The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is seeking an independent contractor to fill the role of Fundraising Coordinator from June through December 2024. We’re excited to find the right candidate to help us advance our fundraising efforts, strengthen donor connections, and begin our organization’s journey as we migrate to a new customer management system.
Read on for more information!
Job Title: Fundraising Coordinator – Independent Contractor Position/June-December 2024
Hours: 25-30 Hours a Week, remote with some meetings in person
Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Status: Contracted Position
Posting Date: May 21, 2024
About Us:
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area (BRNHA) is a nonprofit organization that preserves, cultivates, and promotes the natural and cultural heritage of 25 Western North Carolina counties and the Qualla Boundary to benefit current and future generations. Now in its 20th year, BRNHA is a leader in cultivating and sustaining the vitality of one of the most biologically and culturally diverse regions in the world. The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is the only nonprofit organization serving Western North Carolina and the Qualla Boundary that preserves, cultivates, and promotes five nationally significant heritage resources, including agriculture, Cherokee, craft, music, and natural heritage.
The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area is based in Asheville, North Carolina, but our work takes place in all parts of the region. We are dedicated to transparency and quality in all we do, ensuring every program reflects the distinct character, traditions, and culture of present and future generations. Our organization is committed to equity and fair representation, and we seek to cultivate a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, heard and has a sense of belonging and mutual understanding.
BRNHA has just completed a four-year strategic plan, which includes goals associated with financial expansion, sustainability, and strengthening organizational capacity. This contracted position will help BRNHA launch a comprehensive Fund Development Program.
Position Summary:
The Development Coordinator will assist in planning and implementing a comprehensive fundraising program for BRNHA, including major gifts, corporate and foundation giving, and planned giving. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director to develop fundraising goals and strategies and provide administrative support to BRNHA’s Advisory Board. This position will also help BRHNA develop and support a donor communications plan, and assist in migrating data to a new CRM system. The ideal candidate should be highly organized and detail-oriented, possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, participate as a team player, and be passionate about BRNHA’s mission.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising Support:
- Work with the Executive Director and Consultant to finalize and manage a comprehensive fundraising plan and manage a calendar of activities.
- Work with the team to develop a new donor welcome packet, a lapsed donor plan, and donor recognition plans.
- Support the BRNHA Advisory Board (fundraising board) including scheduling meetings, managing email communications, taking minutes, creating agendas, and maintaining files.
- Help identify and cultivate major gift prospects and corporate and foundation donors.
- Work with BRNHA staff to create an FY 2025 Corporate Partner Package.
- Work with the fundraising team to plan, coordinate, and execute appeals and cultivation activities.
- Assist the Executive Director in creating donor policies and procedures
- Provide summaries for weekly meetings with the Executive Director and internal fundraising team.
Data Management:
- Serve as an internal data management team member to finalize a data strategy and select CRM software.
- Assist in preparing data migration–follow specific standards and conventions for data entry and clean up.
- Create and update donor records, enter gifts, and create new online forms.
- Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
- Monitor in-kind donations and assist as needed in calculating match funds.
Donor Communications/Engagement:
- Develop and record the outcomes of a Donor Survey.
- Work with a team to develop a donor communications plan and a case for support.
- Work with the Communications Manager to expand online fundraising tools, create collateral for audience engagement specific to fundraising interest and education, and distribute fundraising materials.
- Support and provide content for a donor/funder E-newsletter and social media posts.
- Prepare gift acknowledgment letters, notes, emails, event notices, and other donor correspondence.
- Organize cultivation and donor activities.
- Assist the Executive Director in drafting correspondence to funders.
Grant Research:
- Research potential grant opportunities and gather relevant information.
- Help prepare grant applications and reports and maintain a calendar of grant deadlines.
Expected Outcomes:
- CRM Migration is complete, and staff are trained.
- Fund Raising Strategy complete.
- Donor Communications Plan underway.
- Messaging and Case Statement complete.
- Fund Development Policies and Procedures are in place and approved by the BRNHA board.
- Online Funding Tools are expanded, and some collateral materials are being utilized.
- Prospect work and cultivations are underway.
- Corporate Sponsorship Deck is complete and sponsorships are in process.
- Two cultivation-related activities are held and/or in process.
- Lapsed donor communication is underway.
- Successful Giving Tuesday and Year-End Appeals.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience.
- 3 to 5 years experience in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, or related field.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, time management skills, and ability to meet deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in using fundraising software and donor databases.
- Familiarity with grant writing and grant management processes.
- Demonstrated ability to self-motivate, work independently, and be part of a team.
- Skilled in Microsoft Office, Google Docs, and Dropbox. Canva skills are a plus.
- Social media and E-newsletter creation through Constant Contactor similar software, a plus.
Interpersonal Skills:
- Passion for making a difference and appreciating the special natural heritage and culture of Western NC.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a small team and foster positive relationships.
- Ability to professionally represent BRNHA with various partners, funders, donors, and the public.
- Service-oriented with a desire to meet both internal and external customer needs promptly.
Physical and Environmental Considerations:
- Some travel is required. Must use personal vehicle for travel with federally approved mileage reimbursement.
- May have to lift and/or move up to 20 lbs.
- Close vision is required as well as the ability to speak and hear clearly.
- Some walking or standing may be required, and the position will sit and reach with hands and arms.
Independent Contractor Provisions and Details:
- Position: Independent Contractor at 25-30 hours per week, grant-funded assignment in Asheville, NC.
- Benefits: Flexible, remote position with some meetings, mostly in the Asheville area.
- Duration: 7 months, June-December 2024.
- Compensation: To be discussed at the time of interview/contractor will invoice monthly
Certificates and Licenses:
The contractor must have a North Carolina Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume and three references to Cindy Blankenship at cindy@blueridgeheritage.com
