Summary
Description
Fundraising Manager
Full-time permanent
Hybrid (3 days based in Plymouth, MA office or in the field)
Who we are:
Whales have a very busy job as the ocean’s farmers, bringing nutrients to a floating ocean forest which gives us half our oxygen, stores carbon, and supports fish stocks. The planet needs whales, and we believe that whales need all of us, not just some of us.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation – North America (WDC-NA), is a Candid Platinum-rated 501c3 non-profit based in Plymouth, MA. Incorporated in 2005, WDC-NA works to ensure a future for marine mammals through science, education, and policy. We work as a supportive team with passion, competence, and scientific credibility while remaining fun, sassy, inclusive, compassionate, and family-oriented (both two and four legged).
What we’re looking for:
We are seeking a creative, ambitious, and experienced fundraiser to join our team and help grow the impact of Marine Mammal Rescue and Response, Education, Science, and Policy programs.
You will have a global impact: Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s North American office is part of a global network of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation family who are based in the UK, Germany, and Australia. In addition, we work collaboratively with national and international conservation organizations, corporations, government agencies, and industries toward solutions.
Your skills will be put to good use: You will manage the existing fundraising pipelines while investigating and implementing new opportunities. From individual giving to corporate partners, events, and campaigns, you will execute a fundraising strategy portfolio parallel to the work of our Grants Manager to grow our work and our impact.
A creative mindset is a bonus: Working with our talented Communications team, you will use your storytelling skills to shape the future of our ocean and our planet. You will weave in the role of whales as the ocean’s gardeners as you support technological solutions to prevent entanglements and give students a chance to learn about whales from inside a life-sized inflatable right whale.
What we offer:
Measurable Impact:
- Response to emergencies through our Marine Animal Rescue and Response Program
- Reduction of accidental entanglement of whales and dolphins
- Protection of whales and boaters from accidental vessel collisions
- Prevention of the extinction of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales
- Shaping the next generation of marine mammal scientists, advocates, and educators through our Education Program.
Our philosophy is holistic. We thoughtfully engage with people who have different life experiences, cultures, and belief systems. Candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Whale and Dolphin Conservation – North America embraces and encourages all voices to participate in marine conservation. Our hiring procedure includes a blind review of applications, not attached to the identity of the individual applicant. We therefore do not encourage emails or phone calls regarding your application.
A comprehensive and competitive benefit package including subsidized retirement plan, health, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance is available along with opportunities to see whales and dolphins in the wild.
What we need from you:
Responsibilities:
- Develop, execute, and monitor a fundraising strategy for philanthropic support. This includes securing, cultivating and stewarding individual donors, major gifts, corporate sponsors, and revenue generating events.
- Coordinate with the Grants Manager to build relationships with corporate or private trusts and foundation contacts.
- Work with the Communications Team to oversee donor communications and develop and deliver outreach campaigns and marketing initiatives. Outreach may include one-on-one correspondence, face-to-face socializing and meetings, presentations, special experiences, and hosted events.
- Handle sensitive topics and complex financial situations with compassion and poise.
- Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate sponsors and donors by conducting research that matches the campaign goals and the organization’s mission.
- Work with the Director of Operations to manage and grow our donor database, maintain revenue tracking, and conduct prospect research as well as identify new opportunities for digital and traditional fundraising platforms.
- Work with the program staff to identify and prioritize opportunities for sustaining and growing the impact of their work.
- Work with our board to help steward donors and solicit donations.
- Work with the finance team to monitor budget goals and needs.
Measuring Success:
- Performance will be evaluated periodically through reports of strategic initiatives, budget reviews, and self-assessments.
Qualifications:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
- The candidate must be organized and able to meet deadlines
- Proficient computer skills required (Excel and Microsoft 365 a plus)
- Minimum three years of demonstrable success in fundraising/marketing
- Knowledge of fundraising techniques and strategies
- Knowledge of trends and methodologies in donor relations
- Experience with institutional donors
- Experience with prospect research and building donor pipelines
- Previous non-profit experience preferred
- Graphic and CRM experience a plus
- Google Ad Grants experience a plus
- Must be able to work some nights and weekends
- Must have a sense of humor and enjoy working as part of a team
How to apply:
Our hiring process starts with an anonymous questionnaire designed to reduce unintentional bias caused by demographic info. The questionnaire is a series of essay style questions and may take more time to fill out than a standard application. Please see the link to apply.
*In an effort to level the playing field for all candidates, our review panel first considers your answers to a series of questions before we learn your name or look at your resume. It’s a great way to get to know you and how you will approach a role within WDC-NA without introducing biases. We know it’s a bit different than other jobs you’ve applied to, but we want to hear from you (not from AI) so please answer honestly and thoughtfully and remember we aren’t grading on grammar. Thanks for your shared love of whales, dolphins, and ocean protection!!
Learn more about WDC
Review our FY25 Impact Report
Salary:
- This is a salaried position. WDC evaluates salaries based on metrics as outlined by the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act.
- The salary range for this position is 58,000 – 80,000.
- The final salary offer is determined by evaluating the candidate’s specific metrics including, but not limited to skill, effort, education/training, experience, and responsibilities of the role
