Business Development Director

Department: Development

Classification: Director

Reports to: Deputy Director

Location: Berkeley CA/Hybrid

Job Type: Full-Time; Exempt, Salaried

The Screening for this Job Role Begins: 01/13/25

Ecology Center Background:

The Ecology Center's mission is to inspire and build a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond. Since 1970, we've transformed sustainability ideas into everyday practice, offering actionable information, reliable infrastructure, and leadership for lasting change. We operate the nation's first curbside recycling service, nationally recognized food and farming programs, and model education, engagement, and youth development activities.

Role Overview:

The Business Development Director will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to increase revenue and expand our reach. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in non-profit development, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in building partnerships and securing funding.

Working collaboratively with our Leadership Team and Executive Director, the Business Development Director, leads the organization to develop fundraising success, growth, and diversification. Working in collaboration with the Executive Director and across programs and departments, the Business Development Director develops and executes an annual individual giving plan. Working in partnership with Program Directors, the Finance & Operations Director, and other program staff, the Business Development Director manages the foundation and government grants submissions and reporting. Supervising the communications and events coordinators, the Business Development Director oversees the development and execution of the annual communications and events plans, including marketing for the store and farmers markets, press and earned media efforts, member and other external organizational communications. This is a hybrid position and requires up to three days per week in the office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Execution:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive business development strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
  • Identify and pursue new revenue streams, including grants, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and other funding opportunities.
  • Monitor industry trends and adapt strategies to ensure competitiveness and innovation.
• Partnership Building:
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including corporate partners, foundations, government agencies, and community organizations.
  • Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and networking functions to enhance visibility and foster new partnerships.
• Grant Writing and Fundraising:
  • Lead the preparation and submission of grant proposals and funding applications.
  • Develop and execute fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
  • Work closely with the department team to identify and engage potential donors and sponsors.
  • Oversee the ongoing maintenance, expansion, and improvement of internal members and other contact lists as the administrator of the Salesforce CRM.

Event Planning and Management:

• Support team in planning, organizing, and executing high-profile events such as galas, fundraisers, community outreach events, and donor appreciation functions.
• Provide oversight to the team on all aspects of event logistics, including venue selection, program development, vendor coordination, and on-site management.
• Coordinate with the communications team on event-related marketing materials and to ensure effective promotion and media coverage.

Communications Strategy:

• Develop and implement a communications strategy that supports the business development, programmatic, and fundraising goals of the organization.
• Oversee the creation of compelling content for various channels, including newsletters, social media, press releases.
• Manage website maintenance, including content updates, troubleshooting, security, performance optimization, cross-browser compatibility, and leading website redesign projects for improved design and functionality.
• Oversee organizational communications, including activities of direct reports and relevant program staff, to ensure consistent messaging and effective outreach to target audiences.
• Manage relationships with media contacts and coordinate press coverage for key initiatives and events.

Team Leadership and Supervision:

• Supervise and provide guidance to direct reports and additional program staff, ensuring effective performance, professional development, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Cultivate a strong and motivated team by providing support, setting clear expectations, and encouraging a culture of accountability and teamwork.
• Foster a collaborative atmosphere by working closely with direct reports and other staff to achieve program objectives.
• Identify and implement strategies to build team engagement, improve performance, and ensure high levels of job satisfaction across the program.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record of securing funding and building successful partnerships.
• Strong understanding of grant writing, fundraising strategies, and event planning.
• Extensive experience in developing and implementing communications strategies and managing media relations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and a creative approach to content creation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• High level of organizational and project management skills.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, social media platforms, and with CRM systems and fundraising software.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Or minimum of 5 years of experience in business development, fundraising, communications, or related roles, along with supervising employees, preferably within the non-profit sector.
• Valid California driver's license and ability to travel up to 10% of time.

Physical Demands:

• Regularly talk or hear up to 6 hours a day; Regularly sit, type, and use keyboard/ mouse up to 7 hours a day; Regularly sit and stand from chair up to 20 times a day; Occasionally stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms;
• Occasionally climb stairs and/or take elevator; Occasionally get in and out of car up to 6 times a day; and
• Occasionally drive in dry and wet weather, usually during daylight hours, but occasionally in the evening hours;
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty five (25) pounds

Hours

Full time, 40 hours per week, exempt position. This position is scheduled to work with occasional evenings or Sunday events. This position is a hybrid position.

Salary & Benefits:

• Pay range $99,830 to $119,796 DOE, plus full medical and dental insurance, optional vision insurance, vacation, sick leave, holiday leave, employer-matched 401k plan, and Employee Assistance Program.

People of color, people LGBTQIA-identified, women, veterans, and formerly incarcerated individuals are strongly encouraged to apply. EOE/AA.