Organizational Overview

Eight years ago the people of Port Townsend, Washington took back a vibrant community gem that had been taken from them.  Together they bought back their downtown waterfront, a magnificent stretch of shoreline that had become a polluted oil terminal.  Their plan was ambitious and their fundraising unprecedented: in four years they raised more than $3.5 million, cleaned up the shoreline and built a new “green-built” deep water pier.

But the people of Port Townsend didn’t stop with a public pier.

They developed a vision for an education center to celebrate their collective heritage of wooden boat building – a craft that connects them to their past and is vital to their economic future.  Their vision became the plans for the Northwest Maritime Center.

The Northwest Maritime Center—now merged with the wooden Boat Foundation—will be a place of wonder – two buildings where children and adults can learn about the rich maritime culture of Puget Sound and the craft of sustainable, wooden boat building.  The Center will be a place for Port Townsend residents and visitors who seek a deeply meaningful experience.  It will also be a place for maritime professionals writing the next chapter of their legacy.

In a town where $100 is a major gift, volunteers and staff of the Northwest Maritime Center have already raised $10.2 million from 1,400 donors -- 59 percent of the total $17.2 million goal.  They now seek a Campaign Director to help them finish the job.  For job announcement and application instructions, see www.nonprofitrecruitment.com/

The Northwest Maritime Center went to bid in January and construction on the Maritime Heritage and Resource Building is expected to begin in May.  An aggressive campaign is underway to raise the remaining $7 million to reach goal and add the Chandler Maritime Education Building to the project.  The Capital Campaign Manager will lead this campaign.

The Capital Campaign Manager will oversee the completion of the $17.2 million campaign.  The Capital Campaign Manager reports directly to the Executive Director and works closely with the board, capital campaign committee, and campaign counsel.  She/he is a key part of the development team, which includes a Major Gifts Officer, Membership Coordinator, and Annual Giving Coordinator.

Responsibilities

• Work with campaign counsel to manage the campaign, in keeping with campaign plan and budget.
• Support and help set campaign priorities for Executive Director. 
• Help recruit and train campaign leadership, including orientation materials and meetings as needed.
• Research and identify donor prospects with Board members, staff, campaign volunteers, and campaign counsel.
• Work with Executive Director, volunteer leaders, and campaign counsel to develop effective strategies for cultivating and soliciting prospective donors.
• Develop and ensure timely submission of effective proposals to corporations, foundations and individuals.
• Manage and maintain campaign prospect list for Executive Director, volunteer leadership and campaign counsel. Assist with counsel in the prioritization of prospects.
• Accurately track campaign gifts and pledges to ensure appropriate recording and acknowledgement; coordinate with financial staff as needed.
• Enthusiastically and accurately represent campaign in the community as appropriate.

Competitive starting salary depending on experience. Benefits include flextime, medical and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick leave,10 paid holidays, and 403(B) retirement plan. 

Required Skills & Experience

• Commitment to the environmental education, historic preservation, and community development. 
• Solid development experience, including experience with major gifts. 3+ years experience and capital campaign experience preferred
• Experience motivating and guiding volunteers, preferably in fundraising.
• Experience developing and utilizing fundraising plans 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; budget development and management skills.
• Excellent computer skills including Word, Access, Excel and Internet savvy.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as with a team.
• Masters Degree preferred; bachelor’s degree required.
• Acquaintance with the climate and culture of the Pacific Northwest
• Experience with boats a plus
  NWMC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity among our staff. We strongly encourage people of color, people who speak a second language, and people with disabilities to apply.

To Apply

E-mail a 1-2 page chronological resume and 1-2 page cover explaining (1) Qualifications -- What experience, skills and personal characteristics qualify you for this position; (2) Mission fit -- Why the mission and work of the Northwest Maritime Center appeals to you; and (3) Career -- Why the Capital Campaign Manager position at the Northwest Maritime Center is the right step for you in your career.

Laura Retzler
Senior Recruiter
Nonprofit Recruitment Services
206.324.0821
laura@nonprofitrecruitment.com

Posted on February 1, 2008. Rolling deadline. Applications will be reviewed and acknowledged within 48 hours.