Dallas, TX

The Organization
The National Audubon Society‘s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the Earth’s biological diversity.  Audubon Texas is a partnership with the National Audubon Society and Texas’ 20 independent Audubon Chapters.  Audubon Texas has four keystone initiatives: conservation science (to include community-based wildlife habitat conservation, the Important Bird Areas program, and citizen science programs), conservation education, public policy/outreach, and support to Audubon chapters.

Audubon Texas is the state program of the National Audubon Society, and has been dedicated for over 100 years to protecting birds and their habitats.  With chapters and partners we protect and manage colonial waterbird populations in every major bay system on the Texas Gulf Coast, have launched a robust urban conservation program, and are developing an innovative prairie and grassland conservation that engages provide landowners and ranchers throughout the state.  Additionally, Audubon Texas works to identify and conserve the most important sites for birds statewide, and are working to serve 75,000 visitors annually through conservation education and stewardship action at the Audubon Centers in Cedar Hill, Dallas and San Antonio.

Position Overview
The Director of Development reports to the VP & State Director and is responsible for the oversight, planning, and implementation of a comprehensive philanthropy program that secures significant financial resources from foundations, corporations, and individuals to support conservation and education goals in Texas.

The Director of Development directs and coordinates all major philanthropy functions, which may include principal gifts, planned giving, events and donor prospecting and research. S/he serves as a member of the senior management team, working collaboratively to establish fundraising goals, support long-term strategic planning and fiscal management, and ensure integration of priorities within the Development Team. S/he motivates and coordinates the efforts of a multi-disciplinary staff team and volunteers in fundraising, including donor cultivation and solicitation. The Director of Development works closely with the Finance and Administration Director in developing and managing the annual contributed income budget.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, implement, and revise over time the multi-year fundraising plan for Audubon Texas programs (Centers/Education, Science, and State) Set and achieve specific fundraising goals for core programs, including targets related to operations support, program expansion, and conservation strategies in which core programs play a significant role.
• Collaborate with the VP & State Director and the senior management team to understand each program’s goals and engage program leadership appropriately in the development and implementation of fundraising strategies.
• Drive development and coordination of statewide marketing communications related to fundraising, such as newsletters, annual reports, fundraising appeals, and email-based communications.
• Develop and maintain relationships with private and corporate funders; develop, package, and deliver proposals.
• Plan and lead funder meetings and special events, engaging other staff and board members as needed.
• Work with State Director, Board members, staff and current donors, foundations and corporate contacts to identify and engage new funding sources for core programs.
• Work with State Director, Deputy State Director, and the Finance and Administration Director to develop and actively manage annual contributed income budget.
• Supervise development staff of 3-5.
• Work with the National Audubon Society development team to build out the fundraising capacity of the Central Flyway and the International Audubon Program that supports cross-border projects.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field, as well as 7-10 years’ progressive fundraising experience with 3-5 years at the senior and/or management level.
• Demonstrated track record of securing $1,000,000 or more in operating or campaign funds through a variety of sources, including individual donors, foundations, corporations, and endowments.
• Experience securing major gifts and leading effective programs, as defined by giving at the $10,000+ level. Knowledge of best practices of moves management and direct solicitation of supporters also necessary.
• Excellent leadership and management skills, experience coordinating and motivating teams, and working collaboratively with peers and as part of a management team.
• Experience working in a decentralized organization is a strong plus.
• Sales-oriented entrepreneurship, with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and with a wide variety of stakeholder groups.
• Excellent writing skills backed by proposal and case statement examples.
• Superb verbal and presentation skills; must also have strong planning, organization, time management, and multi-tasking skills.
• A can-do attitude and a tolerant, friendly personality with a sense of humor are essential. Must possess high standards for integrity and quality of work.
• A flexible approach to work, with the willingness to travel frequently and work some weekends and evenings when necessary.
• Proficiency with MS Office, as well as strong expertise in donor database management systems essential; familiarity with Millennium a plus but not a requirement.
• Interest, understanding, and commitment to the conservation of birds, other wildlife, and their habitat is critical, as is the ability to communicate Audubon’s mission, goals, and programs effectively and with the highest professional standards.