The Director of External Relations is responsible for raising funds and awareness for the Carolina Raptor Center, ensuring that every guest to the Raptor Trail has a first-class visitor experience and is made aware of opportunities to support the work of CRC through membership. They will focus their personal fundraising efforts on major gifts from private individuals, corporations, and foundations and will lead the organization’s annual giving (membership) program. The Director of External Relations will also lead the organization’s marketing efforts which includes website(s), newsletters, social media, and events. Finally, the Director of External Relations will oversee the Visitor Services staff and ensure that they are executing efficient operations that provide a high-quality guest services experience while promoting CRC membership to visitors of the Raptor Trail. Direct reports will include the Marketing Manager, Development Associate and the Visitor Services Team.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected] by April 15, 2025.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: President and CEO

Department: External Relations

Employment Status: Full-Time

Compensation: $55,000 – $65,000 (Dependent on experience)

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree marketing, business administration, or related field.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in fundraising, sales, or marketing with at least 3 years’ experience specifically in non-profit fundraising.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Experience in leading direct reports to successfully execute on their day-to-day responsibilities.
Must exhibit a passion for the mission of the Carolina Raptor Center. • Must be a strong written and verbal communicator.
Must be a team player willing to step into a variety of roles within the organization.
Must be willing to work nights, weekends, and remotely as needed.
Must be able to lift at least 35 pounds.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license at all times.

Essential Functions:

Direct the efforts of the Marketing Manager to plan, oversee, and execute all organizational marketing (website, print, social media, earned media, and event marketing).
Direct the efforts of the Development Associate to plan, oversee, and execute CRC’s annual giving (membership) program.
Direct the efforts of Visitor Services Team to plan, oversee, and execute the functions of the Raptor Trail front desk and retail store to ensure that all visitors have a first-class experience and are engaged as potential members.
Identify, engage, and secure commitments from individual donors with the capacity to give $1,000 per year or more.
Identify, engage, and secure commitments from corporate donors with the capacity to give $5,000 per year or more.
Communicate and follow-up on annual board giving campaign with CRC Board of Directors. • Plan, oversee, and execute fundraising events throughout the year with the support of board fundraising committee.
Lead and manage team members assigned in membership, guest services, and marketing areas and coordinate the efforts of this team with the Director of Avian Operations, Director of Facilities, and other members of the senior leadership team.
Ensure a comprehensive and detailed database is maintained for all members, donors, grants, and corporate partners.
Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Physical Demands:

Work in this position will include sitting, walking, bending, standing, lifting weights in excess of 20 lbs., hearing, stooping, balancing, depth perception, kneeling, reaching, driving a vehicle, and the ability to speak and stand for significant periods of time during programs.

Work Environment:

Office space in Carolina Raptor Center’s Visitor’s Center at 6000 Sample Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078. This position will frequently assist with programming outdoors in all weather conditions and often with large groups of people.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time.