About the American Birding Association

The American Birding Association is the only major nonprofit in North America dedicated explicitly to the pursuit of birding. Through publications, digital content, workshops and events, and greater good programs like the Young Birder of the Year Mentoring Program and Birders’ Exchange, the ABA inspires people to enjoy and protect wild birds. Founded in 1969, the ABA is devoted to representing the interests of birders, growing the birding community, helping birders improve their skills and knowledge, and advancing a conservation ethic. The ABA believes birding is healthy, fun, and an ideal way to connect with the natural world.

Position Summary

The Development Manager (DM) is responsible for the identification and qualification of major and planned gift prospects and assists in cultivating and soliciting donors through communications, meetings, trips, events, and other activities. The DM leads the development of an annual fundraising plan and is the main staff liaison to the Board’s fundraising committee. The DM will work on a variety of activities including providing detailed program information to prospects and drafting personalized correspondence and acknowledgments. They use the ABA’s donor database to update donor information, produce reports, perform analysis, and track and cultivate donors. The DM understands the basics of the influencing factors on donors and the types of assets that may be used for the donor’s giving and applies that knowledge to interactions with donors and gift asks. This position reports to the Executive Director. The salary range for this position is $60,000 – $80,000, and benefits include a simple IRA and health insurance.

This will be a remote full-time employee position. Occasional travel to events will be required as well as flexible working hours as needed.

Position Duties

• Lead the development of an annual fundraising plan in collaboration with other ABA staff and the Board fundraising committee.
• Plan and evaluate major donor fundraising campaigns and activities. Recommend strategies and approaches that grow and broaden giving opportunities.
• Work with ABA staff to coordinate ABA’s spring and year-end appeals. Maintain project timelines.

• Use prospect research tools and ABA’s member database to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective major and mid-major donors.
• Develop and initiate a donor affinity group (the “Trailblazers”) and plan appropriate activities and communications.
• Drive the development and regular updating of the ABA’s case for support, including those for individual programs.
• Communicate with mid and major donors/prospects via email, phone, or printed/written letters.
• In collaboration with ABA staff and volunteers, develop member/giving surveys and analyze results.
• Plan and implement major donor/prospect “friendraising” events and “celebrity” birding outings with ABA board members, volunteers, and select staff.
• Develop marketing materials to encourage matching gifts, planned giving, stock, and IRA gifts.
• Serve as staff liaison to the Board of Directors fundraising committee.
• Work closely with the Executive Director to build a culture of philanthropy within the ABA.

Performance Expectations

• Demonstrated ability to influence and engage a wide range of donors and build long-term relationships.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented and ability to manage projects, set and stick to deadlines, and follow internal organizational processes.
• Demonstrate initiative and be a team player.
• Willingness to travel.
• Be an ambassador for the ABA.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience building relationships with donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Experience writing and editing correspondence such as letters or proposals; or equivalent.
• Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting the data.
• Experience in managing and tracking prospects and donors.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles and practices.
• Experience as a birder considered a plus

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter which directly address their qualifications for this position. Please send materials to work@aba.org.

The American Birding Association is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. Candidates are considered without regard for race, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.