Development Director

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness

Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters

We’re looking for a Development Director to join the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters. Join a great team of people who are dedicated to protecting the Boundary Waters in a highly challenging and intellectually engaging environment.

OVERVIEW

The Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, founded and led by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness based in Ely MN, is a national coalition of 400+ businesses, conservation, and hunting & angling organizations united to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park from the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining proposed in the headwaters of these treasures.

Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness Mission: We unite people to advocate for the protection of wilderness and wild places, especially the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the greater Quetico-Superior Ecosystem.

Our Vision: We envision a future where people understand the value of wild protected lands, and are unified to forever protect the Boundary Waters Wilderness and the greater Quetico-Superior Ecosystem as vital components of a healthy and resilient planet.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice: Wilderness and the pursuit of its protection should be made to be welcoming and accessible to all. Protecting Wilderness relies upon public engagement which cannot be expected when people are disenfranchised, unwelcome, hurt or tokenized due to their sexuality, race, age, ability, size, gender identity, gender expression, culture, religion, political affiliation, or anything else. The pursuit of permanent protection for the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining and other threats is no different. Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness and the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in all aspects of the organization as it works to protect this special place for everyone and for generations to come.

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Director leads the fundraising team and oversees the strategy, planning, execution, and review of all fundraising efforts to meet our goals of raising $3 million annually through a full suite of channels including events, digital, mail, grants, major donors, business, and donor cultivation and retention.

KEY JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead the fundraising team of staff, board, and contractors to successfully plan for and meet or exceed fundraising goals of the organization and its affiliates
• Manage other staff including the Development Associate, and work closely with other staff to guide and execute or oversee all fundraising activities 
• Advise and work with senior staff, board members, and other allies on campaign planning and strategies, informed in particular by the most up-to-date philanthropic trends and non-profit best practices
• Organize and oversee several major fundraising events each year, including house parties, annual gala, Give to the Max Day and other fundraisers
• Cultivate new and existing major donors, seek out and apply for grant funding opportunities, and ensure all grant deadlines are met 
• Oversee and develop the organization’s donor and funder relationships through digital, mail, and in-person contact such as events, calls, webinars and meetings
• Draft or review, edit, and approve content and plans for marketing, messages, alerts, and other communications related to fundraising and cultivation whether through digital, mail, or other means
• Oversee excellent data management, record-keeping and strategic use of our supporter database and all development-related systems
• Other duties as assigned

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior development director/manager role or 3-5 years experience in fundraising strategy ideally in a conservation, environmental, political, governmental, and/or non-profit context or other relevant background
• Staff management experience, experience directing and managing the work of others 
• Ability to set and drive toward ambitious goals, evaluate and research issues, analyze problems, and develop and implement recommendations to increase fundraising success
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Attention to detail, excellent organizational abilities and ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Experience with Content Management Systems (specifically EveryAction), Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel and PowerPoint 
• Ability to work independently and interact positively with donors and supporters, board members, staff, volunteers, contractors, partners, decision-makers and the public
• Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in everyday work and in fulfilling the mission of the organization

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• The Development Director is a full-time salaried position with Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness, an IRS recognized 501c3 organization. The salary range for this position is $65,000-$80,000 depending on experience.
• Compensation includes competitive wage and benefits package with coverage or a

stipend for health, dental, and vision insurance; a 403b retirement plan; 9 designated

paid holidays; phone, travel and expense reimbursement; training opportunities; and 18

“Personal Time Off” (PTO) paid days per year.

• Staff can primarily work remotely from a home office in Minnesota with the ability to be present in-person in Ely, Minneapolis and other cities for work-based needs.

TO APPLY

Please email your resume, a cover letter and three references to Sam@savetheboundarywaters.org with subject line “Development Director Application” by May 2, 2022

Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness and the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters are committed to equal opportunity in employment.