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To ensure sufficient funds for Wilderness Workshop (WW) to fulfill its mission, the Philanthropy Director develops, leads, and implements WW’s fundraising program in partnership with the Executive Director and other staff. The Philanthropy Director is responsible for creating and implementing WW’s fundraising strategy and for raising the necessary funds for the organization through major gifts, grants, membership development, sponsorships, events, and other donations.

The Philanthropy Director collaborates with the Executive Director and Operations Director to manage cashflow, review the financial health of the organization on an ongoing basis, and ensure the budgeting needs of the organization are met with necessary income. In partnership with the Executive Director, the Philanthropy Director is responsible for representing WW’s campaigns and programs in the philanthropic community, maintaining key donor relationships, identifying and approaching new donors, and engaging the WW board in fundraising activities. In collaboration with the Philanthropy Team and the Philanthropy and Marketing Manager, the Philanthropy Director develops and implements successful brand marketing strategies, campaigns, and fundraising events that enhance development opportunities and grow membership.

The Philanthropy Director plans and implements all fundraising events with support from other staff. The Philanthropy Director manages the Philanthropy and Marketing Manager, who supports WW’s development program. 

Qualifications and experience:

Qualified candidates will have a proven track record of fundraising in the non-profit sector with a history of making asks of up to $200,000, writing grants, and managing events.

A minimum of five years of relevant Philanthropic work experience is required. Ideal candidates will have a strong connection to public lands and knowledge of conservation work. Additionally, candidates will have experience and skills in these areas: Leadership and Philanthropy

• Ability to manage a philanthropy portfolio of $1.5 to $2.5 million.
• Previous experience raising funds for non-profits with an emphasis on major donors.
• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies including segmentation of donors and analysis of revenue streams.
• Experience participating in or leading fundraising campaigns for non-profits.
• Direct experience soliciting donors for major gifts and multi-year pledges.
• Experience writing grants for institutional, family, and government grant-making organizations.
• Ability to plan and implement events to achieve philanthropic goals.
• In-depth knowledge of philanthropic best practices and donor relations and cultivation.
• Previous experience leading internal functions or large projects for businesses, non-profit organizations, political offices, or government agencies.
• Proven ability to manage staff and volunteers to achieve measurable results.
• Intuitive sense of marketing and promotion.

Personal Qualities

• Able to connect and develop relationships with people with varying backgrounds, philanthropic capacity, and personalities.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to quickly interpret and strategically respond to others’ emotions, opinions, and statements.
• Self-motivated and able to work outside of a highly structured work environment.
• Ability to professionally represent the organization in front of donors, grant-making institutions, and the public.
• Outgoing, personable, enthusiastic, and fearless.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a high-functioning team.
• Detail-oriented; excellent organizational and office skills.
• Collaborative by nature.

Technical

• Experience with donor or other similar database programs.
• Excellent writing, public speaking & presentation skills.
• Familiarity with basic bookkeeping and financial reports.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and other basic computer skills.

Other

• Willingness to live in and be an active member of the Roaring Fork Valley Community.
• Flexibility – some evening and weekend work is part of the job.