Development Associate - OAEC

Development Associate
Occidental Arts and Ecology Center
Full-time, non-residential position

The Occidental Arts and Ecology Center (OAEC) is seeking a Development Associate. OAEC is a non-profit educational and advocacy institute working in the areas of ecology, watershed restoration, horticulture, the arts, and social justice activism. OAEC is located on an 80-acre retreat facility and intentional community, 65 miles north of San Francisco in western Sonoma County, California.

Job Summary
The Development Associate will serve as an integral member of OAEC’s expanded
Development Department, with the goal of increased support for the growth of OAEC programs. He/she will work closely with OAEC’s Development Director and various program staff to maintain and enhance our current funding relationships while exploring new opportunities for foundation and donor support.

Responsibilities
1. Assist with Foundation and Government Grants for OAEC Programs
a. Extensively research new foundation prospects to support OAEC programs
b. Manage and regularly update OAEC’s Grants Summary database
c. Maintain, update and manage OAEC’s Grant Calendar
d. Integrate changes in guidelines, staffing and priorities of tracked foundations
e. Manage files on all foundations (hard copy and in the OAEC database)
f. Document all written, in-person and phone communications with each foundation
g. Manage the system for tracking correspondence with and updates due for each current and prospective foundation
h. Copy edit Letters of Inquiry (LOI’s) and grant proposals written by program staff, the Development Director (DD) and the Executive Director (ED)
i. Compile the elements of a completed grant proposal (i.e. attachments) and have it
fully prepared for submittal (in advance of the deadline) by the DD, ED or program
staff.
j. Track and ensure the timely submission of grant reports, including the actual writing of select grant reports.
2. Assist with Major Donors for OAEC Programs
a. Manage files for major donors (hard copies and in the OAEC database)
b. Manage the system for tracking correspondence with and updates due for each current and prospective donor
c. Generate ‘Thank You’ cards for each major donor. Manage the circulation of the
cards to other OAEC staff for their note and signature. Mail cards in timely fashion.
d. With other OAEC staff, assist with the planning and execution of Donor Events
3. Other Responsibilities as an OAEC Staff Member
a. Attend and participate in weekly OAEC staff meetings
b. Attend and participate in the yearly OAEC planning process
c. Be available and flexible to support the organization’s overall success

Qualifications
• Excellent writing and copy editing skills
• Substantial experience in and capacity for research work
• Administrative experience with exceptional organizational skills and attention to details
• Ability to manage projects, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
• Strong familiarity and comfort with using database systems, and Word and Excel software
• Confidence to be self-directed and the ability to work both independently and collectively
• Enthusiasm for OAEC’s mission and work to create just and sustainable communities
• Grant writing, fundraising experience and working in a non-profit setting are preferred
We are looking for someone who is flexible and energetic to participate in the dynamic process of a growing non-profit, and to assist with the expansion of OAEC’s Development Department. We celebrate diversity, use consensus decision-making processes, and are committed to maintaining a supportive, diverse, honest and open working environment. The Development Associate works and collaborates directly with the Development Director, with support from the Executive Director and other OAEC program staff.

Compensation
This is a full-time, non-residential position. Salary is up to $35,000 per year, depending on experience. OAEC offers a generous vacation plan and a Cafeteria Plan with health care options, but does not offer paid health insurance. Staff can participate in OAEC courses and events free of charge, use the OAEC facilities (pond, hot tub, sauna, etc.), harvest produce from our gardens,
and eat meals at OAEC when working. OAEC is committed to equal employment opportunities. We do not discriminate based on an
individual’s race, sex, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, age, or on any other basis prohibited by law.

To Apply:
Please refer to www.oaec.org for background on OAEC and our programs. We are accepting applications until 5:00 pm, Friday, April 13, 2012. Early application is encouraged. Qualified applicants please email a cover letter, resume, and list of current references to Tynes Viar, tynes@oaec.org. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered. Please do not contact OAEC with questions about the job or the application process. Please refer to the Job Announcement. Applicants will be notified by email if OAEC requests more information or an interview.