Deputy Director

Sustainable Finger Lakes is seeking its next leader for our 22 year-old nonprofit based in Ithaca, NY in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region. We are looking for a motivated and responsible sustainability leader ready to commit to supporting the regional movement and build upon our legacy of education, engagement, and direct action toward a more resilient and just shared future. We foresee a one-year ‘apprenticeship’ as Deputy Director that can evolve into taking over as Executive Director from our founder.

The Deputy Director will provide leadership to the organization in the areas of fundraising, outreach and marketing, financial management, recordkeeping, administration and office management. In this role, the deputy director will work collaboratively with the President/CEO and any staff, contractors, and board members connected to these work areas.

Outreach & Marketing (40%)

Provide leadership in sharing our stories and vision for the regional sustainability movement by creating, organizing, and deploying outreach and marketing materials, including:

• Publicize the activities, programs, and goals of the organization.
• Develop content for social media and listserv presence and maintain regular postings on our programs, events, and movement news.
• Develop materials for tabling at events (posters, brochures, displays).
• Maintain and update our websites and apps.
• Create new outreach materials for fundraising and new campaigns.
• Seek out new venues to promote our programs in regional media.
• Compose quarterly newsletters for the Climate Fund, MiniGrants, and general audience.
• Compose and distribute press releases for programs and campaigns.
• Coordinate publicity with program managers and the President.
• Supervise interns, and promote active and broad participation of volunteers.
• Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations.

Development & Fundraising (50%)

Working closely with the President, the Board of Directors, and the rest of the SFLX team, develop and execute fundraising strategies and activities, including:

• Research and cultivate prospective corporate sponsors to support the Neighborhood Mini-Grant and Finger Lakes Climate Fund Programs.
• Build relationships with prospective donors to support General Operations and new initiatives.
• Supervise our LGL donor database and Quickbooks for accurate tracking of donations and thanking of donors.
• Apply for local and regional grants: research feasibility of matching funders’ mission with SFLX’s; write, assemble and submit the applications as well as required supporting documents.
• Host SFLX Fundraising Committee meetings, organize and execute the Annual Appeal.
• Organize fundraising events, online campaigns and major donor gatherings.
• Oversee “Donate” section on the web site; provide up-to-date text to solicit donations.

Office Management (10%)

In coordination with the President, office assistant, and bookkeeper, manage financial and organizational needs, including:

• Work with the President to develop annual and grant program budgets.
• Oversee office upkeep, equipment, supplies, and relations with landlady.
• Supervise biweekly timesheets for payroll.
• Inform the bookkeeper of bills to be paid.

Position Requirements:

The successful candidate for this position will have proven skills in communications and fundraising, as well as:

• 5 or more years in nonprofit management in leadership roles.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Proven project management skills and familiarity with online tools.
• Familiarity with WordPress, Canva, and other marketing platforms.
• Portfolio of previous marketing campaign materials.
• Proven and measured track record securing donor or sponsor funds.
• History of leadership in the sustainability arena.

Compensation:

The deputy director position is a fulltime position with a salary range of $68,000-$73,000 depending on experience. Fringe benefits include health and retirement benefits, paid sick leave, three weeks paid vacation, and 11 paid holidays.

Sustainable Finger Lakes is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to Dr. Gay Nicholson

(gay@sustainablefingerlakes.org) by April 15.

Fringe benefits include health and retirement benefits, paid sick leave, three weeks paid vacation, and 11 paid holidays.

English high proficiency.