Deputy Director

Description

The Deputy Director advances Wildrock’s mission through both development and managerial responsibilities.  Drawing on best practices for donor cultivation, the Deputy Director spearheads an annual fund, two fundraising events yearly, and a major giving program. In addition, The Deputy Director works closely with Wildrock’s Program Directors to provide managerial oversight consistent with Wildrock’s mission, vision, and strategic plan.  The person in this position is responsible for mobilizing efforts to achieve the greatest impact in response to community mental health needs.  Success carries promotion potential for advancement to the Executive Director role currently held by Wildrock’s founder.  A minimum of two years experience managing a major giving program preferred.

Job Duties

Fundraising, Outreach, and Community Engagement  (70%):

• Attend events that build networks for mission advocacy, program development, volunteerism, donor cultivation, and greater understanding of community needs.
• Design a fundraising plan to reach the goal of sustainability in the long term.
• Oversee prospect research
• Cultivate board members who will help drive successful fundraising initiatives
• Identify grant opportunities and approve grants written by staff
• Initiate and track regular donor communication
• Coordinate fundraising events
• Make public appearances and accept speaking engagements
• Work closely with the Director of Communications to advance a clear, consistent brand reflective of Wildrock’s mission, values, and strategic goals.
• Oversee effective use of social media, press releases and email communication.

Operations and Wildrock organization (30%):

Work collaboratively with the Executive Director for the first year to gradually assume responsibilities associated with overseeing programs and stewardship initiatives, deepening community partnerships, advancing  board relations, and strengthening Wildrock’s long term financial sustainability.   Specifically, the Deputy Executive Director will:

• Create and implement an annual operations plan with the Executive Director
• Advance best practices in nonprofit administration
• Manage directors through bimonthly face-to-face meetings and weekly phone check-ins with staff members. Work to set goals with each staff member, provide regular feedback, and annual reviews.
• Coordinate with Board Committee Chairs and attend all committee meetings.
• Train with the Executive Director and Finance Committee chair to understand Wildrock’s current financial position and fundraising needs.
• Maintain an ongoing commitment to antiracism learning and practice at all levels of the organization
• Track research supporting Wildrock’s mission as it relates to land stewardship, child development, play therapy, ecotherapy, and outdoor education.
• Keep abreast of community needs, interests of partners, and feedback from program participants to best respond to the changing landscape.
• Engage in regular analysis of program outcome measures.
• Follow and contribute to the work of the Association of Nature Center Administrators, Children and Nature Network, and other national organizations.
• Display willingness to pivot, to remain creative and engaged, to continually seek new and better ways of doing things, and to seek out new opportunities for partnership.
• Demonstrate professional conduct at all times.
• Perform other related duties as requested.

Skills Required

• Proven track record for initiating projects and completing them independently
• Strong history of networking to mobilize support for a cause
• Sincere passion for fundraising to advance Wildrock’s mission
• Appreciation of fundraising as relationship building, storytelling, and community building
• Proven track record in major gift fundraising. Self-starter and goal driven to initiate donor visits
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.  Effective public speaker.
• High integrity, commitment to ethical standards, and transparency.
• Ability to engage in systems level thinking and long-term planning.
• Ability to train and supervise staff emphasizing staff empowerment and strength cultivation.
• Strong interpersonal boundaries. Ability to have difficult conversations respectfully.
• Recognized for strong networking skills, motivating staff, board members and other volunteers
• Willingness to “step in” at any level of the organization to offer assistance as needed
• Proficient with Google Suite, Excel, and other online programs.  Excellent record keeper.
• Demonstrate knowledge of fundraising software.  Bloomerang preferred.
• High comfort level in nature. Genuine passion for promoting nature play for children.
• Deep appreciation for Wildrock’s land, guests, and opportunity to serve the community.

Work Schedule

Flexible work schedule. Twenty hours a week.  Three weeks paid leave.  Work from home and attend weekly meetings at Wildrock.