redefining the way we traditionally manage Alberta’s provincial parks and recreation areas, then we would like to hear from you.
The Organization:
The Parks Council was incorporated in April 2008 as a registered non-profit society to manage and operate Eagle Point Provincial Park and Blue Rapids Provincial Recreation Area in partnership with Alberta Parks. The Parks Council facilitates ongoing collaboration among community-based organizations, industry leaseholders and municipal/provincial governments in the planning, development and operation of outdoor recreational facilities and programs and other parks management responsibilities, within these protected areas.
The Parks Council currently has a core staff of three. The volunteer Board consists of sixteen directors; including representatives from Alberta Parks, local municipalities and outdoor recreation organizations, and industry and public stakeholders. The focus of the Parks Council over the next three years will be:
• supporting its Operating Partner members in the upgrading and development of recreational trails, campsites and other facilities;
• tourism marketing and promotion of the recreational potential of the areas and its facilities; and encouraging associated economic development benefits for the community;
• ongoing scientific monitoring, reclamation and protection of the ecological values of the area; and
• ongoing environmental education and citizen involvement and education programs and services
For additional information regarding our organization please visit: http://www.epbrparkscouncil.org
The Position:
The position is based in Drayton Valley, Alberta with office space provided at the Parks Council office. It is a full-time term position running from February to December 2012, however opportunities to extend the position in a modified role may exist for the right candidate.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Fundraising and Development Officer will be responsible for:
1. developing and implementing a comprehensive, long-term fundraising strategy for the Parks Council that will establish a solid revenue base for a core annual budget in the $300,000 to $500,000 range; and
2. providing advice and assistance to the Parks Council Operating Partner members to ensure success in capital project fundraising towards specific outdoor recreational facilities such as trails, campsites, and staging areas
Duties will include:
• Identifying, screening and selecting appropriate grants and other appropriate income streams
• Following an early review of existing strategies and initiatives, leading the development of a comprehensive and practical fundraising strategy that will coordinate the approach of the Parks Council and its Operating Partner members in securing government and agency grants; corporate and business sponsorships, and individual donations;
• Working closely with the Executive Director, and other staff in the conceptualization and planning of funding proposals and applications, sponsorship pitches and other targeted appeals for established funding priorities of the Park’s Council;
• Identifying and meeting potential donors and funders and facilitating donor meetings with staff, and volunteer directors as appropriate;
• Writing and assembling grant applications and proposals and coordinating the assembly of endorsing and supporting letters;
• Preparing general fundraising support materials in print and electronic media;
• Delivering and supporting the delivery of fundraising presentations and solicitations;
• Incorporating in-kind donations of supplies and services (from government, business, industry and individuals) into project and service grant applications and proposals
• Working closely with volunteers from member organization operating partners in planning and supporting the preparation of grant applications and proposals for their facility capital projects;
• Enhancing the capacity of staff, operating partners and selected volunteers to fundraise by coaching, developing skills and providing guidance and advice
• Enhancing on-line giving tools and establishing social media outreach and engagement tools in support of individual giving;
• Keeping accurate and up-to-date donor and potential donor tracking records
Qualifications:
• University degree or certificate in administration, sales/marketing, non-profit studies or fundraising management with three (3) to five (5) years experience in progressive fundraising/fund development; or any equivalent combination of training and experience
• A proven record of success in raising funds for non-profit organizations and experience in developing, implementing and operating successful fundraising campaigns
• Excellent written communication and oral presentation skills
• A high degree of enthusiasm for and interest in outdoor recreation, parks, environmental education and capacity to excite potential donors about the benefits of supporting the work of the council and its members
• A practical working knowledge of fundraising management and the legislation (federal/provincial) affecting non-profits and charities.
Compensation:
The Parks Council offers a generous and competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Applications:
Applications are to be submitted no later than 17:30 MST January 23, 2012 and include a complete resume (detailing relevant employment experience and accomplishments, formal and informal education/training and specific skills relevant to the position), cover letter, and at least three (3) professional references. Applications should be directed to:
Mr. Ryan Edwards, P.Ag.
Executive Director, EPBR Parks Council
5136 — 51 Avenue
Box 7355
Drayton Valley, AB T7A 1S5
jobs@epbrparkscouncil.org
~ We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted ~
This project is sponsored in part by Rural Alberta Development Fund.
