Development Coordinator

Key Responsibilities

• Fundraising & Donor Relations
• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan to meet OBA’s sustainability goals.
• Identify, research, and cultivate relationships with individual donors and corporate sponsors within the outdoor industry.
• Maintain a donor database to track engagement, contributions, and appreciation efforts.
• Create great emails, social media posts, donor updates, reporting materials that inspire people to give.
• Grant Development & Management
• Lead the identification of federal, state, and private grant opportunities.
• Draft, edit, and submit compelling grant proposals and letters of inquiry.
• ARC Compliance: Assist in tracking metrics and preparing reports to demonstrate the impact of ARC’s investment in OBA’s capacity building.
• Member & Sponsor Development
• Leverage events as a primary vehicle for member and sponsor activation.
• Cook with vendors, members, and guest speakers to ensure high-value experiences for the outdoor business community.
• Recruit and maintain relationships with sponsors for events.
• Support the logistics, promotion, and execution of OBA networking events, workshops, and annual gatherings as needed to bolster fundraising efforts.

Qualifications

• Professional experience within the outdoor industry ecosystem, including outdoor recreation, conservation, outdoor business, or outdoor community development.
• Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising.
• Roads knowledge of Western North Carolina outdoor economy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire collaboration and trust among diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to inclusive economic growth and community engagement across rural and underserved regions.
• Skilled in program/event management with ability to juggle multiple deadlines, from event timelines to grant submission windows.
• Proficiency in nonprofit and grant compliance.
• Computer software proficiency, including Google Suite and Customer Relationship Management softwares.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the organization.
• Locally based in Western North Carolina and able to travel throughout the western region of the state and potentially throughout North Carolina as needed. Must possess a valid driver's license and a functional vehicle.
• Availability to participate in occasional evening and weekend events across WNC.
• Experience: Proven background in fundraising, donor relations, or nonprofit development.
• Preferred: Proven experience securing funding for 501(c)(6) organizations. Success in managing grant-funded projects, including deliverables tracking and reporting, with familiarity in ARC or other federal grant compliance and reporting requirements.

Compensation

This is a grant-funded 1099 independent contractor position with up to a three-year term. Compensation is commensurate with experience, with an anticipated range of $20/hr to $30/hr, provided as an hourly rate up to a maximum value, or possible monthly sum.

As a 1099 contractor, this position is not eligible for employer-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions, or paid time off. However, OBA recognizes the importance of rest and sustainability in leadership roles. The Development Coordinator is expected to manage their workload and schedule to allow for reasonable personal time off, while ensuring continuity of organizational operations and fulfillment of the position’s scope of work.

The scope of work includes additional designated funds for approved travel expenses and reimbursement for select work-related supplies (e.g., computer equipment, printing, mailing).

This role is funded through Federal Grant dollars through the Appalachian Regional Commission.