Development Director

Honey bees help ensure the supply of diverse and affordable food such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, through essential pollination services. Project Apis m. (PAm) is the go-to organization at the interface of research, honey bees, and agriculture. Since 2006, we have funded over $13 million in honey bee research and $5million in forage programs. We are a 501(c)5 nonprofit organization, with a 501(c)3 sister organization, The Bee Health Collective (BHC). We offer a collaborative and flexible workplace. Join us in advancing honey bee health and supporting sustainable beekeeping businesses!  

Position Summary 

The development director supports PAm’s and BHC’s missions by working with our remote team, our Board of Directors, and Development Committee to secure the financial resources necessary to achieve our mission through individual, corporate, and foundation giving. PAm and BHC are financially healthy with many untapped donor prospects. In addition to development fundraising, we receive income from a variety of research management and grant programs. In reporting to and working closely with the executive director and members of the leadership team, the development director will lead the team in identifying and engaging new prospects and in building out current funder relationships. The development director is an ambassador to the missions of PAm and BHC that can clearly articulate the impact and the value of our programs to donors and stakeholders and will work closely with the communications manager to align and advance fundraising and communications strategies. Although prior experience with pollinators is not required, the successful applicant should have  enthusiasm toward and dedication to serving beekeeper needs. The development director should have familiarity with the nonprofit sector and best practices in development and fundraising.  

Primary Responsibilities 

• Advance and execute a development plan that includes donnor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, to support and expand our strategic goals and mission impact.  

• Lead fundraising efforts to achieve or exceed benchmark annual targets of $500,000 for PAm and $200,000 for BHC. These goals have been met consistently over the past three years. 

• Maintain a high level of professionalism and discretion while managing a variety of complex issues, communications, and interactions. 

• Manage and leverage PAm’s and BHC’s donor databases, and other platforms to strategically analyze and strengthen donor engagement and stewardship efforts.  

• Provide excellent donor experiences through response and relationship-centered customer service. 

• Maintain and grow corporate engagement collateral and marketing plans to initiate and maintain meaningful corporate donor relationships. 

• Work with the Board’s development committee to support and engage members in development efforts as outlined in PAm and BHC’s development plans. 

• Develop effective ways to utilize our strong network of passionate supporters for individual prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.  

• Represent Project Apis m. and Bee Health Collective at 4 to 6 state, regional or national beekeeping or supply chain meetings annually. Assist our team in developing messaging to include in presentations and public outreach that promote our mission and engage donors. 

• Prepare development reports for and attend bimonthly board meetings, support reporting to accountants and auditors, and develop the annual report. 

• Assist with the execution of PAm’s quarterly e-newsletter and craft compelling content and donor-focused stories that elevate development campaigns and highlight program impact.  

• Serve as a member of the leadership team to advance the strategic plan, develop new ideas, and identify effective solutions to organizational challenges.

Desired Qualifications*: 

• Development Experience – a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience (or a degree in a related field with at least 2 years of experience) including project management, event planning, foundation grant writing and major gifts management. Experience supporting programs focused on agricultural sustainability, scientific research, conservation, or environmental impact is highly valued. 

• Topical Knowledge – a demonstrated understanding of development and fundraising management issues and challenges. Awareness of and enthusiasm for  advancing pollinator health, beekeeping, and sustainable agriculture is a plus.  

• Facilitation and Coordination Experience – a demonstrated ability to effectively engage and organize various stakeholders to accomplish program goals. 

• Communication Skills – demonstrated engaging and effective verbal and written communication skills to rally support from both internal and external constituents. Ability to communicate complex scientific issues in a way that inspires new investments and long-term support via donor-facing narratives.  

• Data and Analytical Skills – Demonstrated ability to use appropriate tools to report progress to internal and external stakeholders and interpret analyses to improve the program.  

• Strategic and Growth-Oriented Mindset – demonstrated ability to think strategically about organizational sustainability, partnership development, and long-term growth opportunities that expand the reach and impact of PAm’s & BHC’s programs. 

• Problem Solving – Demonstrated ability to use critical thinking to seek out, identify, and communicate solutions to problems as they arise. 

• Technology-Proficiency with Microsoft suite, data visualization, AI, project management and database software. Prior experience with GiveButter, DonorPerfect, PowerBI, is a plus.  

• Adaptability – self-motivated ability to work independently and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders under general guidance from the executive director.

• * You need not have all these qualifications to apply, please highlight your experience in these areas in your resume and cover letter

This is a full-time, exempt position. PAm operates remotely; some travel is necessary. 

Annual Salary range $60,000 - $70,000  

Benefits  

• 100% Remote work, with targeted travel 

• 100% medical coverage for employee, dependents may be added at employee’s cost 

• 401K account matched up to 6% 

• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

To apply, please email cover letter, resume, and three references in one PDF to our operations director at patty@projectapism.org. No calls please. The review of applications will start on June 1 and will continue until the position is filled. 

Organization Websites: projectapism.org and beehealthcollective.org