Nature Center

Position Available: Development Associate
Employee Type: Part Time with possible Full-Time, negotiable
Reports To: Development Director

GENERAL: The Development Associate is an ideal position for a recent college graduate with demonstrated experience (including internships), or an experienced professional re-entering the work world. The position is currently part time, 25 to 30 hours per week, but is negotiable up to full time. The Nature Center offers excellent benefits, including health, vacation and retirement, and a positive and creative working environment. More information at www.shakerlakes.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Development Associate is responsible for contributing to the Nature Center’s annual fundraising goals for general operating and program support by implementing a strategy to secure grants from foundations, corporations and government sources; researching opportunities for grant funding; fostering relationships between staff and prospects; writing grant proposals and reports; monitoring grant-reporting deadlines; and fostering ongoing communication with grantors. The position is one of a three-person development team, also including a Development Director and a Membership and Annual Fund Manager.

PRIMARY DUTIES:
• Works with program staff to articulate funding needs and priorities
• Researches and identifies opportunities for grant funding from foundations, corporations, and government sources
• Collects, analyzes and organizes data and information
• Develops, cultivates and maintains effective relationships with prospective grant funders
• Creates and maintains timelines to track proposal and report submissions
• Writes and edits high-quality grant proposals
• Monitors grant performance and writes high-quality narrative and financial reports
• Staffs grants subcommittee to enhance and evaluate grant-related processes
• Creates reports for Development Director, Executive Director, and Board of Directors
• Supervises consultants and volunteers as required
• Engages the Board of Directors in the grant-seeking process as appropriate
• Stays current in the development field and practices within the AFP Code of Ethics

OTHER DUTIES:
• Assists in the planning and execution of fundraising and friend-raising events, as needed
• Contributes to the writing and editing of the organization’s newsletter as related to grants
• Assists with general maintenance of the database
• Other duties as assigned

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
• Four-year degree in a related field; minimum two years of related experience in nonprofit or similar organization
• Direct grant-writing experience or similar writing experience
• Advanced level written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills/ability to work with a wide variety of personalities
• Ability to organize, prioritize, adapt to change, and handle multiple projects
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to develop plans and timelines and follow through to completion
• Computer proficiency; mastery of internet and non-internet research tools
• Commitment to the Nature Center mission, principles and values
• Plays well with others

COMPENSATION: Salary commensurate with experience, plus generous benefits including health, retirement and vacation pay

APPLICATION: No Phone Calls please. Email letter of interest and resume to Char Glatley, Development Director, glatley@shakerlakes.org. Job posted 1/11/2008. Taking applications until position filled.
Updated 01/11/08