Organization: Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA)
Location: Elkins, WV
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Organization Overview
The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) celebrates the central Appalachian forest—its history, culture, and natural resources. We work across 16 counties in West Virginia and 2 in Maryland to conserve assets, enhance tourism, and foster community development. We are a designated National Heritage Area with a broad range of programs supporting conservation and heritage, including grantmaking and the management of an AmeriCorps team. We have a robust partnership network, but need to improve our fundraising and revenue-generating strategies to match federal funds.
Position Summary
The Resource Development Director is a strategic leadership role responsible for diversifying and expanding AFNHA’s financial base. The position will have robust support from the staff team and Board members, including the Executive Director and Communications Manager, but will need to take lead responsibility for both planning and implementation. This position will be responsible for organizational fundraising, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and capital campaigns. Additional responsibilities will include grant writing, program income, and fundraising events. A successful applicant must be comfortable with “making the ask” and will help coach and support board members in reaching out to their peers.
Additional duties will include general organizational management as part of the leadership team, Board engagement and support, staff engagement and support, and other aligned duties as assigned.
This is a Director-level position with AFNHA, working directly with the Executive Director, and taking substantial responsibility within the organization. This is a full-time, exempt position, located in the Elkins office. If you are passionate about Appalachia and have the drive to help us grow, we want to hear from you.
Core Responsibilities
1.Fundraising Strategy & Execution
- Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-year development plan to support AFNHA’s strategic goals.
- Identify, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of major gift donors and corporate sponsors.
This will include:
- creating outreach materials and compelling “cases for support” that resonate with diverse stakeholders.
- building relationships with donors and prospects,
- tracking and follow-through using an appropriate donor database (CRM) to ensure accurate records and insightful data analysis.
- Organize and manage periodic appeals and digital fundraising campaigns.
- Consider recommendations for fundraising events or adding fundraising strategies to existing events. Help organize and implement such events.
- Oversee and assist with AFNHA program income opportunities.
2. Grant Management & Oversight
- Become familiar with existing and repeating grants, and research and identify new federal, state, and private foundation grant opportunities.
- Lead the preparation of high-quality grant proposals and ensure timely, accurate reporting on existing awards.
- Collaborate with program staff to align funding opportunities with organizational needs.
- Assist with management of AFNHA grant-making program, including providing technical assistance for partners seeking grants.
3. Leadership & Collaboration
- Report directly to the Executive Director and provide regular updates to the Board of Directors.
- Assist in the development of the annual budget and financial forecasting.
- Partnerships — Play a substantial role in partnership development, managing relationships, and outreach.
- Outreach — Work with and support the Communication Manager for outreach and promotion. Represent AFNHA at regional networking events, conferences, and community meetings. Provide in-person outreach to individuals, groups, and communities, including managing opportunities, attending public meetings, and delivering public speaking engagements.
Qualifications & Skills
- Experience: At least 5+ years of experience in non-profit development, grant writing, or a related field.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Non-profit Management, Communications, or related field, or a degree in a content field related to AFNHA mission (Environmental Studies, Public History, or other related field) with relevant non-profit experience. Master’s preferred.
- Demonstrated Understanding of the process and steps involved in fundraising, and the ability to not only plan a campaign, but to bring it to reality and raise funds.
- Highly desirable:
- Proven track record of donor fundraising, including securing substantial donations.
- Proven track record of securing substantial grants from diverse sources
- Experience in planning and implementing fundraising events
- Familiarity or experience with Appalachia or AFNHA region. Even better for experience with networks and potential prospects within AFNHA counties.
- Bonus points for experience with a National Heritage Area or other partnership-based collaborative organization.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal presentation and writing skills, adaptable to the appropriate audience.
- Tech Savvy: Proficiency with Microsoft, databases, and the Google Workspace.
- Local Heart: A deep appreciation for the Appalachian region’s unique culture and landscape.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Ability to travel throughout the 18-county AFNHA region as needed.
- Must be comfortable working in a collaborative, small-office environment where communication and teamwork are essential, and “other duties as assigned” might occasionally include helping at a local heritage festival or hiking a trail.
Benefits
- Salary commensurate with experience starting at $50,000+ per year
- Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) and federal holidays.
- Matching retirement benefits when eligible
- Flexible scheduling
- The chance to work every day toward the preservation of one of the most beautiful regions on Earth.
AFNHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
TO APPLY:
Send resume with cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position to:
logan@afnha.org, or AFNHA, PO Box 1206, Elkins, WV 26241
Call Logan, 304-636-6182 with any questions.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled
