Call for Applications: Invitation to submit a written proposal to serve as a part-time Development Director for a well-established non-profit organization.

Overview: Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) seeks a Development Director with experience in the environmental/conservation non-profit sector to lead the organization’s fundraising efforts. This is a part-time, temporary contract position intended to provide energy, expertise, and leadership in support of EcoWB’s development activities. The Development Director will serve as a trusted strategic partner with EcoWB’s Board of Directors, Executive Director, and other volunteers, contractors, and partners to develop and implement an organized, successful, long-term fundraising program. The role requires the Development Director to work remotely on a part-time basis (approximately 20 hours per week for an initial term of 6-8 months) beginning as soon as the position is filled. The Development Director position will transition into a full-time position once funding is in place to support it.

Ecologists Without Borders: Founded in 2011, EcoWB is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven, service-oriented organization comprising individuals with ecological knowledge and experience who are dedicated to restoring ecosystems and improving the relationship between humans and nature. We accomplish our mission through the creation of collaborative eco-projects in locations around the world and by engaging volunteers from our extensive network of highly skilled professionals who seek avenues for service in addition to their current work, academic pursuits, or in retirement.

EcoWB’s Mission:

Promoting healthy ecosystems, the sustainable use of natural resources, and community resilience to ecological change through international collaboration and volunteer service.

EcoWB’s Vision:

Ecologically vulnerable communities worldwide are equipped to conserve, manage, and restore ecosystems to ensure environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

EcoWB recently completed a long-term strategic plan which establishes goals for the next phase of our growth. To meet these ambitious goals, EcoWB requires the services of a paid development professional to establish an ongoing program that can generate needed resources. To see our strategic plan and for more information on EcoWB, visit www.ecowb.org.

Responsibilities: The Development Director will be responsible for the following:

Highest Priority

• Become familiar with EcoWB’s organization, projects, and strategic plan priorities. 
• Work with EcoWB’s Board of Directors, Executive Director, volunteers, and partners in the U.S. and elsewhere to develop a strategy for identifying and contacting potential sources of gifts, grants, and other funding. 
• Cultivate relationships with major gift prospects, foundations, corporations, and other potential partners/supporters.
• With EcoWB’s Board of Directors, prepare and implement a comprehensive fundraising program plan. 

Other Tasks

• Work with EcoWB Board, volunteers, and (future) staff to identify development opportunities and strategies and provide a monthly report of activities to the Board. 
• Draft and/or review fundraising material (letters of inquiry, proposals, case for support, etc.).
•  Lead grant application efforts. 
• Develop a minimum of 2 aligned and qualified leads per week for follow-up.
• Actively participate in or lead EcoWB’s monthly Fundraising Committee meetings. 

Delegate or As Time Permits

• Conduct face-to-face solicitation of philanthropic support from major gift prospects. 
• Train EcoWB Board of Directors and volunteers in best practices. 
• Develop and maintain a database of potential donors including individuals, foundations, government agencies, and corporations. 
• Develop and execute a targeted outreach campaign to the environmental consulting industry.

Timeframe and Budget: EcoWB has received grant funding for this position for up to one year; however, engagement will be evaluated at periodic intervals to assess accomplishments and our ability to support continued services. We anticipate hiring someone to begin work before the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Qualifications: Candidates should address the following skills and experience in their proposals:

• Strong interest in and passion for EcoWB’s mission and work. 
•  Demonstrated success in nonprofit development work (environmental field preferred). 
• Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles. 
•  Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams). 
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. 
• Strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to and work with a range of people that includes donors, foundations, corporations, government agencies, Board of Directors, Executive Director, and volunteers.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect.
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal direction.
• Availability for meetings (remotely) outside of normal business hours 

Application Process: 

The application period for this position will remain open until someone is hired for the position. Interested parties should email their applications to admin@ecowb.org. Questions regarding this Job Announcement can be directed to the same address.

Applicants should provide:

• Contact information, including a phone number and email address.
• A resume and brief cover letter describing your interest, qualifications, and ability to complete the work outlined in this announcement.
• A brief proposal (3 pages max) describing your approach to developing and implementing a fundraising program for EcoWB, along with expected outcomes.
• A cost proposal, including total number of hours, number of hours per week, and hourly rates.

Applications will be accepted through February 16, 2024, and reviewed in the order received until one or more acceptable candidates are found. On the basis of the information submitted, promising applicants will be interviewed by members of EcoWB’s review team. The selected applicant will be required to sign a contract and agree to a scope of work prior to being hired.