Engagement and Stewardship Manager

Wilderness Inquiry’s mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities through shared outdoor adventures so that all people can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature.

At Wilderness Inquiry, we believe that everyone belongs. We work to ensure this belief holds true in our workplace, in our community, and in the outdoors. We pursue this belief through our mission and shared values of paddling together, nurturing inclusion, seeking the exceptional, and finding a way.  

Position Summary & Dimensions

Summary

The Engagement and Stewardship Manager ensures exceptional execution of fundraising strategies that are foundational to achieving department revenue goals. This role is responsible for donor stewardship; department communications; special event strategy, development, and execution; and business administration and data management for development programs. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about increasing operational effectiveness through relationship-building and continuous process improvement.

Dimensions

Working Title: Development Manager

Position Classification: Manager

Employment Conditions: Exempt

Department/Section: Development

Classification Starting Range: $62,000-$72,000, depending on experience

Reports To: Senior Development Manager

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

Responsibility 1: Special Events & Communications (40% time)

Tasks

1. Plan, organize, and execute 6-8 events annually that support Wilderness Inquiry’s mission, fundraising goals, and community engagement efforts (including Board & Friends, campaign cultivation, Opportunity Fund gatherings, and Great River Races): 
2. Facilitate event design, metrics for success, and annual revenue goals with the Development team and organizational leadership.
3. Develop and manage timelines, budgets, and work plans for each event.
4. Organize and implement effective event-planning meetings with internal staff, Board committees, and vendors.
5. Independently manage sponsorship outreach and fulfillment by aligning champions with prospects and ensuring consistent and timely followup.
6. Coordinate event logistics including catering, audio-visual equipment, transportation, rentals, auctions/raffles, and signage.
7. Supervise on-site execution of events, including staff, volunteers, and vendors.
8. Develop promotional strategies for special events in collaboration with the Communications/Marketing team to ensure consistency with brand standards:
9. Design and disseminate digital and print materials.
10. Oversee invitation lists, registration, and attendee engagement.
11. Ensure audience segmentation and alignment with other priorities on the organizational communications calendar. 
12. Conduct post-event evaluations and analyze feedback to improve future events:
13. Maintain accurate records of event performance, attendance, and financials.
14. Ensure acknowledgements are promptly made to attendees, vendors, and sponsors.
15. Analyze evaluation data and make recommendations for year-over-year improvements.

Responsibility 2: Donor Engagement & Stewardship (40% time)

Tasks

1. In collaboration with the Senior Development Manager, organize and implement the annual giving strategy to increase participation and revenue growth through direct mail, email campaigns, digital fundraising, and other innovative approaches.  
2. Grow the number of individuals that give to Wilderness Inquiry on an annual basis and create tracking mechanisms for continuous improvement: 
3. Analyze donor data, prior campaigns’ performance metrics, and nonprofit sector research that supports our individual donor development strategy.
4. Ensure effective donor cultivation efforts by researching prospects and helping ensure consistent engagement strategies.
5. Design, develop and implement effective donor communications collateral, including meaningful and inspiring acknowledgment letters, impact statements, event communications, eNewsletters, appeal campaigns, proposals, etc. in a collaborative, but self-directed manner.

Responsibility 3: Department Administration, Data Management and Research (20% time)

Tasks

1. Ensure timely execution of core department business processes, such as reporting, prospect research, and meeting coordination.
2. In collaboration with Senior Development Manager, implement and maintain effective data standards and training for all staff who manage and maintain donor records.
3. Manage the donation entry process and ensure quality control:
4. Maintain organized files, calendars, and records for all major development projects and campaigns.
5. Design and implement continuous business process improvement strategies to ensure effective use of resources and timely acknowledgement of gifts.
6. Work collaboratively with members of the development team to assist with other fundraising projects as needed.
7. Manage and update annual charity compliance reviews and ratings. 

Responsibility 4: Embrace Values, Community Agreements and Other Roles/Responsibilities as Assigned.

1. Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that centers Wilderness Inquiry values and supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees, adhering to our Workplace Community Agreements
2. Actively engage in other duties as assigned, including mission-oriented events, programs, and core audience engagements.

Performance Indicators

1. Communicates accurately, honestly, and respectfully with others in a positive and constructive manner
2. Participates productively and positively to work groups and contributes to making teams successful
3. Encourages a safe and healthy work environment for everyone

Please note: These are not intended to encompass all roles and responsibilities of this position; other duties may be assigned at the discretion of the supervisor.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Required Qualifications: 

• Knowledge, experience, and success with clear, concise writing, storytelling and donor-centered communication, event planning, and/or development administration.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with attention to detail and effective execution.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to articulate desired outcomes, goals, and impacts.
• A team player who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills and ability to independently organize, manage deadlines, and prioritize multiple projects. 
• Demonstrated computer and database management skills.

Desired Qualifications and Characteristics 

• Bachelor’s degree and 1-3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, communications or comparable experience;
• OR, 3+ years of nonprofit communications and/or development experience.  
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex events with multiple stakeholders.
• Proactive problem-solver that addresses challenges with persistence, respect for other opinions, and a sense of humor when needed.
• Passion for Wilderness Inquiry’s inclusive mission and the natural world.
• Results-driven and able to independently implement a planned event or campaign.
• Excellent computer and database skills.
• Outstanding written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Willingness to listen, learn, and continuously improve.

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to use a telephone and computer. 
• Must be able to lift 25 lbs.
• Must possess a legal driver’s license and ability to drive a car. 
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:

This is a hybrid position which reports to Wilderness Inquiry’s Headquarters in Bloomington, MN. Individuals can expect 2-3 days in-person with opportunities for remote work when responsibilities allow.

Wilderness Inquiry is an equal opportunity employer.