Job Description for: Executive Director
Reports to: Chairperson – Waveny Park Conservancy Provides Support to: Waveny Park Conservancy Board
Please submit your application cover letter, CV/Resume to:
The Waveny Park Conservancy (WPC) is seeking a goal-oriented and self-motivated professional for the part-time position of Executive Director. This is a new Executive Director position responsible for daily administration of the WPC with a strong emphasis on providing support to the donor development operation. In coordination with the Board, the person in this role will manage day-to-day administrative matters, oversee and coordinate certain project work, and take responsibility for initiating and developing relationships with current and prospective donors of the WPC. In particular, reporting to the Chairman, the ED will be responsible for supporting the development of public programs and events, stewarding our membership program, and working with the Board to build broader recognition and donor support for WPC. This person must be fluent in the use of technology and understand the basics of development, including grant writing, event planning and the importance of engaging prospects and expressing gratitude to donors. The Executive Director position could convert to a full-time, year- round employee of Waveny Park Conservancy (WPC).
Responsibilities:
Administration
- WorkwithBoardtoprioritizeandimplementcapitalimprovementprojects enumerated in the five-year strategic plan.
- Ensureallcorporatebooksandrecordsareproperlymaintainedandstored.
- Workwithtreasurerandbookkeepertoensurealldonationsandpayablesareproperly processed and recorded.
- Assistoutsideaccountantandcorporatecounselinpreparationofannualaudit,taxreturns, annual report and corporate filings.
- MaintainrequiredPropertyandCasualtyandDirectorsandOfficersinsurancepolicies.
- WorkwithBoardmember“sponsors”andtownpartnersingainingprojectapprovals,soliciting bids, project oversight, and approving invoices.
- Assistinthepreparationofpresentationstotownboards.
- Maintainrelationshipswithvendorsandserviceproviders.Development
• Work with Board to identify appropriate donor prospects (individual, corporate and philanthropic foundations) with capacity to make major and principal level gifts.
• Support Board Chair and Executive Committee with major gift and Committee work. • Provide support for all development events and be present in the community.
- Create and execute plans for identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of these prospects.
- Develop ‘moves plan ’for all assigned prospects, write major gift proposals when appropriate, ask for the donation and close the gift.
- Serve as point person for development volunteers.
- Personally develop relationships with prospects, solicit prospects.
- Maintain relationships with Board to understand programs and anticipate funding needs.
- Effectively communicate regarding development activities and progress versus goals.
- Utilize systems to optimize major gift fundraising activities. Keep up-to-date prospectactivity records. Knowledge of Little GreenLight Donor Management System a plus.
- Promote a collegial atmosphere within Board and related stakeholders.Communications
- Create online content for social media that engages audience segments and leads to measurable action, update monthly analytic reports. Build followers across platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn
- Maintain the WPC webpage including content updates, ensuring new and consistent information is posted regularly (program descriptions, article links, stories, videos, and events).
- Create our quarterly e-newsletter and monthly email calendars in season through MailChimpEvents/Activities
- Support planning, preparation and implementation for public programs and events
- Organize New Canaan High School Senior Intern Program for up to 4 students focused on park maintenance projects and activitiesQualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent in business or related field.
5+ years of previous and successful experience in fundraising and donor development for non-profit organization. An equivalent business-oriented experience may be suitable. Excellent written communications skills, strong grammar skills, in English. Demonstrated successful experience and ability to plan and personally implement fundraising efforts with a primary focus on closing major gifts above $10,000. Demonstrated results-oriented implementation skills.Ability and commitment to learn about and communicate effectively (both written and verbal) the key aspects of the Waveny Park Conservancy 5-Year Master Plan.
This position also requires one to work well with a wide variety of stakeholders including donors, board members, community leaders, and Town Councils, Boards, Commissions Selectmen.Good public speaking, oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, including negotiating, consulting and influencing others. Strong ability to develop relationships with major donors locally and regionally. Existing relationships and connections strongly preferred.
May require working evenings and weekends for public programs and events.
Intermediate experience with MS Office suite required. Experience with donor management systems like LittleGreenLight very useful.
Passion for environmental causes, landscape design and public parks a plus.
The Waveny Park Conservancy Executive Director office is in Waveny House.
COMPENSATION: Salary for this position is competitive and depends on prior experience.
Please submit your application cover letter, CV/Resume to: