Manager of Philanthropy

Description:

Help connect the philanthropic community to wildlife conservation and environmental stewardship through this rewarding opportunity at the National Aviary. The Manager of Philanthropy leads efforts to engage and grow corporate, small business, and community organization partnerships through outright gifts, event sponsorships, onsite and digital marketing sponsorships, naming opportunities, and related donations. This key management position contributes to achieving the National Aviary’s annual operating, capital, and programmatic needs and goals, and the overall success of the organization. In addition to working directly with the Director of Philanthropy and the Philanthropy team, this position also works closely with the Senior Director of External Operations and Development, Events Manager, and Senior Manager of Marketing and Communications. The team supports the National Aviary’s important conservation efforts by connecting people to our work saving birds and protecting their habitats. Learn more about the one and only National Aviary and its remarkable work in avian care, conservation, and education at aviary.org.

 Responsibilities include the following:

• Responsible for managing and expanding philanthropic giving from corporations, small businesses, community organizations, and philanthropic events.
• Achieves annual fundraising goals for the position and contributes to the annual contributed revenue goal for the National Aviary through a proactive plan, while supporting the Strategic Plan of the institution.
• Identifies emerging business leadership and industry trends with emphasis on developing a high-value exchange for the purpose of creating strong alliances and soliciting major gifts.
• Generates a greater sense of support and engagement from existing and new donors.
• Conducts sponsor and donor visits regularly and often, and makes direct solicitations and closes gifts.
• Leverages all sources of corporate funding including, but not limited to, PA EITC contributions, employee volunteer opportunities, matching gifts, etc.
• Secures sponsors for onsite and digital marketing, naming, and other partnership opportunities.
• Manages and leads cause/cause-related marketing campaigns.
• Conducts formal presentations both on- and off-site with prospective donors, including tours of the organization and presentations focused on matters relevant to partners.
• Working closely with Marketing, writes proposals, and negotiates contracts and agreements with prospective partners to ensure long-standing relationships.
• Works with the Director of Philanthropy, Events Manager, and events team to develop strategy, sponsorship support, and a high-level approach for each philanthropic event.
• Secures sponsors for Night in the Tropics, Hike-A-Thon, and other fundraising events. Creates and executes stewardship plan for event sponsors.
• Provides project management leadership, working with a cross-departmental team to set clear expectations and milestones for each event, ensuring all components are successfully executed.
• Works closely with Marketing and Communications team to ensure sponsor benefits are fulfilled. Provides thorough analysis of each event, incorporating cross-departmental feedback.

 Values:

Share in our mission to inspire respect for nature through an appreciation of birds. The National Aviary values partnerships with the philanthropic community as an avenue to fulfill this mission. When you are part of the National Aviary team, you will be immersed in a work culture of collaboration, inclusivity, respect, and continual growth.

 Location:

The National Aviary is located in Pittsburgh, a city rich in culture and history, with accessible museums, theaters, and sporting events. We are situated in Pittsburgh’s oldest park, Allegheny Commons, a beautiful green space. Ranked as one of the most livable U.S. cities, Pittsburgh is known for its friendly neighborhoods and affordable cost of living.

 Skills and Qualifications:

• Proven track record of maintaining relationships with donors and determining the optimal scenario for successful partnership and gift solicitation
• Strong leadership, team management, and project management skills with experience in managing simultaneous projects in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to exercise initiative and sound judgment and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, donors, and the public
• Ability to organize and complete projects in a timely manner, using initiative and proper professional judgment; ability to work independently and as a team
• Strong presentation skills, as well as the ability to interact and communicate with a variety of audiences in a professional and engaging manner
• Ability to create, write, and edit philanthropic materials, including proposals, reports, stewardship materials, and program summaries
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and donor software
• Bachelor’s degree in related field; master’s degree a plus; or equivalent professional experience related to this job
• Minimum of 5 years of fundraising experience
• Knowledge of avian, wildlife, and environmental issues a plus

 Other Requirements:

• Satisfactory Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse History Certification
• Satisfactory FBI Criminal Record Check
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to pass Department of Motor Vehicles check

 Work Environment:

Work environments will include climate-controlled office spaces and public areas where the noise level may be loud. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, copiers, and filing cabinets. This is a full-time position. Evening and weekend work is required as job duties require.

Benefits:

• On the job training and mentorship
• Skilled and dedicated support team
• 15 paid days off and 11 paid holidays
• Generous medical, dental, and vision insurance, and flexible spending account
• Disability and life insurance
• 403(b) retirement options
• Aviary family membership and discounts

Interested parties should send their resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to Laurie.Nicholl@aviary.org