JOB SUMMARY

The Development Officer provides direct support for all development functions. This position works with the Executive Director, other staff, and the Trustee Development Committee in executing fundraising plans, including campaigns, membership, fundraising events, donor/sponsor research and cultivation, database management, and grant research and proposal writing. They also assist the Trustees and Executive Director in public sector fundraising.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Capital Campaign

  • Collaborate with fundraising committee to identify prospects and manage donor/prospect lists.
  • Manage acknowledgement and fulfillments of gifts and pledges.
  • Plan campaign events in coordination with committee members.
  • Support committee members with scheduling donor meetings, documenting outcomes, and following up on meeting agreements.
  • Facilitate and document regular committee meetings.

Annual Donor Program

  • Manage and grow portfolio of business sponsors.
  • Cultivate new, first-time donors and manage portfolio of individual donors who give separate from events and campaigns.
  • Manage and execute gift acknowledgement process.
  • Write and publish donor updates.
  • Plan and execute fundraising events.
  • Provide and update copy on the development portions of the NHSM website and social media.
  • Perform prospect research on business and individual donors and sponsors.
  • Provide monthly reports of fundraising activities.

Public Sector Fundraising

  • Assist Executive Director and Trustees with cultivation of public sector officials .
  • Draft local, state, and federal proposals for bond bills, appropriations, and other sources of capital and operating support for the society, its programs, staffing, and capital campaign.
  • Prepare reports record keeping for such requests and awards .

Grants

  • Research funding sources, and write proposals to a variety of government, foundations, and corporations.
  • Manage submission and reporting of all grants.

Other

  • Participate in staff meetings and the organization’s public programming.
  • Some travel required outside of Baltimore for training sessions, conferences, research, interviewing potential donors and entities.

SKILLS & CHARACTERISTICS REQUIRED:

  • At least 2 years of fundraising experience.
  • Passionate about the mission of NHSM.
  • Proficiency using Zoom, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Fundraising databases (desired).
  • High attention to detail.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to follow through with projects.
  • Excellent project management skills.
  • Effective communication skills and a professional attitude.
  • Ability to connect with people from a variety of backgrounds.
  • Ability to learn quickly and retain knowledge.
  • Willingness and ability to work some evenings and weekends.
  • Basic graphic design skills (desired.)

ABOUT NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF MARYLAND:

Since 1929, the Society has warmly welcomed curious naturalists, educators, communities, individuals, and families to meet, explore, and share discoveries of nature.

We offer a wide variety of programs to all Maryland residents; many take place at our building. Others happen in neighborhoods, community centers, and local parks. These experiences build people’s knowledge of nature and its processes.  They both inspire curiosity and cultivate wonder. Our programs encourage families and neighbors from diverse communities to explore nature together. We offer programs to people with all levels of expertise and experience—from beginners to advanced naturalists—from informal events to in-depth courses. Clubs on many topics—Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), fossils, archaeology, reptiles and amphibians—meet regularly to encourage, educate, and share resources and fun.

We are creating a naturalist center and museum for all Marylanders. Unlike most states, Maryland has no state-supported museum of natural history. The Natural History Society of Maryland, without any operating support from the state, has stepped up to fill this need. A major addition to the current center will make it the first, state-wide, natural history museum. It will be a place where Marylanders, and people from around the world, come to observe nature, learn from local experts, experience our collections, and gain greater insight into the importance of the natural sciences.

We are conserving our natural history collections of plants, insects, fossils, shells, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, plants, rocks, minerals, and artifacts. These irreplaceable collections are used by scientists for research and study. But there is no state-wide facility for the housing of such specimens.

NHSM is currently a small nonprofit organization, operated and governed primarily by volunteers.

Details at a Glance

TIME COMMITMENT

Full Time Schedule

START DATE

October 1, 2023

APPLICATION DEADLINE

September 1, 2023

EDUCATION

4-Year Degree Required

EXPERIENCE LEVEL

Intermediate

SALARY

USD $65,000 – USD $72,000 / year

Benefits

Benefits include PTO and an allowance for medical insurance. This position is hybrid and hours are flexible.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should email their resume, cover letter, and social media handles to Bronwyn Strong, Program Director, at bstrong@marylandnature.org. No phone calls, please. Deadline to apply – May 22.

The Natural History Society of Maryland is an equal opportunity employer. The Society’s policies, programs, and activities are in conformance with pertinent Federal and State laws and regulations on nondiscrimination regarding race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, and disability.