Summary
Description
Development Director
Star Lake Wilderness Camp, Crow Wing County, Minnesota
Overview
Star Lake Wilderness Camp is a rustic youth development camp in Crow Wing County, Minnesota. We are committed to fostering growth, resilience, and a connection to nature in the young people we serve. We are currently seeking a dedicated and dynamic Development Director to join our team.
Position Summary
The Development Director will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and sustainability of Star Lake Wilderness Camp. This individual will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, cultivate and steward donor relationships, and oversee grant writing and reporting. The ideal candidate will have a passion for youth development, a commitment to our mission, and a proven track record in fundraising and development work. This position reports to the Board of Directors Executive Committee. This is a .5 FTE position.
About Star Lake Wilderness Camp
Star Lake Wilderness Camp provides an outdoor recreation and living experience where youth can unplug and grow physically, socially, and mentally. We largely focus on youth who love adventure and may be traditionally underserved, have challenges, or would otherwise lack meaningful exposure to nature.
Located thirty minutes north of Brainerd, MN, our camp is secluded in its setting and rustic in its accommodations. Campers sleep in tents and eat around a fire. They are outdoors for their entire stay. Activities include canoeing, swimming, crafting, volleyball, hiking, stargazing, and fishing.
Star Lake Wilderness Camp is one of the few adventure camps in Minnesota that offers a true outdoor wilderness experience where campers stay in tents and all programming takes place outdoors. The large 420 acre property allows our campers to feel immersed in nature. Star Lake is unique in that it encompasses an entire, undeveloped lake. Camp programming is the only activity held on the lake.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan to meet the camp's financial goals.
- Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
- Lead grant writing efforts, including research, proposal development, submission, and reporting.
- Plan and execute fundraising events and campaigns to engage the community and raise funds.
- Collaborate with the camp's leadership team to align development efforts with organizational goals and priorities.
- Manage donor database and ensure accurate record-keeping and acknowledgment of contributions.
- Provide regular reports to the Board of Directors on development activities and progress.
- There is an opportunity to participate in other functions as time permits.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, education, social work, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2-4 years of experience in development.
- Proven success in securing gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Passion for youth development and the mission of Star Lake Wilderness Camp.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with youth development or outdoor education programs.
- Familiarity with donor management software and tools.
- Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in Minnesota.
Compensation and Benefits
This is a .5 FTE position and is compensated at the annual rate of $32,000 plus mileage and expenses.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to dan.hudson@starlakewildernesscamp.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Star Lake Wilderness Camp is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
We look forward to welcoming a passionate and driven Development Director to our team!
