Development Specialist

Position Overview
Development Specialists support the Endangered Wolf Center’s external relations efforts by organizing tasks related to membership, fundraising, and special events.

Institutional Summary

Did you know every Mexican wolf in the wild today can trace its roots back to the Endangered Wolf Center (EWC)? Founded in 1971 by Marlin and Carol Perkins, the EWC continues to lead the pack with pioneering science, pup fostering, reintroduction, and inspiring educational programs to preserve and protect Mexican Wolves, American Red Wolves, and other wild canid species.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Culture

• Support the Endangered Wolf Center’s organizational culture, promoting transparency and collaboration.
• Contribute positively as a member of a diverse and talented, paid and volunteer staff to further EWC’s mission.

Organizational Capacity

• Collaborate with the great EWC team to implement an established strategic plan.
• Support efforts to grow capacity through membership, grants, events, and other fundraising activities

Operational Capacity

• Under the guidance of the Director of Development, utilize resource management software (donor database, grant management, etc.) to ensure accuracy and to provide relevant data for effective fundraising operations.
• Actively participate in departmental planning efforts in strategy and operational decision-making and assist in implementing determined courses of action.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain effective, fruitful, long-term relationships with donors and members.
• Represent the organization in a manner that strengthens the brand and communicates the Endangered Wolf Center’s purpose, mission, and vision.

Key Competencies

Collaboration 

• Builds & fosters trust with others
• Motivates with compassion 
• Contributes to a team-first culture
• Cultivates positive interpersonal interactions
• Establishes & sustains effective communication pathways

Accountability

• Acts with integrity
• Contributes productively to group efforts
• Owns mistakes and uses them as constructive growth opportunities
• Effectively manages workload
• Delivers positive results

Initiative & Innovation

• Shows good judgment with sound decision-making
• Proactively navigates obstacles in workflow
• Successfully adapts to unexpected challenges
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning
• Performs duties without unnecessary supervision

Job Ability

• Displays technical skills appropriate to experience
• Work quality meets expected standards
• Demonstrates professionalism with all stakeholders
• Maintains job-related proficiencies
• Stays up-to-date on field-related knowledge

Stewardship

• Exhibits workplace behaviors consistent with the mission
• Contributes to a sense of belonging, community, and well-being for all 
• Prioritizes service to others
• Upholds the highest professional ethics and standards
• Demonstrates commitment to safe practices

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred; education preferences may be substituted by an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to use various office software products (word processing, databases, spreadsheets, Dropbox, Google Suite, etc.)
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting, handle stressful situations, and maintain stakeholder confidentiality.
• Experience and knowledge of philanthropy, including donor acquisition, preferred
• AZA-accredited institution and nonprofit experience a plus
• Must hold or be able to possess a valid driver’s license within three months of hire
• Successful completion of a background check is required before employment

Physical Demands

• This is a full-time on-site role; remote work days are considered as-needed.
• Able and willing to work non-traditional hours (weekends, nights, and holidays) and travel (including overnight trips) as needed
• Capable of holding certification in First Aid and CPR
• Frequent exposure to outside weather conditions and a natural environment
• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, walking (including on uneven surfaces), and occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs

Compensation & Benefits

Starting from $14.50 hourly. Individual rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set. Exceptionally qualified candidates may be offered an advanced role within the department. EWC’s benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) contribution match, paid time off, and some pretty wild co-workers of assorted leg count!