Organizational Overview

The Dunes Learning Center is a non-profit residential environmental education facility located within the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  Our primary audiences are schools throughout northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland area.  Our mission is to provide learners of all ages an in-depth exploration of the dynamic relationship between people and their environments using the natural and cultural resources of the Indiana Dunes region where nature and society co-exist.

Position Overview

The Director of Marketing & Development has responsibility for the organization’s marketing & development efforts. He or she manages all development and public relations programs, with the objectives of: a) meeting annual development and marketing goals, b) expanding the Dunes Learning Center’s base of support, c) overseeing the development of comprehensive marketing and development plans d) identifying and pursuing appropriate governmental, foundation, and corporate support for the priority activities of the Center in coordination with the Development Committee and Executive Director, e) increase public awareness through marketing activities aimed at increasing attracting participants-  The Marketing and Development Director is responsible for donor tracking, development, and advancement, special events, marketing and communications, and fundraising.  This position is a member of the core leadership team of the organization and works closely with other members of the team to provide quality programs for participants.  In addition, they are responsible for efficient, effective customer service oriented communication both internally and externally.

Supervisor

The Director of Marketing & Development reports directly to the Executive Director.

Essential Functions:

1.      In conjunction with other staff and board, formulate and implement development and marketing plans to support the mission and goals of the Dunes Learning Center.

2.      Work closely with the Executive Director, the Development Committee and other special task forces to coordinate and meet annual giving, planned giving, special events, government, foundation and corporate giving goals for each fiscal year.

3.      Direct and manage volunteer (board) and staff cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors, including appropriate acknowledgement of gifts.

4.      Assume primary responsibility for grant writing and compliance, annual giving campaign, and exploring new grant sources.

5.      Work with Development Committee and Executive Director to implement major donor program.

6.      Work with Executive Director and Administrative Coordinator to ensure website and all other marketing material, including electronic media, is consistently updated.

7.      Coordinate and implement direct marketing efforts with target audiences including school groups.

8.      Coordinate special fundraising events, donor cultivation events, trips, etc.

9.      Direct all marketing and public relations activities for the Dunes Learning Center.

10.  Serve as Dunes Learning Center’s representative to the media, coordinating appropriate staff contacts.

Additional Functions:

1.      Oversee production of newsletter and donor acknowledgements.

2.      Write press releases for media and articles for Dunes Learning Center publications.

3.      Ensure Dunes Learning Center is represented at select community events including festivals, special events, and other high profile activities.

4.      Articulate the Dunes Learning Center mission to appropriate audiences.

5.      Other Duties as assigned.

Relationships:

Internal:  Reports to the Executive Director.  Will be a member of the Leadership Team. Works closely with other staff. Works closely with the Executive Director and Administrative Coordinator on grant reporting and budgeting. Works closely with Executive Director, Education Director, and Board to establish priorities for funding. Communicates with the Board on a regular basis and coordinates Executive Director and Development Committee to engage board members in development of marketing and development activities.

External: Deals with media regarding Dunes Learning Center activities.  Works with the media industry, schools and others to market Dunes Learning Center. Works with Development Committee, and Executive Director to build relationships with grantmaking organizations and major donors.

Equipment: (e.g., computer, typewriter, calculator, copy machines, telephone, etc.)

Computer experience essential.  Proficiency of Word, Excel and other Microsoft programs necessary.  Proficiency with donor database management programs such as Blackbaud and Filemaker Pro. Command of internet for research purposes.  Website design experience helpful, but not essential.  Knowledge of publishing software and web networking helpful.