Director of Development

Director of Development

About Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

Established in 1977, Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation (WRR) receives approximately 10,000 wild animals per year for rehabilitation and release as well as providing permanent sanctuary for more than 600 resident non-releasable indigenous wildlife, non-native wildlife (mammals, primates, reptiles, and birds) and farmed animals. Wildlife Rescue is located on 212 acres in the Hill Country, southwest of Austin and northwest of San Antonio. The WRR Roger & Phyllis Sherman Animal Care Complex (SACC) is located in San Antonio.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will be responsible for developing and implementing an integrated, comprehensive fundraising program to maintain and expand philanthropic support of the organization, currently raising over $4.6M annually. The Director of Development will have demonstrated experience in guiding the full major donor lifecycle, including identification, cultivation, ask, and stewardship, and building membership for an organization. This position is an in-office position with the expectation for the Director of Development to work from locations in San Antonio and Kendalia.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Key duties and responsibilities of the Director of Development include, but are not limited to:

Strategy and Implementation Priorities

• Develop and implement WRR’s comprehensive fundraising strategy, focusing on high ROI areas such as major and capital gifts, corporate and community partnerships, and planned giving.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors with a personalized approach, aimed to increase high-value gifts and establish long-term donor relationships.
• Expand planned giving options, creating pathways for legacy giving and promoting these opportunities to donors as a meaningful way to support WRR’s future.
• Spearhead initiatives for new donor acquisition, particularly targeting audiences aligned with WRR’s mission, and work to increase recurring monthly donations.

Donor Engagement and Support

• Manage WRR’s donor portfolio, coordinating communications that include newsletters, personalized appeals, event updates, and annual reports to maintain donor engagement.
• Evaluate existing special donor groups (e.g. Sustainers) to leverage opportunities, plan for new groups (as appropriate), and ensure that all function effectively.
• Develop re-engagement strategies for lapsed donors, ensuring they are approached with targeted messaging and compelling opportunities to renew support.

Events and Community Engagement

• Oversee the planning and coordination of all WRR fundraising events and community engagement activities, ensuring each event maximizes visibility, financial support, and alignment with WRR’s mission.
• Plan, direct, and execute external agency communications, including with media.

Management

• Mentor, train, and supervise development department staff currently consisting of a social media and events professional and a donor and community relations manager.
• Maintain, schedule, and execute annual grant management, including application development, submission, and reporting requirements.
• Ensure data integrity within the Raiser’s Edge system and analyze donor engagement metrics to refine and enhance fundraising strategies continually.

Candidate Qualifications and Expectations

• Bachelor’s degree or above, preferably in humanities or social sciences.
• Seven or more years’ experience in direct nonprofit fundraising work (e.g. Annual Fund, Major Gifts, etc.)
• Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Officer Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and WordPress or other web publishing platforms.
• Knowledgeable, passionate, and concerned about animal and environmental protection issues.
• Ensure fundraising goals are met by holding self and team responsible for metric-based outreach.
• Take ownership of own professional development, quickly getting up to speed on all relevant fundraising and animal and environmental protection issues as needed to excel in this role.
• Maintain open, consistent, professional, and supportive communication with the Executive Director, Founder/President, all WRR staff, volunteers, and donors.
• Remain composed amid difficult circumstances and emergencies and respond in a professional and timely manner in all situations.
• Consummate team player who can be flexible and nimble while being multi-task oriented.

Compensation

$85,000 plus benefits.

POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING

The Batten Group and Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation, Inc. are equal opportunity employers committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.