THE BIRD RESCUE CENTER OF SONOMA COUNTY
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

 
 
 
 

THIS POSITION IS HYBRID UNTIL COMPLETION OF THE FACILITY.

ABOUT THE BIRD RESCUE CENTER OF SONOMA COUNTY
The Bird Rescue Center (BRC) is a 501(c)(3) organization located in the heart of the beautiful Sonoma County California wine country and the Pacific Flyway, one of the major avian migration routes in North America. It was incorporated in 1976 for the purpose of rescuing and rehabilitating sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds and is considered today to be one of the premiere avian rehabilitation organizations dedicated to all species of native wild birds. Licensed by both Federal and State of California Departments of Fish & Wildlife, they treat approximately 2,500 birds annually, representing more than 130 different species, and serve a five-county area comprised of Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Napa, and Marin counties.

BRC’s mission includes both their life-saving rehabilitation program and a vibrant education program focused on instilling stewardship within the community and emphasizing the critical role birds play in maintaining our environment and helping our ecosystems recover from natural disasters like wildfires and floods. At the heart of the education program are BRC’s Education Ambassadors, who provide living examples far more impactful than books and study materials, in conveying the importance of wild birds to our environment. Each bird is in our care due to previous injuries or other debilitating conditions that made it impossible for them to return to a life in the wild. Every Ambassador encounter offers powerful evidence of the important connection between humans and the natural world around us. These birds instill critical lessons that inspire audiences to become better stewards for the well-being of all birds and our environment.

A CRITICAL MOMENT IN TIME
Never in their half a century of service has there been such an amazing opportunity to play such a vital role in shaping BRC’s future. Now is perhaps the most exciting time in BRC’s history as they plan a brand-new facility to house both their rehabilitation hospital and education program. This is a unique opportunity to usher BRC’s long-term vision for the future into reality while supporting their ongoing mission. If you have the passion, imagination, and skills necessary, you can help them soar to even greater heights.

The recent sale of the property where BRC has operated for five decades presents an opportunity that is both challenging and rewarding: build a modern, new facility equal to the level of excellence that has come to be the hallmark of their work.

The following are already in place to help set the stage for success:

  • A long-term lease on five acres in a central location.

  • A talented group of professionals working pro bono to design the new facility.

  • Pledges for in-kind gifts and services valued at over $3 million.

  • Cash donations of close to $5 million and pledges for an additional almost $3 million.

OPPORTUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

  • Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000

  • Benefits include:

    • Vacation: Regular full-time employees accrue 10 days in first year

    • Sick Days: 40 hours per year

    • 10 Paid Holidays Annually

    • Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance

    • Simple IRA Retirement Plan with 3% Employer Matching

    • Hybrid work environment

YOU ARE

  • A dynamic development professional with a proven track record raising major gifts.

  • Savvy in all aspects of capital campaign and operational fundraising, while attentive to growing a sustainable donor base.

  • A collaborative and skilled relationship builder who understands the value of donor engagement and stewardship.

  • Passionate about protecting natural lands and animals and fostering a culture of philanthropy within a growing organization.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Bird Rescue Center (BRC) seeks a dynamic and driven “roll up your sleeves” Director of Development (DOD) who is highly organized, results-driven, and campaign-savvy to manage all aspects of development, including the completion of BRC’s $18M Invest in the Skies Capital Campaign. In partnership with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff, the DOD will lead all fundraising planning and activities to support: a rapidly growing annual operational budget, a time-sensitive capital campaign, the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts, a planned giving program, and opportunities for corporate sponsorships.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The DOD reports directly to the Executive Director, Ashton Kluttz. The DOD works in close collaboration with the ED, Board of Directors, and staff to accomplish fundraising goals. The DOD will supervise a fundraising staff person in support of the fundraising goals and objectives.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy and Leadership

  • In collaboration with the Executive Director, manage and implement a multi-year, strategic fundraising plan, including annual fund, individual major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, and planned giving.

  • Design and implement a strategic plan for BRC’s capital campaign: identify, cultivate, and solicit gifts and pledges.

  • Lead the Development team in planning, execution, and follow up for all aspects of fundraising.

  • Coach staff, board, and other volunteers to communicate effectively with donors and prospects.

Major Gifts

  • Build and directly manage a major gifts portfolio of prospects and donors capable of giving $10,000 or more.

  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit new and existing major gift donors to support the capital campaign while ensuring stability for the annual fund.

  • Work closely with Board and senior leadership to support major gift strategies and solicitations.

  • Create and implement a legacy giving program.

  • Cultivate and sustain private, corporate, and foundation relationships.

Strategic Communications

  • Work with staff to create compelling materials and talking points to help raise BRC’s strategic profile with key audiences.

  • Work collaboratively with management, board, and volunteers to establish the narrative pillars used for fundraising and development activities.

Systems, Infrastructure, and Reporting

  • Oversee systems; ensure accurate records and timely communication with funders.

  • Review and adjust fundraising policies and procedures where needed.

  • Provide written reports to the Board about fundraising progress and variance to annual goals.

  • Perform all other duties and tasks as assigned, “all hands-on deck” mindset.

  • Maintain best practices in all areas of fundraising.

COMPETENCIES

    • Bachelor's degree, advanced training or certification a plus (CFRE, CAP, etc.)

    • Seven (7) years of progressive fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector.

    • Demonstrated experience raising major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other revenue sources.

    • Capital Campaign experience.

    • Ability to write and support creation of successful, high-quality reports and fundraising materials.

    • Ability to plan and execute fundraising strategies with multiple priorities.

    • Strong intrapersonal skills, aptitude for building relationships.

    • Ability to write and speak clearly and persuasively to varied audiences.

    • Strong organizational and time management skills.

    • Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.

    • Passion for and dedication to the mission of the Bird Rescue Center.

EQUITY STATEMENT

The Bird Rescue Center of Sonoma County is committed to building an inclusive and equitable organization. We value diverse perspectives and backgrounds. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

TO APPLY
For more information, or to apply for the Director of Development position, please upload your resume and cover letter here. All applications will be kept confidential, and every applicant will receive a response.