Fund Development Coordinator

Position Summary 

The Development Coordinator (DC) is a key position for the continued philanthropic success and impact of Hawai‘i Nature Center (HNC).  The DC will coordinate HNC’s annual fundraiser, assist with individual donor development,support/leadgrant-seeking and solicitation, and play a critical role in membership growth. This includes planning and implementation of all fundraising programs that includes identification, cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgement, and stewardship of individual donors, annual fundraising and membership. 

This position serves as a representative of HNC in the community - with local leaders, organizations, business and corporate partners and others – to build relationships that closely link the community with HNC. 

This position will stay current on new developments in philanthropy and fund development as well as the not-for-profit sector; informs the executive director, leadership team and the appropriate committees on current trends, issues, problems and activities. 

REPORTS TO 

Executive Director 

Individual Donors 

Build and actively manage a portfolio of 20major gift prospects, including those identified by the Executive Director, Development Committee and Board of Directors. Will include: 

• Identify, cultivate and solicit prospective donors for major gifts of $5,000 and above.   

• Arrange for in-person visits, including tours of HNC, with major gift prospects, ultimately leading to gift solicitations. 

• Assist and support Executive Director and Development Committee members in identifying and approaching major gift prospects that they know. 

• With the team, develop simple collateral material about HNC and the major gifts program. 

• Steward current and past donors to assure continued involvement and increased giving 

Green Gala/Annual Fundraiser 

• In conjunction with the Executive Director and/or Development Committee/Green Gala Committee, assist in the development and implementation of the annual Green Gala event, including sponsorships, acquiringauction items andsolicitation of in-kind donations. 

• Assist with invitation mailings, event RSVP’s, and as point person for general event inquiries 

• Co-manage vendor, rental, space contractual negotiations, catering, and work with in-house manager for special events 

Annual Fund and Direct Solicitation Letters

• Assist in the development and implementation of the Annual Fund including working on direct response letters, e-mail appeals, and social media campaigns 

• Coordinate the production and distribution of special introduction and appeal letters 

• Ensure that all constituent and gift data is collected and organized to be used for internal and external reporting 

• Evaluate outcomes and report progress to the Executive Director and Development Committee 

Grants  

• Research funding opportunities 

• Assist with grant proposal development, management and administration  

• Prepare proposal package needed for specific solicitations, including gathering of information (budgets, supporting documents, letters of support, etc.) to support grant requests 

• Track the fulfillment of grants with program staff including track of proposal submissions and grant reporting deadlines  

 Membership 

• Expand HNC Membership program 

• Develop key metrics for membership program 

• Track membership for annual renewals 

Required Qualifications 

Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in a non-profit setting, preferably an educational, natural resources or membership organization, with proven success in fundraising events, sponsorship development, individual donor development including soliciting and closing gifts or proven track record in sales. 

• Bachelor’s Degree  

• Relevant work experience in nonprofit fundraising or sales 

• Excellent inter-personal and verbal communication skills with ability to act in a mature and professional manner with top donors and community constituents  

• Experience in data and records management 

• Commitment to professional ethics in working with highly confidential, sensitive information 

• Detail oriented and organized 

• Maintain a professional, polished demeanor 

• Core computer skills in word processing, database management, spreadsheets and electronic communications  

• Strong project management and problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to work in a team-oriented environment 

• Availability to work some evenings and weekends, and in-state travel 

• Ability to lead multiple longand short-term projects simultaneously, meeting all related deadlines with the ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and work independently 

• Genuine interest in the environment, education and children 

• Candidates must be able to pass a background check 

Desired Qualifications 

• Knowledge of fundraising research and information resources 

• Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices  

• Grant research and writing 

• Demonstrated success in working as a member of a team and developing effective working relationships with Board members, staff, volunteers, the general public, and donors 

Physical Demands 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

Hawai‘i Nature Center seeks to foster awareness, appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of Hawai‘i’s environment by educating children with an interactive and immersive approach. This work is conducted by connecting children and adults to nature via School Programs, Nature Adventure Camps and Community Programs.  More information can be found at www.hawaiinaturecenter.org 

The Hawaii Nature Center is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and operates as an equal opportunity employer. HNC offers vacation, sick and a 401(k)-retirement plan.