major donor, and institutional donors

Donor Communications      

• Produce a quarterly newsletter highlighting activities and achievements
• Expand AWI’s social media presence
• Develop funding proposals and communications materials

Board Development

In collaboration with the Executive Director:

• Schedule and prepare agenda for monthly board and committee meetings
• Prepare materials for monthly board reports and other board correspondence
• Plan two in-person board meetings each year along with associated partner events

Philanthropy Associate Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and five years related experience
• Ability to communicate with donors and board members in both written and verbal formats
• Familiarity with database tools used for donor management and wealth screening
•  Self-starter with the ability to work independently without direct supervision
• Ability to think critically about ways to improve AWI’s donor program
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with discretion and judgment
• Competency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to travel in the Mississippi River Watershed two to three times per year
• Knowledge of the Mississippi River Watershed is a plus, but not required

About America’s Watershed Initiative

WHO WE ARE: America’s Watershed Initiative (AWI) is a consortium of public, private, and nonprofit leaders working together voluntarily to improve the health of the Mississippi River Watershed by informing, advocating, and leveraging improved decision-making about the watershed’s natural resources. Our initiative is built upon support and guidance from industry, commerce, conservation, local communities, government, and academia.

OUR VISION: AWI envisions a watershed with an abundant supply of clean water, reduced flood risk, resilient communities, healthy and productive ecosystems, renewable energy production, sustainable agriculture, and a world-class transportation network. We know only a participatory, collaborative, and transparent approach will get us there.

WHAT WE DO: AWI is the only organization working across the entire Mississippi River Basin and across all sectors. AWI delivers scientifically sound information and promotes integrated watershed planning. Through our Mississippi River Watershed Report Card, published most recently in 2020, AWI identifies and communicates about the watersheds’ most critical challenges and opportunities.

OUR TEAM: AWI became a nonprofit organization in May 2018 and hired its first full-time executive director in Aug 2020. AWI has a working board of 15 leaders representing a variety of sectors including academia, conservation, engineering, inland transportation, and local government. AWI partners with many nonprofit organizations and academic institutions including the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, The Nature Conservancy, Tulane University, the University of Iowa and many more.

Compensation:

Salary $60,000 – $70,000, a stipend for benefits (based on most ACA plans), 15 days of paid vacation in year one and four weeks per year thereafter, 12 federal holidays and 10 days sick leave per year, accruing to a maximum of 60 days. At present, two years of funding from the start date is secured; we are committed to seeking additional funding.

To apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume by Friday, May 24, 2024, to Kim Lutz, Executive Director, at kim.lutz@americaswatershed.org.

Benefits include: A monthly stipend for benefits (based on most ACA plans), 15 days of paid vacation in year one and four weeks per year thereafter, 12 federal holidays and 10 days sick leave per year, accruing to a maximum of 60 days.