Job description

About us

Founded in 2007, Merrohawke Nature School is a 501c3 nonprofit outdoor education committed to guiding learning in nature that inspires empathy, resilience, grit, and a deep connection to the earth. Based in Boxford and Newburyport, Mass., Merrohawke serves 600+ youth annually, year-round, from communities in Essex County, Lower Merrimack Valley, and beyond.

We believe that learning in nature makes us all stronger. Through experiential learning on the water and among forest and fields, Merrohawke cultivates both personal growth and a connection of Essex County’s maritime heritage & biological diversity into its programming. This land and sea focus, a strong Waldorf-inspired curriculum, a licensed outdoor preschool, and exceptionally low student to teacher ratio, are some of what makes Merrohawke so unique.

In November 2019, after 11 years of seeking an outdoor property to call home, Merrohawke achieved a long-term arrangement to operate in Boxford at a historic, restored farmstead, that spans 18 acres and is adjacent to hundreds of acres of conservation land including Essex County Greenbelt Association property and the Boxford State Forest. Originally founded as BOAT CAMP Inc., Merrohawke's maritime focused programs continue to be offered on the waterfront in Newburyport. We are committed to this effort for the benefit of creating healthier youth, stronger families, a thriving community, and a flourishing planet.

Reporting to and in partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Development will provide strategic leadership and be responsible for all aspects of fundraising at Merrohawke. A new position in the organization, the Director will grow Merrohawke’s development capacity to support operations, education programs, scholarships and special projects aligned with annual financial goals. This position is supported by a robust donor database, active volunteers, engaged board members and a strong foundation of loyal donors, sponsors and supporters who believe in growing youth strong by nature.

Responsibilities

The Director of Development is responsible for developing new streams of revenue from public and private funders; overseeing one major fundraiser annually; securing successful multi-year support for education programs to advance the organization’s mission; cultivating and managing long-term relationships; writing grant proposals and reports; and stewarding internal and external reporting while continually supporting the organization’s values, vision and mission. This may include launching a capital campaign in 2024.

Responsibilities include:

• Stewarding and executing Merrohawke Nature School's annual $200K fundraising plan
• Securing financial support from individuals, foundations and corporations who are champions of the environment and youth
• Cultivating and building ongoing relationships with donors by scheduling and attending in person visits and following up with timely correspondences
• Creating communications in collaboration with ED including annual report, newsletters, presentations, executive correspondence, solicitation materials and website content
• Developing a planned giving program
• Managing the donor database, Bloomerang
• Overseeing annual June auction and other smaller events including supervising event design, promotion, sponsorship, advertising and logistics, and analyzing event fundraising performance, in collaboration with volunteers
• Developing and tracking proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraising
• Engaging in community outreach that will further the mission of Merrohawke and increase the awareness of the nature school’s programs and services

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a champion of nature and youth and personally values the importance of outdoor education. This person is a self-starter able to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects in an informal environment that values a great deal of independence.

Desired qualifications include:

• Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision, and values of Merrohawke
• Minimum of 5 years of development experience with increasing levels of responsibility and success securing major gifts, preferably for education or environmental conservation related programs.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree with coursework in non-profit fundraising
• Knowledge of the Essex County and eastern New England philanthropic landscape
• Impeccable, articulate written and oral communication skills, with comfort speaking before groups of professionals.
• Excellent customer service skills to build relationships with stakeholders
• Self-motivated, willing to work alone and collaboratively, with a strong work ethic in an entrepreneurial, mission-driven environment
• The integrity, wisdom, persistence, and humor necessary to address the practicalities of a dynamic nonprofit moving through significant growth.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Google workspace, social media, online fundraising, and other new media.
• Commitment to continuing professional development

To Apply

Send a cover letter, resume, references, and sample of fundraising-related work via email to explore@merrohawke.orgas a PDF file.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Contract

Pay: $35,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

Experience:

• Fundraising: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Boxford, MA 01921

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