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Florida Trail Association seeks Development Director

Deadline: December1, 2008

The Florida Trail Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit conservation organization is seeking to hire a bright and motivated individual to serve as the organization’s Development Director. The individual who is hired will work closely with and report to FTA's Executive Director to develop and implement new and improved fundraising programs that reach out to all communities, including our 5,100 members, to enable FTA to achieve its mission and goals.

Founded in 1964, the Florida Trail Association's mission is to develop, maintain, promote, and protect a continuous public hiking trail the length of the State of Florida called the Florida National Scenic Trail and other side and loop trails, together called the Florida Trail System; and to educate the public by teaching appreciation for and conservation of the natural beauty of Florida; and to provide opportunities to hike and camp.

Our vision is to be the steward of the premier wilderness hiking trail system, stretching the length and breadth of Florida, which offers the public the opportunity to experience and appreciate the unique natural beauty, diversity, and fragility of Florida.

The Development Director will create and implement a comprehensive and strategic annual resource development plan that includes major and individual gifts, donor acquisition, planned giving, and corporations and foundations. Working with the Executive Director s/he will coordinate the work of FTA's board and staff and will be the lead in the creation of case statements for FTA projects. S/He will educate and motivate the board, volunteers, and staff on resource development issues.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop goals, plan and budget to reach annual operating fund goals.
2. Oversee maintenance and management of donor database.
3. Plan, coordinate and implement program for donor cultivation, acquisition, acknowledgement, recognition, reporting, stewardship, renewal and upgrading.
4. Research and identify individual, business, corporate and foundation major gift prospects.
5. Continue development and implementation of our planned giving program; coordinate relationship with our planned giving consultant.
6. Plan and coordinate design and production of all materials for fundraising and planned giving.
7. Plan, organize and coordinate member/donor/fundraising special events.
8. Work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, relevant Board committees, staff and volunteers in planning and executing short and long-term financial development goals and strategies.
9. Other projects as assigned.

Qualifications

The Development Director is a full-time exempt position. This is an excellent job for a dedicated person with relevant skills and the desire to grow. The successful candidate will embrace FTA's mission and communicate that mission effectively to others. We are looking for someone who can work both independently and as a team player with key stakeholders to build a development effort that meets the needs of FTA.

Skills & Experience: The position requires the ability to work independently, possess interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and have excellent written and oral communication skills. The candidate must also be able to maintain a computer database of development information. Strong leadership and management skills; demonstrated track record in nonprofit fundraising, especially donor acquisition, individual gift fundraising, and development program management; ability to think strategically and creatively; excellent analytical, writing and oral presentation skills; strong computer literacy; able to work independently and in a small office as part of a team.

Other requirements: The successful candidate will have three year's experience in development or philanthropy. Experience that demonstrates the ability to meet fundraising goals, to manage multiple projects, consultants, and participate in planning is essential. The candidate must have a BA degree or higher, and a good sense of humor and be willing to work at the FTA headquarters in Gainesville, Florida. Experience with hiking, conservation and environmental issues preferred.

Compensation Package: Salary and benefits, including vacation, are negotiable and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

FTA is an equal opportunity employer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: To learn more about the Florida Trail Association log onto our website at www.floridatrail.org.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Individuals should submit a letter of interest, a resume, examples of at least one program they have developed, three references, and a salary history. There will be a panel interview process. The closing date is 5:00 p.m. (est) Monday, 1 December 2008.

E-mail applications to: dstewart-kent@floridatrail.org

Or mail to: Deborah R. Stewart-Kent
Executive Director
Florida Trail Association
5415 SW 13th Street
Gainesville, Florida 32608

No phone inquiries will be accepted.

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