YES Nature to Neighborhoods (YES) seeks a dynamic, goal-oriented Development Manager to lead the organization’s fundraising efforts. Since 1999, YES has immersed thousands of underserved Richmond and West Contra Costa County youth and families in nature, providing pathways for residents to become leaders in their community. Exposure to and facilitated experiences in nature are core values at the heart of YES’s work. These safe outdoor spaces foster a sense of discovery and openness for participants, and serve as a catalyst for cross-cultural interaction and heightened engagement. YES connects these outdoor camp experiences in nature to home by creating community leadership pathways through programming that inspires participants to lead healthy connected lives, motivate change in their neighborhoods, and inspire a safe, thriving community. For more information about YES please visit www.yesfamilies.org.
The YES Development Manager will maintain a proactive, creative leadership role in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of annual and major donations from individual donors, foundations, corporations and other sources of support. S/he will oversee and implement the fundraising plan to further enhance the organization’s diverse funding base including foundations (55%), individual donors (25%), government grants (10%) and corporate contributors (10%). The Development Manager will work in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Board of Directors and Grant Administrator to achieve the fundraising goals of the organization. S/he will report to the Executive Director.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Individual Donor Cultivation (40%)
Develop and oversee the individual donor engagement plan with strategies that achieve the goal of increasing the percentage of individual donor contributions in the annual budget.
Annual prospecting with the board, along with independent research for individual prospects.
Cultivate and directly solicit existing and new donors, working with the Executive Director, development staff and Board of Directors, as appropriate.
Manage donor data in database (run queries, generate reports, produce dossiers and manage data in a way that enhances fundraising productivity).
Update prospect lists and donor gift tables in annual fundraising plan regularly.
Events, Appeals, and Alternative Engagements (40%)
Coordinate and manage the annual fundraising campaign including the YES Spring Campfire Campaign, year-end S’More Campaign, board house parties, and Rock in the Redwoods concert event.
Develop corporate sponsor prospect list with board involvement and secure sponsorships for events.
Maximize opportunities for volunteers, recent donors, and new prospects to engage with YES through existing fundraising and program events.
Board and Staff Support (10%)
Manage and update the annual fundraising plan with input from the Executive Director and Board of Directors to ensure the plan supports existing and future fundraising goals in alignment with the strategic plan.
Cultivate and train YES spokespeople (including staff, board, volunteers and others) to become engaged fundraisers for YES.
Prepare detailed fundraising reports to reflect campaign progress and outcomes to the Executive Director and Board Resource Development Committee on a regular basis.
Marketing and Communications (10%)
Working alongside YES staff and consultants (e.g. graphic designer and pro bono consultants), contribute to the creation and maintenance of communication and marketing materials such as annual reports, brochures, online social media, website pages, and press releases to keep funders, donors, and stakeholders informed.
Produce quarterly eNewsletters, campaign eBlasts, the year-end annual letter and other related fundraising mailings.
Participate in fundraising affinity/networking groups to keep informed of trends and current issues in the development field.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree.
Minimum three years experience serving in a nonprofit fundraising development role with particular emphasis on individual donor development, event planning and appeals, and marketing and communications.
Demonstrated ability to apply best practices and emerging trends to execute development strategies.
Demonstrated ability to prospect, cultivate, and sustain donors and funders.
Proven track record of achieving revenue targets.
Previous experience managing a fundraising database such as Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, DonorPerfect or other donor management software.
Goal-oriented with strong attention to detail.
Team player who demonstrates willingness and enthusiasm to step into a leadership role.
Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills.
Excellent ability to engage and move fluidly between diverse stakeholder audiences.
Strong organizational skills including record-keeping, data entry, planning, filing, managing schedules, and managing email.
Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, e-mail, database, Internet research, and social media).
Willingness and ability to work some nights and/or weekends as necessary.
Must have own transportation.
OTHER DESIRED SKILLS/BACKGROUND
Strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape of the Bay Area including public and private sector.
Appreciation for the outdoors and the positive impact that nature plays in people’s lives.
Experience working with nonprofit boards.
Experience working in youth development or social justice organizations.
Experience working in racially, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse urban communities.
COMPENSATION
Salary commensurate with experience. YES offers an excellent benefits package including 100% employer-paid medical, dental and vision insurance.
How to apply
TO APPLY
To apply, please email a thoughtful cover letter, résumé, and salary expectations to holly@yesfamilies.org, subject heading “YES Development Manager” or send requested materials by mail to YES Nature to Neighborhoods, 3029 Macdonald Ave., Richmond, CA94804.
Applications will be received until 8/3/15. Desired start date is September, 2015. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls, please. YES is an Equal Opportunity Employer. YES strives to reflect the community it serves and strongly encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.