Background

About the Roger Tory Peterson Institute

Founded in 1984, RTPI houses the largest collection of Roger Tory Peterson’s artwork, films, slides, papers and related materials. The Peterson Collection is housed in an architectural gem of a building designed by Robert A.M. Stern and sited within a 28-acre nature preserve in Peterson’s hometown of Jamestown, New York – home to the National Comedy Center, the Robert H. Jackson Center and (nearby) the Chautauqua Institution. Under the leadership of a new CEO and a reenergized board of directors, RTPI is poised to fulfill its promise as a national leader for the study, exhibition and nurturing of art as field guide to the natural world – to awaken a large diversity of people to nature’s beauty as well as its challenges, and to be empowered to make positive changes to protect nature for future generations

Job Summary

About the Director of Development and Communications

The Director of Development and Communications is a key member of the senior leadership team. Reporting to the CEO and working collaboratively with other staff, the Director provides oversight of RTPI’s interrelated development and communications efforts. 

The Director must be experienced in developing and managing successful fundraising programs for both individual and institutional giving; a proven track record with annual giving and planned giving campaigns a plus. The Director must be adept at guiding all staff in their development responsibilities, working closely with board members, and building relationships with donors and volunteers. S/he must have a passion for cultivating a culture of philanthropy throughout a nonprofit organization.

The Director must be experienced in developing and managing successful communications campaigns to advance fundraising and other program areas, as well as an organization’s overall mission and brand; a proven track record with e-communications a plus.

The ideal candidate must be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a small, close-knit team, and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. S/he must be extremely detailed oriented, excel at time and project management, and embody a donor service mentality.

A demonstrated passion for the mission of the organization is a must.

Reports To

Chief Executive Officer

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement annual fund campaign.
• Plan and implement planned giving strategy.
• Develop and manage schedule of institutional grants.
• Establish and manage corporate sponsorship program.
• Plan and manage annual communications plan.
• Inform and manage annual development and communications budget.
• Manage development and communications team, including staff, contractors, volunteers and interns.
• Keep current with fundraising and communications trends, particularly within the nonprofit museum and conservation fields.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of development and communications strategies based on substantive, measurable criteria.
• Staff the board Development and Communications Committee to establish needed policies and procedures.
• Participate in staff meetings, program team meetings and board meetings, along with other meetings with funders or professional colleagues as requested.

Qualifications

Desired Skills/Qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree, preferably within a museum or conservation-related field.
• 5-7 years fundraising experience in a leadership role.
• 3-5 years communications experience, inclusive of social media.
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, CRM/fundraising software and social media platforms.
• Ability to manage simultaneous priorities and meet deadlines.
• Aptitude for continual growth and adaptability to the needs of the organization.
• Superior written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Organized and inspiring team leader.
• Creative thinker/stickler for details.
• Passion for contributing to a creative, professional work environment.
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule.
• Desire to mentor junior staff.