work at environmental initiative

Environmental Initiative is a twenty-year old nonprofit organization based in Minneapolis that builds partnerships to develop collaborative solutions to environmental problems.

The director of membership and development manages Environmental Initiative’s fundraising function and coordinates the fundraising activities of the staff and board of directors. The position’s primary focus is on expanding membership and sponsorship contributions, and on maintaining and improving the organization’s membership and event sponsorship systems. This includes development of strategies and tactics to increase membership and sponsorship, as well as direct solicitation of contributions and engagement of staff and board members in solicitation activities.

The position also has responsibility for support and coordination of other fundraising activities, including grant writing and project funding. Environmental Initiative staff members have major roles in these functions, and this position works closely with the executive director, CFO, director of communications, project directors, office manager, graphic designer, other staff and the board of directors. In addition, the position develops and manages short- and long-term fundraising plans in partnership with the executive director and the board fundraising committee.

Environmental Initiative intends to hire the director of membership and development as a full time position. However, Environmental Initiative will entertain applications from experienced membership and development professionals seeking part time employment or from less experienced individuals for a manager position.
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Works with office manager to maintain database of members and keep all member information current.
• Sends regular membership renewal notices and acknowledgements and works with executive director to contact major donors as needed.
• Manages year-end fundraising campaign.
• Manages new member and sponsorship prospects. Contacts and meets with members and donors.
• Develops plans and related strategies to achieve membership fundraising goals, both in the short- and long-terms.
• Coordinates organization-wide plan for sponsor solicitation, including sponsorship and table sales for the annual Environmental Initiative Awards, as well as sponsorship for the Policy Forum Series and Business and Environment Series.
• Works with director of communications to prepare marketing and communications materials for membership and sponsorship.
• Prepares sponsorship proposals and membership requests to potential donors.
• Provides membership solicitation training for staff and board members.

Support and Coordination of Other Fundraising

• Manages grant seeking for general operating funds, including maintaining records of application deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Provides coordination for and support to grant writing related to project funding needs, which is primarily driven by project staff and the executive director.
• Provides support to government contracting, which is driven primarily by the CFO, project staff and the executive director.

Fundraising Planning

• Works with executive director, CFO and the board’s fundraising committee to set annual fundraising goals.
• Works with executive director and board fundraising committee to create annual and multi-year development plans for the organization, in concert with organization-wide annual planning, budgeting and communication planning.
• Manages any development consultants.
• Reports progress on fundraising to staff, board and relevant committees. 

Board of Directors and Fundraising Committee

• Provides staff support for Board of Directors’ Fundraising Committee, including scheduling meetings, developing meeting agendas in cooperation with the Committee Chair and presenting regular fundraising updates to the Committee.
• Supports Board member engagement in fundraising through participation in board meetings, delivery of board member training and coordination of Board member volunteers.

Organizational Strategy

• Collaborates with executive director and other staff to develop and implement strategic direction for Environmental Initiative.
• Participates in staff and board strategic and annual planning.
• Participates in the staff management team, making strategic and tactical decisions on staffing, finance, project development and fundraising.

Staff Supervision

• Directly supervises staff at Environmental Initiative.
• Evaluates staff annually in consultation with executive director and others.
• Provides assistance and guidance to direct reports to ensure staff, project, and Environmental Initiative needs and goals are met.

Project Support

• Supports other projects directly managed by other Environmental Initiative staff, including events.
• Supports Evironmental Initiative general operating activities, including administration, finance and communications.
   

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Four-year bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• At least three-years experience in nonprofit fundraising, including at least one-year experience in managing membership for a nonprofit, including direct membership solicitation.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Outstanding team player.
• Proficiency in written and oral communications.
• Ability to think both strategically and manage logistical details effectively.
• Creative problem solver.
• Entrepreneurial spirit.
• Proficient with Mac computer systems and Microsoft Office.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter and resume to: Mike Harley, Executive Director, at mharley@environmental-initiative.org.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.