Director of Development Riveredge Nature Center

Riveredge Nature Center is located in Saukville, WI (30 minutes north of Milwaukee), on 485 beautiful acres of restored prairies, woodlands, and wetlands along the Milwaukee River. Riveredge has a remarkable 58-year legacy of creating joyful educational experiences in the outdoors. Our mission is to support conservation through education that awakens curiosity, engages the body, and explores connections to nature for all people.

Riveredge achieves its mission by partnering with individuals and organizations across southeastern Wisconsin. Our dynamic staff works to promote the strategic themes of nature-rich lifestyles for all, wellness in nature, nurturing the next generation, and putting conservation into action. Upholding a commitment to making environmental education more broadly accessible, we offer immersive, hands‑on, and fun outdoor experiences within the Riveredge sanctuary and throughout the communities we serve—including Ozaukee, Washington, and Milwaukee Counties.

The Director of Development provides key leadership to all philanthropic initiatives at Riveredge Nature Center and serves as an important part of the Center’s leadership team. The Director of Development directly supervises the Development Team including a Membership & Database Manager, Marketing & Communication Specialist, Grants Specialist and a part‑time Administrative Assistant. The Director of Development is critical to planning, implementing, and supervising all aspects of fund development.

• Work with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, Board of Directors and Development Team to design and fulfill annual fundraising strategy and goals
• Monitor fundraising results and report progress to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors including participation in Board Meetings and Philanthropy Committee Meetings
• Manage and empower the development team in designing and fulfilling their goals, meeting every two weeks
• Work with the Executive Director and the Philanthropy Committee to build Board’s capacity, consistency, and confidence in fundraising

• Oversee successful creation and implementation of the annual development plan
• Lead annual giving and planned giving programs focused on engagement with 100+ major donors
• Manage donor communications for high‑level, strategic fundraising opportunities
• Oversee grant‑seeking strategies, proposal development, and submission of 100+ proposals annually
• Lead planning and execution of membership and fundraising events including Farm‑to‑Table Dinner Gala
• Successfully cultivate corporate relationships to grow memberships, volunteerism, and sponsor ships
• Work with Executive Director and Development Team to create and implement the development communications plan and annual report

• Represent Riveredge with media, donors, community partners, environmental committees/organizations, etc.
• Contribute to the staff team philosophy by staffing the Visitor Center on 3-4 Saturdays per year
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by Executive Director

In addition to the Primary Duties, the Director of Development is expected to meet the following expectations set forth to all staff members of Riveredge Nature Center:

• Meaningfully contribute to the Riveredge staff team. This includes helping with projects, programs, and events that may fall outside of the primary duties or departments of this position description
• Foster an inclusive and supportive environment through personal actions such as supporting and helping other staff members and volunteers
• Provide high quality customer service experiences to all guests and volunteers

• Proven work experience as Development Director or similar role; 3+ years experience in fundraising
• Minimum of 2+ years of experience in a leadership position including the supervision of staff and volunteers
• Fluency in Microsoft Office, Google Workplace and familiarity with CRM (e.g. Neon or comparable database)
• Bachelor’s degree
• Collaborative spirit, bringing out the best in staff members through an asset‑based approach to leadership
• Interest in sustainability…