Development Officer

Summary

The Development Officer is a key position on the Development team and leads the Science Center’s fundraising efforts, including, but not limited to, individual giving, corporate giving, foundation giving, endowments, capital campaigns, planned giving, fundraising events, special projects, and all Science Center related solicitations.

Position Purpose

The Development Officer will also develop, maintain, and grow relationships with constituents. Fundraising and communications activities must always be consistent with the Science Center’s strategic goals and its mission to advance understanding of ecology by exploring New Hampshire’s natural world.

Position Responsibilities

 Business Relationships

• Steward the business community to grow and develop memberships and sponsorships. 
• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate and maintain relationships with donors and sponsors.

Annual Fund Management

• Lead solicitation timing and goals for the Annual Fund including but not limited to: 
  • Kirkwood Gardens 
  • Sponsor A Species
  • Tribute Gifts
  • Individual, corporate, and foundation gifts
• Track donations; write and send acknowledgment letters
• Update and maintain the integrity of the development database

Events

• Assist with planning, managing, and executing fundraising events
• Assist with soliciting participants, sponsors, and donors for fundraising events
• Assist with planning, managing, and executing stewardship and cultivation events
• Attend events and interact with participants
• Assist with stewardship projects including but not limited to; invitations to special events, personal calls to donors, follow-up letters after events, etc.
• Keep notes and guest lists for stewardship and cultivation events
• Enter and maintain data integrity into the development database

Education, Skills, and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a related field such as nonprofit management, philanthropy, or a similar discipline 
• Work experience in an administrative position, preferably in a non-profit development office
• Familiarity with web-based grant applications 
• Experience working with donors and volunteers
• Excellent customer service skills, interpersonal skills, and a sense of humor
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Willingness to learn new things, ability to solve problems, and work independently 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 
• Experience with managing donor databases would be beneficial
• Experience using Sustain or TAM would be beneficial
• Understanding of wills, trusts, estate law, and planned giving strategies 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Proficient in social media management platforms for campaign development and execution 
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment 
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail

Physical Demands

• Must be able to communicate effectively and professionally, verbally and in writing.
• Must communicate verbally with staff, individuals on the phone, and visitors.
• Must be able to tolerate working in a variety of environmental conditions and climates.
• Must be able to use office equipment; computers, telephones, and printers.
• Must be able to remain calm in perceived times of crisis or actual crisis. 

Benefits

 Squam Lakes Natural Science Center employees are eligible to participate in our comprehensive group benefit plan offerings. Newly hired employees are eligible to participate on the first of the month following their date of hire. Please review our 2023 SLNSC Employee Benefits Summary for more details. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center provides a positive work environment dedicated to making a difference in the community.

The above job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. This role may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned by the supervisor. Squam Lakes Natural Science Center reserves the right to update or revise the position's job description at any time.