Hours: Work hours are based on operational needs, but typically will be during regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm) unless otherwise scheduled. Some evenings, weekends, and holidays are required for donor interactions and events.

The Forest Preserve Friends Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support and enhance the Champaign County Forest Preserves. The Advancement Officer works closely with the Foundation Board and Forest Preserves staff to build and maintain meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors, coordinate donor recognition and stewardship activities, and support fundraising initiatives. The Foundation relies on donations to fulfil their mission, and the Advancement Officer is instrumental to the success of the Foundation.

Through your careful planning, organizational skills, communication skills, and ability to make connections with people and business, you will help the Foundation and the Forest Preserves continue to serve the public and help protect the county’s natural and cultural resources. If you value nature, community, and learning and want to have a meaningful impact, then this is the position for you!

This position reports to the Business and Finance Director. This position does not supervise other staff.

Essential Functions

Cultivates and maintains relationships with current and prospective donors through personal outreach, donor acknowledgement letters, phone calls, emails, and coordination of in-person meetings and visits with Foundation Board members and the Forest Preserves’ staff.
Creates, implements and evaluates Friends Foundation’s annual and multi-year fundraising plans.
Supports the Marketing Department’s efforts to develop donor solicitation efforts, including annual appeals, capital campaigns and corporate sponsorships.
Tracks and reports on success of different appeal efforts.
Support the Foundation Board by identifying potential donors or donors with additional giving capacity.
Promote and steward planned giving campaigns and endowment funds.
Maintain the donor database (Bloomerang), including updating donor records and mailing lists.
Act as primary administrative support for all Foundation activities, including preparation of Foundation Board packets and meeting minutes, and scheduling and attending Foundation committee meetings as appropriate.
Primary planner for Foundation events, including but not limited to securing space, ordering food and refreshments, and making sure applicable licenses are obtained.
Prepare tax letters to donors annually.
Manage the Memorial Tree and Memorial Bench program.
Develop sponsorship program and work with staff and foundation board members to recruit sponsors for different events.
Provide timely updates to the Foundation Board on major donations and activities.

Secondary Responsibilities

Update Foundation social media accounts
Research and report information on donation restrictions
Perform other duties as assigned

Bachelor’s Degree in philanthropic studies, public relations, communication, business or other related field, or the equivalent years of relevant work experience, is required.
Minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience.
A strong level of computer literacy is required, including experience using donor database software such as Boomerang.
Current AED/CPR and First Aid Certification, or ability to obtain certification within 12 months of employment.
Must have a valid driver’s license or acquire one within three months of employment.

Skills and Abilities

Ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and funding needs in a clear and concise manner through written reports, updates, and presentations for internal and external audiences
Persuasive writing skills with the ability to tailor written communications to diverse audiences, adapting messaging to align with the interests and values of different donor segments
Excellent time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while meeting deadlines
Fiscal integrity and confidentiality in handling financial and other sensitive transactions
Excellent customer service skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external constituents
Ability to complete work with close attention to detail, accuracy and speed

Work is primarily performed indoors in a standard office setting with occasional interruptions, but this position does have at times have to be at event sites throughout the Preserves. ?This position is required to regularly use a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment. The employee must be able to speak and hear to regularly communicate with various internal and external constituents. ?The visual acuity to prepare and analyze detailed reports as well as enter/review information to ensure accuracy is required.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee must be able to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time. ?However, the employee may need to occasionally move to access file cabinets, office machines, or otherwise travel to other Forest Preserves sites reasons such as donor meetings or event planning. The employee may regularly handle, grasp, or feel objects; reach, push, or pull to reposition items; occasionally walk longer distances, crouch, climb, or crawl; and may occasionally lift and transport up to 50 pounds. Occasional work may be performed outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain or wind.

The work environment characteristics and physical demands described above are representative of those an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. ?Reasonable accommodations may be made, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please Note: Studies have shown that people from various racial and ethnic backgrounds, women and other excluded or historically excluded people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe that they meet every one of the qualifications as stated in the job description. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

EOE Statement

The Champaign County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.

This job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirement for the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Changes, including additional duties, may be made at any time.

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