DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT POSITION DESCRIPTION
OVERVIEW
Schlitz Audubon Nature Center connects people with nature and inspires them to become
responsible stewards of the natural world. Located nine miles north of downtown Milwaukee on
the shore of Lake Michigan, the Center offers six miles of trails that take visitors through 185
unique acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairies, ravines, bluffs and a shoreline beach. Annually,
Schlitz Audubon serves over 145,000 visitors and nearly 27,000 children who participate in our
nature science programs. Over 140 preschoolers are enrolled throughout the school year in our
nationally recognized preschool. In addition, thousands of adults and families attend our
educational programs year round. The Center building received the first Gold LEED certification
award in the State of Wisconsin. Schlitz Audubon is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
The Director of Development is critical to planning, implementing, and supervising all aspects of
fund development. The Director of Development supervises the development department. The
priorities of this position are to increase philanthropic giving to the Center and to expand the donor
base. The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director and is an important member of
the senior leadership team.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
· Create a comprehensive development plan and solicitation strategy
· Implement or supervise all aspects of development including major gifts, planned gifts,
annual fund, grants, sponsorships, fundraising events, and membership
· Communicate the Center’s mission, programs, and financial needs to current and potential
donors and the community
· Responsible for all materials related to development
· Serve as staff liaison to the Board of Directors Development Committee, Gala Committee,
and Governance Committee
· Develop and administer budgets for the Development Department
· Supervise the department procedures related to record keeping
· Coordinate across departments, addressing specific funding needs and potential donors
· Work with Marketing Manager to forward the work of both departments and ensure they
complement each other
· Support Executive Director in development needs
· Other related tasks as designated by the Executive Director
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
· Minimum of Bachelor’s degree with at least five years fundraising experience
· Proven success in solicitation and marketing of major and planned gifts
· Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written skills
· Strong strategic thinking and leadership skills
· High level of competency in the use of development software
· Previous supervisory experience
· Familiarity of the greater Milwaukee philanthropic community a strong plus
DETAILS
This is a full-time, exempt position eligible for health, retirement, and other benefits.
TO APPLY
Send cover letter and resume in strict confidence to Jill Schanon Macek at
jmacek@schlitzaudubon.org with Director of Development in the subject line.