Director of Development

The Woldumar Nature Association is a nonprofit community organization, established in 1963 with a mission "to educate people about the natural environment."

About the job:

We are seeking an experienced fulltime fundraising professional to take the reigns of an established development program and help us achieve ambitious mission impact in 2026 Woldumar offers a rewarding career as part of a small team that is fueled by collaboration and respect.

The Director of Development is responsible for planning and implementing the Woldumar Nature Association's annual and long-term fundraising strategies. With particular emphasis on grants and corporate giving, the Director of Development will grow membership and individual gifts, plan special events, annual campaigns, capital campaigns, and implement a planned giving program.

Your work will support our environmental education efforts Funds raised through charitable giving allow us to offer summer camps, school field study, and community education services while we protect and restore valuable ecological resources on over 180 acres located in Lansing, MI.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate will be a natural relationship builder who loves people and the great outdoors: someone who enjoys socializing and solitude, and is equally comfortable in dress shoes or hiking boots. Flexibility and adaptability are key qualifications for anyone working in this fast-paced, multifaceted, often weather-dependent field. A creative thinker who enjoys trying new things will excel at Woldumar.

A high school diploma is required. A college degree in a related field is preferred. 3 years' experience in a role where fundraising was a primary responsibility is required. Experiences working and playing in the great outdoors, summer camp experience, gardening/landscaping, or knowledge of Michigan flora and fauna are all helpful but not required.

Key responsibilities:

o Cultivate and maintain relationships with members, donors, corporate sponsors, coworkers, & the community at large

o Maintain CRM. Work closely with our bookkeeper to track grant expenditures and file reports in a timely and accurate fashion

o Develop and implement campaigns for growing membership and individual support

o Identify, research and write funding proposals to foundations, corporations, organizations & government agencies

o Plan and implement the Annual Woldumar Trail Run 5k; Annual Members' Meeting; and other member/donor recognition events and fundraisers

o Create donor prospect lists, cultivation plans, and solicit major gifts

o Create opportunities for individuals to support Woldumar through estate planning such as bequests, trusts, annuities and other planned giving tools

Benefits:

This is a full-time, year-round, salaried position. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Primary workspace will be on-site/in office, however limited local travel will be common, and limited remote work may be possible.

Compensation range is $45,000-$55,000/year commensurate with experience. Woldumar will provide an IRA match up to 3% and a QSEHRA health care