The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation seeks a Development Officer (DO) to serve as a key member of the RMEF’s Field Operations Team, which includes the VP of Field Operations, Directors of Field Operations, Executive Staff, Regional Directors, Lands Program Managers, Development staff and Board of Directors. The Development Officer has direct responsibility for cultivating prospects and soliciting and acquiring major gifts. The Development Officer will execute development strategy based on national conservation priorities for major gift and planned gift development. In close coordination with other team members, the DO helps to identify prospective donors, formulates cultivation strategies and coordinates the solicitation process. Major gifts are defined as gifts of $25,000 and above.

Email cover letter and resume to jobs@rmef.org by 9/6/19. RMEF is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V

Reports to: Vice President of Field Operations Department: Field Operations
Classification: Exempt
Date: August 2019

Essential Functions:

1. Serves as a key member of the Field Operations Team.
2. Works directly with appropriate staff in formulating and implementing major and planned gift development strategies based on organizational priorities.
3. Fundraises to a specific annual budget and development goal. Achieving the annual development budget and the development goal are this position’s top priority.
4. Creates, maintains and monitors, in consultation with management, the expense and revenue budgets for major gift fundraising within his/her area of responsibility.
5. Directly cultivates and solicits, as appropriate, individuals, corporations and foundations for major gifts. This includes written and oral communication directly with prospects and current major gift donors.
6. Creates, cultivates, and maintains the relationship-building process with donors.
7. Assures compliance with major donor guidelines and policies.
8. Assists in training staff members in major gift and planned gift cultivation and solicitation techniques.
9. Records relevant activities in RMEF’s information systems.
10. Assists in promoting, marketing, and communicating specific programs associated with the RMEF Planned Giving program to prospective donors.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Works directly with Regional Directors, working as a Team on set goals and objectives.
2. Facilitates and/or attends RMEF cultivation and stewardship events.
3. Represents, as appropriate and requested, RMEF as a speaker, facilitator, participant and partner
   in various activities and events.
4. Maintains associations with other professional and business groups, as needed, to facilitate and maximize partnerships for RMEF.
5. Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

Five years’ experience in fundraising or relationship-based sales is required. Bachelor’s Degree and experience with cultivating philanthropic gifts is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Thorough knowledge and support of RMEF’s mission and a passion for conservation.
2. The ability to work effectively with a variety of different groups including donors, the Board of
   Directors, and staff.
3. An understanding of and willingness to promote RMEF’s core values in all environments. Must
   have the ability to represent RMEF professionally both in group meetings/gatherings and
   individual meetings.
4. Knowledge and comprehension of fundraising techniques, including traditional development
   methods of cultivating donors for major gifts.
5. Ability to present RMEF’s values, mission, and funding priorities in a clear, understandable
   fashion both in written and verbal communication. Public speaking experience and ability are a
   necessity.
6. Comprehensive knowledge of business and marketing strategies and methods. Must be able to
   create and maintain a high-level network of contacts with individuals, corporations and
   foundations.
7. Ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
8. Ability to work independently; self-starter with strong adherence to established goals and
   objectives.
9. Must have the ability to effectively use computer programs. Experience with CRM databases is a
   plus.
10. Must be able to communicate in an effective, professional manner both verbally and in writing.
11. Ability to manage multiple priorities and demonstrate flexibility as priorities change.
12. Ability to operate in a stressful, goal-oriented environment.
13. Ability to maintain confidential information.

Physical Demands:

The employee must sit or stand for long periods of time; use a computer terminal; reach forward and to the side; bend from both standing and sitting positions; and lift items weighing various pounds, including some heavy lifting. Extensive travel is required. Must be able to travel by automobile or airline to attend RMEF events, meet with prospects, partners and other RMEF staff and Board members. This employee must be able to work weekends and after normal business hours when necessary.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of the job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation provides equal opportunity in its business operations and employment practices, and maintains a work environment free from all forms of discrimination. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, and protected veteran status. If you would like more information on job opportunities with the RMEF, please email us at jobs@rmef.org.