Director of Development and Communications

Position Overview:

The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is seeking a creative and organized Director of Development and Communications to help tell the story of the Center in a compelling way that empowers others to join our mission. This role requires someone with a broad skill set in media, public speaking, relationship building, and fundraising. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who’s well organized, proactive, creative, and stays up-to-date on marketing trends.

The E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center is a nonprofit dedicated to public education focused on the importance of biodiversity, sustainability, and ecosystem conservation, preservation, and restoration.

The E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center, located in Freeport, Florida, provides free environmental education to 4 and 7 grade students in Walton, Okaloosa, Bay, Holmes, and Washington counties. Each school year, over 7,000 students visit the Biophilia Center, averaging more than 110 students each school day.

At the Biophilia Center, students learn experientially about the natural environment through curriculum aligned courses, interpretive exhibits, captive native species and ambassador animals, and an extensive trail system on the edge of the 57,000-acre Nokuse Nature Preserve. Curiosity, exploration, and inquiry of the natural world are encouraged. The Biophilia Center is open to the public on a regular schedule, outside of the school year, on weekends, and during the summer.

Key Responsibilities:

• Development (approximately 60%)
• Utilize Bloomerang (training provided) for online fundraising and development.
• Oversee Bloomerang and reporting systems to ensure accurate donor tracking and performance measurement.
• Employ data-driven analysis to evaluate donor trends and inform fundraising strategy.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising best practices and charitable giving.
• Serve as a major gift fundraiser by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding key donors and prospects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, private foundations, corporations, and partners.
• Develop innovative campaigns that expand visibility and attract diverse donors to increase overall giving. Partner with local agencies and stakeholders to engage new donors.
• Apply, monitor, and manage grant applications, reports, and compliance requirements in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Work closely with the Community Engagement Coordinator on event sponsorships and the annual gala.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to align fundraising goals with organizational priorities.
• Communications (approximately 40%)
• Oversee all social media accounts.
• Manage, update, and respond to the Center’s reviews and feedback on social media and Google.
• Oversee the design and publishing of the Center’s marketing pieces to help promote the organization and specific programs.
• Tracks and analyzes marketing results.
• Increase the Center’s social media presence and engagement of followers.
• Track social media growth and successes.
• Write Press Releases and distribute to media sources.
• Create and maintain media distribution lists.
• Manage the Center’s website, to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
• Write monthly newsletters.
• Identify potential influencers and supporters of the organization.
• Actively educate self on the latest trends in online marketing, paid advertising, and nonprofit technology.
• Utilize Search Engine Optimization knowledge to improve online searches.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Strong organizational, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, donor stewardship, and community engagement.
• Expertise in major gifts, planned giving, annual campaigns, events, and grant development.
• Understanding of social media apps, such as Instagram, Meta Business Suite, etc.
• Knowledge of image editing programs, like Canva.
• Strong computer/technology skills.
• Strong writing skills that craft compelling materials.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Ability to promote the mission of the Center.
• Have a valid driver’s license, dependable transportation, and reliable attendance.
• Commit to flexible scheduling to ensure attendance at events.
• Applicants are required to pass a background check through the Walton County School District.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education focused in marketing, communications, business, or public relations.
• Familiarity with Bloomerang.
• Non-profit experience.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation and benefit package
• Professional development
• Health benefit plan
• IRA with employer match
• 18 days of paid time off a year
• 9 paid holidays per year
• Bereavement leave
• Parental leave
• Voting leave

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to information@eowilsoncenter.org.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person