19 Apr Job: Fund Development and PR Associate for Westcave Preserve

THIS POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED – YEA!

WESTCAVE PRESERVE JOB PROFILE SUMMARY
 
Job Title: Fund Development and PR Associate
 
About Westcave Preserve
    
Wonder and Joy: it's in our nature!
    
Westcave Preserve's mission is to inspire kids and their families to develop lifelong practices of valuing and enjoying nature. We connect kids and their families to nature by providing experiences and programs that foster the discovery, exploration, and conservation of the natural world.
 
Westcave Preserve is a natural treasure considered by many to be the crown jewel of the Texas Hill Country, possessing majestic beauty and legendary ecological diversity. The Preserve is located 27 miles west of downtown Austin on the Pedernales River in the Texas Hill Country, and welcomes more than 7,500 visitors annually for school field trips, public tours and topical programs such as "star nights". We teach about what is unique to Westcave Preserve and the Hill Country including our wildlife and native plants and how the forces and cycles of the natural world have interacted to create and sustain this unique sanctuary.
 
Westcave Preserve currently serves a dual function in Central Texas: 1) Our long standing role has been to provide extraordinary environmental education about the natural history of the Texas Hill Country. Last year, more than 7,500 Preserve visitors enjoyed a unique outdoor education experience in a pristine wild place; and, 2) During the past three years, Westcave has been facilitating the Children in Nature Collaborative of Austin (CINCA). Through the CINCA, we have launched a regional social change campaign to reconnect our community's children to nature. Our goal is to get more kids outside and active more often. When successful, an afternoon of paddling on Lady Bird Lake will be as likely as going to the mall; a hike at McKinney Falls will be as likely as going to the movies.
 
Core, site-based programs include educational tours most weekdays for school children and every weekend throughout the year for the general public. In 2010, more than 6,000 children visited the site with weekday field trips. An additional 2,500 visitors participate in weekend or evening programs. Increasing visibility and new program offerings have resulted in a steady growth in visitation of 100% over the past decade.
 
Our annual operating budget is $500,000 and we are preparing for a program campaign to support our strategic plan currently in development.
 
Job Summary:
The Fund Development and PR Assistant works with the Executive Director and Associate Director:
Supports revenue strategies and activities including individual, corporate and foundation solicitations; the annual Celebration of Children in Nature gala; general membership & direct mail; donor correspondence; and, grant writing. This person will also oversee the integration of a new database into annual operations.
Supports strategic communications and outreach initiatives including the newsletter, special publications, media relations, regional calendar placements, and special events.
 
The Fund Development and PR Assistant reports directly to the Executive Director, and works with the Board of Directors, key volunteers and program staff.
 
Essential Responsibilities/Duties
 
Helps generate revenue to support and an annual operating budget of approximately $500,000
 
Assists with all aspects of major gift fund raising including:
Individuals – Grotto Guild; event sponsors, general membership, and direct mail
Corporations – Grants and event sponsors
Foundations – Grant calendar and applications, prepare attachments for and submission of proposals
Earth Share of Texas – Represent Westcave Preserve at all Earth Share related meetings and events
 
Events: Support the committee, sponsorship solicitation, and all aspects of the annual Celebration of Children in Nature fall gala; support other events such as the Grotto Guild Dinner; Wildflower Open House; Star Nights and more
 
Writing: Assist with preparing grant applications, newsletter articles, donor correspondence and other communications
 
Database: Responsible for maintaining a current donor and membership database, timely thanking of donors, and generating revenue reports as needed
 
Qualifications
Education: Bachelors degree or higher. Additional formal training in development is beneficial
Experience: a minimum of 2 years experience in nonprofit fundraising or administration
License/Certificates Required: Class C Driver's license required
 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Skill in building relationships
Excellent oral and written communication, including PSA's, newsletters, grants
Skill in operating general computer software programs
General knowledge of the local philanthropic community
Skill in multi-tasking, collaboration, cooperation, etc.
Thriving in an outdoor environment
 
Work Environment and Physical Demands
May be required to work occasional evenings and weekends
May be asked to work in adverse weather conditions
 
 
To Apply
 
Submit a letter of interest and resume to Linda Wofford: linda@westcave.org on or before May 1, 2012.