Development Manager

Summary

The Society of American Foresters is a national scientific and educational organization representing the forestry profession and advancing sustainable forest resource management. SAF is seeking a Development Manager to lead fundraising campaigns, individual giving, donor fund management, planned giving, donor relationships, partnerships, and related convention and recognition events.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement SAF fundraising campaigns
• Develop individual giving strategies
• Manage SAF’s eight donor funds and coordinating engagement strategies
• Manage estate giving and planned giving program
• Cultivate long-term donor and partner relationships and develops pipeline of prospects
• Process thank you letters and acknowledgements of donations and gifts in a timely manner
• Serve as staff liaison to Hill Fund scholarship program
• Serve as point of contact and follow-up for new partners interested in understanding how to engage SAF’s varied programs. As interests are clarified, connect partner and the respective program lead to formalize connection to SAF
• Develop proposal “pitches” as needed specific to varying components of the sector (academic, industry, state gov, federal gov, and non profit)
• Serve as lead for the development of the SAF “engagement guide”
• Attends the annual national convention and assists with staff activities as needed
• Coordinates the silent auction and raffle during the SAF National Convention
• Coordinates VIP/Donor recognition events at convention and throughout the year
• Performs other duties as assigned by CEO and direct supervisor

Skills

• Personable and adaptable with a desire to contribute to the success of our organization
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent customer service ethic and ability to cultivate, grow, and maintain positive relationships
• Adept at developing and maintaining collaborative internal and external relationships; respects differing perspectives
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Must be a self-starter, able to follow instructions and make decisions independently, as well as work effectively in a team
• Detail-oriented, proactive, self-starter, with a positive, hands-on attitude and a desire to grow and develop in the position, on the team, and within the association
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to multi-task and handle multiple deadlines at once
• Takes full ownership of projects from start to finish, ensuring consistent follow-through
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a team member
• As a remote or hybrid position, all candidates must have the ability to work from home comfortably with full access to internet and ability to be on video phone calls with staff and partners
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, nonprofit management, philanthropy, communications, sales, or other associated degree, or equivalent related experience in the nonprofit and association environment
• At least 3 years of experience managing donor management and fundraising within a fast-paced, professional environment
• Ability to travel 5-10% of the time
• Association and volunteer management experience is a plus
• Knowledge and passion for forests and natural resources is a plus
• Sales experience is a plus

Qualifications

Must Haves

• Personable and adaptable with a desire to contribute to the success of our organization
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent customer service ethic and ability to cultivate, grow, and maintain positive relationships
• Adept at developing and maintaining collaborative internal and external relationships; respects differing perspectives
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Must be a self-starter, able to follow instructions and make decisions independently, as well as work effectively in a team
• Detail-oriented, proactive, self-starter, with a positive, hands-on attitude and a desire to grow and develop in the position, on the team, and within the association
• Exceptional time management skills and ability to multi-task and handle multiple deadlines at once
• Takes full ownership of projects from start to finish, ensuring consistent follow-through
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a team member
• As a remote or hybrid position, all candidates must have the ability to work from home comfortably with full access to internet and ability to be on video phone calls with staff and partners
• Bachelor's degree in business administration, nonprofit management, philanthropy, communications, sales, or other associated degree, or equivalent related experience in the nonprofit and association environment
• At least 3 years of experience managing donor management and fundraising within a fast-paced, professional environment
• Ability to travel 5-10% of the time

Nice to Haves

• Association and volunteer management experience is a plus
• Knowledge and passion for forests and natural resources is a plus
• Sales experience is a plus

Benefits

• This is a remote or hybrid (Washington, DC) position.
• Telecommuting on an ad hoc basis is available following 90 days of successful employment.