Director of Development

Position Offering
Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary
Director of Development 

POSITION & ORGANIZATION

Position

       Director of Development

Non-profit Organization

       Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary

Location

       13915 North State Road 121
       Gainesville, FL 32653

Website

        www.junglefriends.org

 

MISSION

The Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary provides permanent, high-quality sanctuary care for abused, neglected, or unwanted New World monkeys who were ex-pets, used in research, or confiscated by authorities.  Jungle Friends is also committed to advocacy and education on behalf of all captive non-human primates, and to providing assistance to improve the circumstances of captive primates wherever possible.  We work cooperatively with a national network of other credible animal sanctuaries, government agencies, other primate and animal protection organizations, and qualified individuals to find placement for unwanted monkeys and to combat the exploitation and mistreatment of captive primates.

Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary was incorporated in 1997 and is now home to 298 monkeys who live on 39 acres in Gainesville, Florida. The greatest demand for sanctuary care within the past 18 months is for monkeys being released from research laboratories, a trend that shows no signs of letting up. 76 of the monkeys rescued since 2014 have come from research laboratories and we are in active discussions with other universities who wish to retire their monkeys.

The sanctuary facility is as unique as the monkey residents who call it home. We have designed acres of "living habitats" where monkeys live in spacious natural habitats linked together by miles of elevated runways.  We are home to the state-of-the-art Bob Barker Medical Clinic, a medical facility designed specifically for monkey healthcare. We proudly specialize in caring for monkeys with special-needs including those suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes and those with physical limitations such as blindness, amputations and paralysis.

The Director of Development will lead and manage all Jungle Friends fundraising programs. He or she will work closely with the Executive Director and other staff to create and execute the strategies needed to meet the organization’s annual budget and to significantly increase fundraising revenue.

INTRODUCTION

The Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary is seeking its first ever development professional to leverage the resources of loyal philanthropists and volunteers to support the growth and sustainability of this unique primate sanctuary.  The non-public sanctuary (the grounds are not open to the general public) began in 1997 and has grown to become a well-established non-profit institution, and needs a skilled professional development director to manage this critical function.  The Jungle Friends Primate Sanctuary has a current operating budget of $775,000 and has a resource-rich database including over 4 thousand donor records.  This is a full-time, on-site position with some donor and prospect related travel expected.

BASIC FUNCTION

The Director of Development is charged with the development, coordination, and implementation of a comprehensive and diversified resource development program.  The Director of Development will sustain this program by establishing relationships with funding sources and individual donors as well as managing and enhancing successful grant funding work.  Support for public relations and public events will also be part of the basic function of the position.  The challenge of this opportunity is to build upon the current base of support, while significantly expanding the donor base to enhance fundraising efforts.  The Director of Development will work very closely with the Executive Director to leverage her philanthropic activities and success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Development is expected to develop and implement a broad-based, comprehensive fundraising program to include major individual gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation relations (including grant writing), fundraising events, e-philanthropy, and direct marketing activities.  In addition, some public relations functions will be the responsibility of this position, including all social media management.  Ongoing capital expansion is planned to occur over the next several years, and fundraising activities to support such expansion will also be the responsibility of this position.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Work closely with the Executive Director, key staff and volunteers, and the Board of Directors to develop and implement a broad-based, comprehensive fundraising program.
  • Develop programs/campaigns to include major individual gifts, planned giving, foundation relations, fundraising events, e-philanthropy, as well as social networking and direct marketing activities.
  • Identify and cultivate institutional funding opportunities; prepare proposals and reports
  • Enhance existing resource development programs and establish new programs to secure both short and long-range fundraising.
  • Assist with board-building strategies and other volunteer committee activities that support fundraising.
  • Oversee all aspects of major gift cultivation and solicitation, including working closely with the Executive Director.
  • Develop and maintain existing fundraising systems and recordkeeping procedures including the resource development database.
  • Track and acknowledge current and potential donors, record and report all gifts.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

We are looking for a rare individual, who possesses that wonderful combination of strong skills, passion for our cause, personal integrity, and who is intrigued by the uniqueness of this work environment--39 acres of serene sanctuary grounds located in Gainesville, Florida.  Being hardworking, flexible, fun, and having a great sense of humor are key!

 Specific qualifications include:

  • Experience in resource development including management of fundraising campaigns.
  • Comfort independently soliciting major gifts from individuals and organizations.
  • Organization and prioritization skills and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with members, supporters, co-workers, etc.
  • Possess strong relationship-building, communication and motivational skills.
  • Skills and experience in software applications, including Word, Excel, donor prospecting, email marketing tools, and social networking. (We currently use Constant Contact and DonorPerfect.)
  • Willing to travel to local, regional, and national donor-related activities and conferences.
  • Dedicated to the Jungle Friends philosophy and improving the lives of animals.
  • Experience working with high-net worth donors and has a proven track record of successful fundraising solicitations and meeting fundraising campaign goals.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Applications will be reviewed with attention to specific experience, interest and fit, and overall engagement in the field as a professional or volunteer.

EDUCATION

A Bachelor’s degree is preferred. 

REPORTING STRUCTURE

The Director of Development reports to the Executive Director and will work with the Board of Directors, Board of Advisors, and the board fundraising committee.

COMPENSATION

Regionally competitive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate and could include housing on the sanctuary property.

CONTACT

Please send your letter of interest and a current résumé.  Include in your letter a detailed explanation of your experience and qualification for the job, as well as your salary requirements.

applicant@junglefriends.org

 Applications from outside Gainesville, FL are welcome.