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Director of Development

Adventure Scientists equips scientists and engineers, at the forefront of their fields, with planning and collection of large scale data collection projects around the world. Their network of volunteers who come from the outdoor community, operate on any scale from almost anywhere on Earth. This enables scientists to ask broader questions, creates compelling storytelling opportunities, and generates connections to impact driven funders who see beyond the confines of academia.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE (EIJ)

Adventure Scientists works at the intersection of two spheres that are deeply rooted in oppression--scientific research and outdoor adventure. We are working to restructure our systems so everyone will feel included, valued, and safe engaging with Adventure Scientists regardless of their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, age, past or current military service, marital status, parental status, religion, level of formal education, socio-economic status, immigration status, or other identity. Adventure Scientists acknowledges the global system of white privilege under which our organization was founded and has perpetuated. We are part of this system, and it is our responsibility to help dismantle it.

In our commitment to an Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (EIJ) framework, we recognize that the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation disproportionately harm the most vulnerable, including women, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities, hardworking communities with low- to moderate-income individuals, and those who are not able to advocate for themselves. Adventure Scientists’ purpose derives from our investment in protecting global ecosystems for the good of all people. We would like to level the playing field so that everyone starts at the same place and has a favorable chance of succeeding.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

At a time of organizational growth and international expansion, Adventure Scientists seeks an experienced, creative, and energetic Director of Development to join our team. This position will build upon our track record of fundraising success and introduce new strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a range of supporters. They will serve as a key thought partner to the Executive Director, work alongside an engaged Board of Directors and staff, and ultimately contribute to making a significant impact on the conservation field. Specifically, the Director of Development will:

Design, implement, and lead fundraising strategies that drive growth and sustainability

  • In close partnership with the Executive Director and organizational leadership, develop forward-thinking strategies to 1) raise $2.4M in 2021 and grow fundraising year-over-year, 2) deepen support of existing donors, who are primarily individual major donors, and 3) identify and acquire new supporters (individual, foundation, corporate) with the capacity to make significant annual and multi-year gifts.
  • Manage a portfolio of 200+ existing individual donors, leveraging the Executive Director and board of directors in donor stewardship and retention. Take ownership of developing donor-specific strategies, meeting preparation and follow-up, etc.
  • Ideate and pursue meaningful ways to engage prospects and donors in Adventure Scientists’ work e.g. field visits, speakers’ series, in-person and online events. Coordinate and empower staff, volunteers and scientific partners to participate in donor cultivation and stewardship.
  • Oversee and guide the work of a Development Manager who is responsible for grant writing, mass donor communications, and development operations. Ensure that letters of inquiry, proposals, renewals, and reports are submitted on time and with an impeccable attention to detail.
  • Take the lead on writing high-touch donor communications, especially 1:1 cultivation and stewardship, translating complex programmatic data into impact stories and insights that resonate with donors.
  • Oversee the continuous improvement of Salesforce CRM and other technology systems.
  • Ensure all fundraising strategies are developed through a lens of Equity, Inclusion, and Justice and lifts up the vision of a level playing field for scientific research and outdoor adventure.
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Serve as a senior leader, collaborative team member, and champion for Adventure Scientists’ mission and values

  • As a member of the 6-member senior management team, contribute to guiding overall organizational strategic direction, decision-making, and goals.
  • Model Adventure Scientists’ commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Justice, ensuring that the EIJ framework is embedded in all aspects of organizational programming and operations.
  • Supervise and grow a development team, delegating work appropriately, providing ongoing coaching, guidance and support to staff and volunteers, and fostering a team culture of collaboration and accountability.
  • Work closely with the Development Committee and the overall board of directors to ensure board efforts remain aligned with Adventure Scientists’ fundraising and growth goals.

WHO YOU ARE

  • A passionate advocate who is committed to Adventure Scientists’ mission and values. You believe in the need and benefit of getting scientists the data they need to address critical challenges to the environment and human health. You thrive in an organization that values creativity, optimism, persistence, achievement, reflection, and stewardship, and bring an entrepreneurial vision and growth mindset to your work.
  • A versatile and well-rounded fund development professional. You bring at least 8 years of work experience in fundraising, with a track record of qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding institutional and individual major donors. You enjoy both the behind-the-scenes and donor-facing aspects of fundraising. Experience fundraising for environmental conservation organizations is a plus.
  • A “big picture” audacious thinker with the ability to implement tactically. You approach challenges and opportunities through an entrepreneurial lens and take a hands-on approach to translating strategy into tangible activities and goals. You bring a creative mindset to fundraising ideas and do not shy away from trying out new approaches and ways of thinking.
  • An exceptional writer, storyteller, and communicator. You are skilled in analyzing, breaking down, and communicating complex ideas in ways that inspire others to action. You demonstrate an understanding of the context surrounding an issue area and create logical arguments that clearly articulate the “why” behind an organization’s mission and impact.
  • A thoughtful relationship builder who develops rapport easily and fosters long-term connections. You have a warm, energetic, and authentic personality that translates to building lasting relationships both internally and externally. You are comfortable leading by influence and leveraging others’ talents and time in ways they feel appreciated and valued.
  • A capable people leader who leverages individuals’ strengths and fosters teamwork. You have experience in recruiting and hiring talent, building strong teams, and coaching and mentoring direct and indirect reports and/or volunteers for high performance and accountability. You give and receive feedback in order to motivate, hold staff accountable, and promote personal growth
  • An action-oriented, resourceful, and willing team member. You thrive in a lean nonprofit setting with the ability to stay focused and nimble in the face of growth and change. You possess a “get it done” attitude, with the ability to drive innovation, solve problems, and maintain a high degree of flexibility and creativity in a dynamic environment.

LOCATION, HOURS, & COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position that we prefer is based at Adventure Scientists’ headquarters in Bozeman, MT.  While there is a strong preference that this hire work from Bozeman, remote work from anywhere in the country will also be considered. This position will require 20-30% travel throughout the year, as well as occasional evening and weekend hours.  The salary for this role is $110,000 for hires living in Bozeman and will be adjusted to geographical cost-of-living differentials. A relocation allowance will be available for hires moving to Bozeman.

We offer a generous and flexible benefits package, including employer-subsidized healthcare, SIMPLE IRA plan plus employer matching, personal and professional development fund opportunities, paid time off, paid parental leave, student loan relief, and paid powder days (even if you don’t ski). Additional perks include part-time work-from-home opportunities, sabbaticals for long-tenured employees, and access to outdoor gear pro deals. Plus, we have a dog-friendly office, so you are invited to bring your best friend to work!

TO APPLY

If this opportunity calls out to you, please click on the apply link to submit 1) a cover letter that explains why Adventure Scientists’ mission excites you and why this particular role is a fit for you and 2) your resume. Please address your cover letter to Gregg Treinish, Executive Director. We review applications on a rolling basis and strive to get back to applicants within two weeks.

 

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