PD for Director of Trail Development

Title: Director of Development

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Lowell, MI

Summary: NCTA’s Director of Development is an integral member of the NCTA management team, playing the lead role in coordinating and managing the Association’s revenues generating efforts. The NCTA’s Director of Development plans and provides leadership for a broad spectrum of fund development activity that includes planned giving programs, major giving and capital campaigns, cultivating relationships with individuals and friend-raising, developing corporate sponsorships, grantsmanship and membership marketing. NCTA’s Director of Development will advise and support volunteers in coordinating local grants and sponsorship initiatives. As a member of NCTA’s management team the Director of Development will have additional responsibilities that may include advocacy, marketing and outreach. This position requires significant travel.

Qualifications:

Specific evidence of successful experience in leading a comprehensive development program in a not-for-profit environment.

Ø  Minimum of Bachelor’s degree from accredited institution.

Ø  Self-starting, independent and entrepreneurial

Ø  Understanding of and experience with the legal, regulatory and procedural landscapes associated with managing a multi-faceted fund raising effort in a national volunteer 501(c)3 organization.

Ø  Outstanding organizational and supervisory skills

Ø  Ability to prioritize and multi-task.

Ø  Demonstrated effectiveness in working with a diversity of individuals

Ø  Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ø  Ability and willingness to travel and work on weekends as needed.

Ø  Commitment to living healthy lifestyles and to trail-based outdoor recreation,
environmental stewardship and working in a family-focused staff and organizational culture.

Responsibilities: NCTA’s Director of Development is a member of a team of close-knit individuals linked in their shared commitment to the vision of the North Country National Scenic Trail, to the grassroots volunteers who build the Trail and tell its story, and to creating a work environment that values accountability and efficiency as well as family and fun. Specific areas include:

Leadership and coordination of NCTA’s Development Program (80%)

Ø  Design, implement, and manage all fundraising activities, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, special solicitations, and endowment and capital campaigns.

Ø  Manage all strategies and activities for donor cultivation and retention, including prospect research, solicitation, and stewardship of gifts.

Ø  Develop grant or funding proposals for Foundations, corporations, and local, state and federal government funding partners.

Ø  Serve as primary point of contact for funding partners; maintain excellent relationships with donors.

Ø  Solicit sponsorships and donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations for NCTA and NCTA affiliates’ events and conferences.

Ø  With the support of the Executive Director and Board, coordinate and implement a series of events for current or potential donors

Ø  Lead and manage an annual membership drive involving Board, staff and other members.

Ø  Manage the membership renewal process through an appropriate and consistent mix of personal contacts, direct mail and Internet communications and appeals.

Ø  Assist with the publication of membership and outreach materials, including printed materials and the evolution and maintenance of the website as it relates to development.

Ø  Provide regular development reports to the Board of Directors, NCTA management, and funding or regulatory agencies as required.

Ø  Oversee the management of donor databases and all records and files pertaining to donations.

Ø  Maintain regular communication with the NPS regarding development activities to ensure maximum coordination of efforts and compatibility with NPS fundraising policies and guidelines

Advocacy (10%)

Ø  Together with the Executive Director coordinate and implement the annual “Hike the Hill” trip and other Federal and State funding request efforts.

Administration and Additional Duties (10%)

Ø  Assist and lead headquarters efforts and initiatives related to NCTA’s organizational management.

Ø  Prepare reports and publications.

Ø  Assist the ED with other projects and duties as assigned

Ø  Provide staff support to related Board of Directors committees.

Ø  Attend staff and board meetings as needed.

Salary and Benefits:
NCTA offers a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes individual
and family health insurance options and 403(b) programs.

The North Country Trail Association is the not-for-profit organization of volunteers for and supporters of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Stretching 4600 miles through seven states, this premier hiking trail connects people with natural, historic and cultural features unique to America’s northern heartland. The NCTA, in cooperation with the National Park Service, which administers the NCNST, builds the Trail and tells its story, linking trail communities and creating local ownership of this national treasure in order to pass it on to future generations.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter stating interest and qualifications, resume with education, employment and salary history; salary requirements, samples of work (or website where your portfolio can be viewed) and the names of three references by June 1 to:

Bruce E. Matthews

Executive Director

North Country Trail Association

229 E. Main St. Lowell, MI 49331

616-897-5987

Electronic application preferred.