Development and External Relations Manager

About Great Rivers Environmental Law Center

Great Rivers Environmental Law Center is a nonprofit public interest law center working to protect the environment and public health across Missouri and Southern Illinois. For over 20 years, our efforts have supported clean air and water, climate action, and environmental justice for all communities. We work alongside residents, advocates, and partner organizations to ensure that environmental laws are enforced and strengthened, particularly in underserved and overburdened communities.

Position Summary

The Development and External Relations Manager is responsible for leading the organization’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts, with a strong emphasis on cultivating and securing major gifts. This role will work closely with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors Development Committee to advance the organization’s strategic fundraising goals, build relationships with supporters, and strengthen Great Rivers Environmental Law Center’s visibility in the community.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder with a passion for the environment, a track record of securing significant gifts, and a commitment to engaging donors in meaningful and mission-driven ways. This position has room to grow and will evolve with the organization’s needs. As Great Rivers Environmental Law Center expands its development efforts, the role is expected to gain support staff to help carry out its goals.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Stewardship (70%)

• Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of individual donors giving $1,000+ annually, with an emphasis on those capable of $10,000+ gifts.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director on personalized donor outreach, including meeting prep, follow-up, and stewardship.
• Coordinate all aspects of annual appeals—strategy, writing, segmentation, production, and analysis—in partnership with the Executive Director to grow annual giving and donor retention.
• Lead donor recognition and engagement strategies, and provide stewardship for mid- and lower-level donors as capacity allows.
• Serve as an ambassador for diverse giving opportunities, including monthly and planned giving, donor-advised funds, and legacy gifts.

Development Operations (20%)

• Maintain the donor database (currently Bloomerang), ensuring accurate records and timely contact reports.
• Work with the Executive Director and Development Committee to create and implement annual fundraising plans and meet revenue targets.
• Support grant writing and reporting in collaboration with staff as needed.
• Assist with planning and execution of donor events including our signature fall fundraiser event.

External Relations & Communications (10%)

• Help develop and carry out strategies to raise the organization’s visibility through digital and print materials that support fundraising and outreach goals.
• Contribute to ongoing communications, including updating website content, managing social media, and assisting with newsletters.
• Work with staff to showcase client stories and program impact in donor and public-facing materials.
• Represent Great Rivers Environmental Law Center at events, meetings, and community gatherings to build relationships with supporters and partners.
• Serve as the point of contact for the Young Professionals Board, helping to coordinate engagement and activities.
• Respond to volunteer inquiries as needed and help connect volunteers with appropriate opportunities or staff.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with demonstrated success in major gifts.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect authentically with diverse donors and supporters.
• Strong writing, planning, and organizational skills.
• Experience using donor management software (Bloomerang or similar).
• Passion for environmental protection, justice, and public interest work.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work both independently and as part of a small, dedicated team.
• Familiarity with environmental or legal advocacy is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $69,000–$74,000, commensurate with experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities
• Meaningful work that protects the environment and supports communities

To Apply

Please send a cover letter and résumé to dbayarsaikhan@greatriverslaw.org, with the subject line: Development and External Relations Manager Application. Applications will be accepted through May 7, 2025.