Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities through shared outdoor adventures so that all people can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature.

At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe that everyone belongs. We work to ensure this belief holds true in our workplace, in our community, and in the outdoors. We pursue this belief through our mission and shared values of paddling together, nurturing inclusion, seeking the exceptional, and finding a way.  

 

Position Summary & Dimensions

Summary

This position is responsible for overseeing philanthropic revenues from individual gifts and special events. The Senior Manager of Development provides strategic direction and day-to-day leadership to grow our development and fundraising efforts. This position is focused on increasing revenue generation through donor acquisition and retention, as well as continuously improving strategies to grow unrestricted revenue. The senior manager collaborates with communications, events, and major gifts staff to build a strong pipeline of support and deepen donor engagement. They will bring innovation, creativity, and new ideas to our existing successful donor campaign strategies. 

Dimensions

Working Title: Senior Manager of Development
Position Classification: Senior Manager
Employment Conditions: Exempt
Department/Section: Development
Classification Starting Range: $76,000 – $90,400 depending on experience
Reports To: Development Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: Development Operations Manager 

Responsibility 1: Secure Increases in Individual Donor Philanthropic Revenues (70% FTE)

Tasks

1. Develop and execute the annual giving strategy to increase participation and revenue through direct mail, email campaigns, digital fundraising and other innovative approaches.  
2. Manage donor segmentation and messaging to ensure targeted, personalized appeals and stewardship efforts.
3. Develop new strategies for donor outreach and ongoing engagement and stewardship throughout the year, including opportunities for donors to connect directly with programs and the mission. 
4. Utilize prospecting tools to discover and connect with new and existing donor communities, with particular focus on those who are active in areas we work and are national in scope.
5. Grow the number of individuals that give to Wilderness Inquiry on an annual basis and create tracking mechanisms for continuous improvement and growth. 
6. Oversee donor stewardship efforts including thank-you letters, acknowledgment processes, and impact reports for annual fund donors.
7. Coordinate with the Development Operations Manager and Communications/Marketing team to create compelling content for fundraising appeals, donor stories, and updates.
8. Create and maintain data and contact record management standards for all donors, ensuring effective and consistent training for all staff working in our donor management system.
9. Lead planning and development of 6-8 annual special events (including Board & Friends, campaign cultivation, end-of-year Opportunity Fund gatherings and two Great River Race events (Twin Cities & Washington DC)). 
10. Grow and manage event-related committees and advisory groups.

Performance Indicators

1. Achieve year-over-year growth of annual fund revenue of 10%.
2. Establish and maintain regular communication cadence with annual fund donors.
3. Successfully implement all special events with 10% year-over-year growth and 90%-plus satisfaction ratings on event evaluations.

Responsibility 2: Oversee Overall Individual Giving Strategy and Staff Direction  (15% FTE) 

Tasks

1. In collaboration with the Development Director, develop qualitative and quantitative organizational goals surrounding annual fund supporters.
2. Track and analyze fundraising results, monitor donor trends, prepare reports, and identify areas for continuous improvement. 
3. Leverage and enhance annual special events for maximum donor acquisition, engagement, and annual fund revenue support.
4. Participate in Wilderness Inquiry’s internal National Impact Working Group to expand funding opportunities nationally.
5. Directly supervise one development manager and assist in coordination of supervisory responsibilities for the Corporate and Foundations Manager through the following: 
   • Managing employee performance by setting clear performance expectations and goals for all team members; maintaining accurate employee records and documentation; and ensuring adherence to nonprofit best practices.
   • Managing workflow by ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
   • Overseeing onboarding and assessing employee performance, providing constructive feedback, and identifying areas for improvement.
   • Guiding decision processes and finding fair and equitable resolutions to conflicts among team members.
   • Identifying professional development opportunities to support employees’ growth.
   • Ensuring adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and legal regulations.

Performance Indicators

1. Qualitative and quantitative goals are established and work plans created.
2. Qualitative and quantitative goals met or exceeded.

Responsibility 3: Manage and Grow Endowment Funds and Other Legacy (Planned) Gifts (15% FTE)

Tasks

1. Establish qualitative goals for Endowment families’ and planned giving relationship management.
2. Oversee endowment family and funding relationships; manage related events and communications.
3. Ensure annual endowment transfers take place on a timely basis.
4. Report on annual endowment fund use.
5. Develop and implement a comprehensive planned giving strategy through prospect identification, cultivation, and solicitation in partnership with the Comprehensive Campaign Senior Manager.
6. Research and create tools and/or resources for estate planning, tax, and charitable giving information to prospective donors.
7. Develop and implement stewardship activities to recognize and honor Endowment and Planned Gift donors.

Performance Indicators

1. Establish a communication and stewardship plan for Endowment reporting.
2. Complete annual Endowment reports by March 1 each year.
3. Meet or exceed qualitative goals for Endowment Family and Planned Giving relationship management.

Responsibility 4: Embrace Values, Community Agreements and Other Roles/Responsibilities as Assigned.

Tasks

1. Assume special project responsibilities as assigned by the Development Director.
2. Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that centers Wilderness Inquiry values and supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees by adhering to Workplace Community Agreements.

Performance Indicators

1. Communicates accurately, honestly, and respectfully with others in a positive and constructive manner
2. Participates productively and positively to work groups and contributes to making teams successful
3. Encourages a safe and healthy work environment for everyone

Please note: These are not intended to encompass all roles and responsibilities of this position; other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the supervisor.

Qualities we are looking for in this position:

• Passion for Wilderness Inquiry’s inclusive mission and the natural world
• Experience and interest in fundraising, development, and donor engagement
• A self-starter who takes initiative and is results-driven
• Excellent computer and database management skills
• Outstanding communication and relationship management skills
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Willingness to listen and learn 
• Flexible, persistent, and attentive to detail 
• Enjoys variety and is open to learning and growth

Minimum Requirements: 

• Demonstrated knowledge, experience, and success with fundraising best practices, annual fund management, donor communications.
• Strong knowledge and skills with digital fundraising tools, database management, and trend analysis.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to articulate and produce desired outcomes, goals, and impacts.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated project and time management skills and ability to independently organize, manage deadlines, and prioritize multiple timelines. 
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills and the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• B.A. or equivalent degree in Nonprofit Management or related field and 2-3 years of experience in Fundraising, Annual Fund Development, Communications, or comparable experience; or 5-plus years of project management-level Development or comparable experience.
• Knowledge of philanthropic prospecting research methods, best practices, and process efficiency.
• Supervisory or lead-worker experience.
• Proactive problem-solver that is able to address opportunities and challenges with persistence, respect for other opinions, and a sense of humor when needed.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to use a telephone and computer. 
• Must be able to lift 15 lbs.
• Must possess a legal driver’s license and ability to drive a car. 
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

This is a hybrid position which reports to Wilderness Inquiry’s Headquarters in Bloomington, MN. Individuals can expect 2-3 days in-person with opportunities for remote work when responsibilities allow.