Position Description

Membership and Public Relations Director Reporting to the Managing Director, Palmer Land Trusts Membership and Public Relations Director is responsible for building, engaging, and retaining a growing membership base that provides annual support to advance the organizations work and builds public will for land and water conservation in communities Palmer Land Trust serves. Candidates interested in this position must have exceptional planning, organizational, and management skills. Technical skills should include the ability to manage a robust constituent database; track, analyze, and plan around various giving trends; and chart courses for the organization based on those trends and the candidates general knowledge of member/donor development. Strong writing and/or marketing experience should provide the candidate with an ability to develop high quality print and electronic publications, annual reports, appeals, and web and social media content. The candidate will have, or will be able to demonstrate his or her ability to acquire, a sophisticated knowledge of land and water conservation and the ability to use that knowledge to educate both general audiences and highly knowledgeable special interest groups. The successful candidate must be able to lead a comprehensive membership and public relations program, develop and implement plans accordingly, and make quick, on-the-ground adjustments or capitalize on unique opportunities as circumstances warrant. Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills are a must. The Director will not oversee capital campaigns for conservation projects, but will coordinate other development activities with staff who will be leading such projects. He or she will be expected to secure gifts from individuals and businesses through direct, in-person solicitations. Minimum Job Qualifications Bachelors degree in related field. Three years of successful related experience, including member/donor outreach, grant writing, external communications, and development planning. Experience working with institutional grantors such as foundations and trusts.

Preferred Qualifications Masters degree and minimum of 5 years of experience in development and communications, preferably in land conservation. Extensive project management experience, including ability to motivate, lead, and set objectives. Proven experience producing results and meeting program goals. High-energy, forward-thinking, creative individual with high ethical standards. Outstanding leadership and visionary qualities. Proven technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus. Planned giving experience. Major gifts solicitation experience.

Specific duties include: Direct all aspects of PLTs development program. Act as primary organizer of community engagement and outreach. Educate general audiences and highly knowledgeable special interest groups about Palmer Land Trusts work and Colorado land and water conservation work in general; convey the relevance of this work to diverse stakeholders. Drive fundraising activities for unrestricted funds, including spring, summer, and year-end appeals, business memberships, and unrestricted operating grants. Act as primary organizer to increase public awareness of PLT through media relations and events. Secure event sponsorships for signature (awards) event. Utilize signature landscape preservation projects to increase giving from individuals and foundations. Engage the business community and increase business memberships. Serve as the staff liaison to the Development Committee; work with Executive Director and Development Committee Chair to appropriately structure committee activities. Engage Development Committee members, trustees, staff, partners, and strategic contacts in development activities. Maintain up-to-date donor information in the organizations CiviCRM constituent/donor database. Lead in the completion of e-news, print, and other outreach materials such as annual reports, newsletters, and social media. Other duties and special projects as assigned.

Salary and Benefits Palmer Land Trust offers competitive compensation, benefits, flexible work policies, and a collaborative work environment. The organization provides stimulating professional development opportunities. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and professional growth. How to Apply Send cover letter, resume, list of professional references, and any supporting documentation to: Palmer Land Trust, Attn: Hiring Coordinator, PO Box 1281, Colorado Springs, CO 80901 Or email application materials to denise@palmerlandtrust.org. Position open until filled.