Job Announcement: Vice President for Resource Development

POST DATE:  October 28, 2009
TITLE: Vice President for Resource Development
CLASSIFICATION: Vice President
WAGE CATEGORY: Exempt 
REPORTS TO: President
LOCATION:  Washington, DC
START DATE:  Immediately

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ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS: About American Rivers: Founded in 1973, American Rivers is the leading national river conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring healthy rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. American Rivers has over 65,000 supporters nationwide, with staff in Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, California and Northwest regions. Visit www.AmericanRivers.org.

JOB SUMMARY: The Vice President for Resource Development provides leadership and guidance for annual operating, capacity-building, project and capital fundraising.  S/he identifies and implements best practices, solves fundraising challenges, and ensures that American Rivers is utilizing the best development strategies and practices.  This position also serves as a liaison and resource to the Board of Directors’ Development Committee. 

The Vice President for Resource Development leads a committed team of eight development professionals in achieving the annual and capital fundraising objectives for the organization.  The Vice President for Resource Development reports to the President and works closely with other departments, regional staff, and Board members.  Overall, the Vice President manages day-to-day fundraising operations and develops and implements long-term strategy to enhance the organizational revenues.

The Vice President for Resource Development must be a skilled manager, capable of directing, motivating, and developing staff in addition to advancing a sustainable and innovative philanthropic program to support a growing entrepreneurial organization. This person should have a demonstrated track record in a broad range of fundraising strategies and programs including major donor solicitation, private and family foundation grantmaking, planned giving, capital campaigns, special events, corporate, and in-kind contributions. Because so much of what this person will do involves building and maintaining trust with staff, donors and outside stakeholders, the Vice President for Resource Development must possess the presence, judgment and ability to operate effectively and professionally with a wide cross section of public, private and philanthropic leaders.

QUALIFICATIONS: The ideal candidate should ideally possess the following professional experience and personal attributes:

• Deeply held commitment to American River’s mission.
• 10 years of proven fundraising experience as a senior executive in a nonprofit organization or a for-profit business -- possessing a sophisticated and strategic approach to fundraising.
• Direct experience and demonstrated success with annual and capital fundraising from major donors, corporations, and foundations, as well as familiarity with membership development programs and principles of direct marketing. 
• Articulate with strong oral and written communications skills.
• Strong time and budget management skills, including the capacity to work on several projects simultaneously.
• Strong personnel management and interpersonal skills, the capacity to work well with a diverse range of individuals and cultural backgrounds.
• High energy level, flexible, self-motivated, and self-confident.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, and life insurance, retirement plan, and generous leave benefits. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

APPLICATIONS: Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter (including salary history) to: Fanette Jones, Director of Administration, American Rivers, 1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400, Washington, DC 20005; or jobs@americanrivers.org, with “Attn:  Vice President for Resource Development” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.