Director of Development

The Woldumar Nature Association is a nonprofit community organization, established in 1963 with a mission “to educate people about the natural environment.”

VIEW A FULL JOB DESCRIPTION AT https://woldumar.org/employment-opportunities.php

About the job:

We are seeking an experienced fulltime fundraising professional to take the reigns of an established development program and help us achieve ambitious mission impact in 2026! Woldumar offers a rewarding career as part of a small team that is fueled by collaboration and respect.

The Director of Development is responsible for planning and implementing the Woldumar Nature Association’s annual and long-term fundraising strategies. With particular emphasis on grants and corporate giving, the Director of Development will grow membership and individual gifts, plan special events, annual campaigns, capital campaigns, and implement a planned giving program.

Your work will support our environmental education efforts! Funds raised through charitable giving allow us to offer summer camps, school field study, and community education services while we protect and restore valuable ecological resources on over 180 acres located in Lansing, MI.

What you bring:

The ideal candidate will be a natural relationship builder who loves people and the great outdoors: someone who enjoys socializing and solitude, and is equally comfortable in dress shoes or hiking boots. Flexibility and adaptability are key qualifications for anyone working in this fast-paced, multifaceted, often weather-dependent field. A creative thinker who enjoys trying new things will excel at Woldumar.

A high school diploma is required. A college degree in a related field is preferred. 3 years’ experience in a role where fundraising was a primary responsibility is required. Experiences working and playing in the great outdoors, summer camp experience, gardening/landscaping, or knowledge of Michigan flora and fauna are all helpful but not required.

Key responsibilities:

o Cultivate and maintain relationships with members, donors, corporate sponsors, coworkers, & the community at large

o Maintain CRM. Work closely with our bookkeeper to track grant expenditures and file reports in a timely and accurate fashion

o Develop and implement campaigns for growing membership and individual support

o Identify, research and write funding proposals to foundations, corporations, organizations & government agencies

o Plan and implement the Annual Woldumar Trail Run 5k; Annual Members' Meeting; and other member/donor recognition events and fundraisers

o Create donor prospect lists, cultivation plans, and solicit major gifts

o Create opportunities for individuals to support Woldumar through estate planning such as bequests, trusts, annuities and other planned giving tools

Benefits:

This is a full-time, year-round, salaried position. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. Primary workspace will be on-site/in office, however limited local travel will be common, and limited remote work may be possible.

Compensation range is $45,000-$55,000/year commensurate with experience. Woldumar will provide an IRA match up to 3% and a QSEHRA health care account. Generous vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, maternity/paternity, bereavement, short-term disability, and paid administrative leave. Woldumar supports professional development through membership in various professional associations, networking events, and other PD opportunities.

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter and 3 professional references to director@woldumar.org. Pre-application inquiries are welcome and encouraged.

WHO WE ARE:

The Woldumar Nature Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission “to educate people about the natural environment.” Since 1963, Woldumar has been a resource for area schools, families, and the entire Greater Lansing Community, offering seasonal day camps, field study, and educational community events. We serve over 6000 students each year.

Woldumar protects and restores over 180 acres of ecologically significant green space in southwest Lansing. A working farm before it was generously donated by Gladys Olds Anderson, the property now boasts prairie, pine forest, wetlands, and hardwood forest, bounded by over 1.5 miles of Grand River shoreline. Five miles of hiking trails are open daily to the public.

A community of association members, volunteers, and individual and corporate program sponsors help keep this tremendous local resource available. The nature center is a popular venue for weddings, meetings and conferences, birthday parties, and other social events which help raise funds to support our nonprofit mission.

Woldumar is governed by a board of directors elected by the membership, and operated by a small year-round staff currently consisting of an Executive Director, Program Director, Hospitality Manager and Groundskeeper.

During an exciting time of growth for the organization, we strive to continue engaging more people in our existing programs while diversifying our offerings to reach new communities.

Our Values:

· We deeply care for Woldumar and our community.

· We act with compassion, respect, and integrity.

· We are passionate about the conservation of nature and committed to the fulfillment of our mission.

· We effectively collaborate with each other and our community.

Our Guiding Principles:

· Woldumar is nature for all.

· Woldumar is a cause and a community that inspires, empowers, and promotes well-being.

· Woldumar is dedicated to the stewardship and preservation of our resources.

Our Goals:

· EDUCATION: To grow exceptional educational programs.

· STEWARDSHIP: To enhance the long-term sustainability of Woldumar’s land and facilities.

· COMMUNITY: To expand opportunities for people to feel connected to Woldumar and nature.

How to Apply

Resume, cover letter and 3 references to director@woldumar.org. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions before you apply!