Job Opportunities

The Alice Ferguson Foundation is a preeminent environmental educational organization on the Potomac River focused on providing experiences that encourage connections between people, the natural environment, farming and the cultural heritage of the Potomac River Watershed, that lead to personal environmental responsibility. As a leader of watershed stewardship, it models innovative practices, outreach, partnerships, programs and events that are replicated nationally.

Director of Development

POSITION OVERVIEW
We seek a skilled professional fundraiser to lead Alice Ferguson Foundation’s Development Team. The Development Director reports to the Executive Director of the Alice Ferguson Foundation, supervises a Development Associate and development consultants, and works collaboratively with staff and Board to lead all aspects of a comprehensive development operation. Responsibilities include: Leading an aggressive capital campaign; cultivating an individual donor-base including low, mid-level, and major donors; building and sustaining a strong and diverse annual fund; implementing systems to ensure proper management of donor information and relationships; and working with staff to research and write grants to foundations, corporations, and state and federal government programs. In addition, s/he will collaborate with staff to develop marketing, promotional and outreach materials, as well as fundraising and awareness building events.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Strong commitment to the environment and environmental education for children.
2. Bachelors degree preferred and/or a minimum of seven years of fundraising experience, with proven track record in foundation grant writing, corporate sponsorships, major donor and membership development and special events.
3. Attention to detail and the ability to organize, establish priorities, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
4. Exceptional written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Computer proficiency including donor software such as Razor’s Edge, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, web page maintenance, contact management.
6. Knowledge in charitable giving laws and compliance regulations.

SALARY: Salary commensurate with experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Development Director Search Committee
c/o Tracy Bowen
Alice Ferguson Foundation
2001 Bryan Point Road,
Accokeek, Maryland, 20607
United States
(301) 292-5665
Fax: (301) 292-1070

Or via email to: officemanager@fergusonfoundation.org

Hard Bargain Farm Educator/Naturalist, (part-time)

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Educator /Naturalist will:

• Conduct on-site environmental education programs, including agricultural, ecology field studies, and team-building activities, using hands-on, inquiry-based activities and teaching styles.
• Particiapte in off-site classroom outreach
• Participate in staff development including training and conferences.
• Assist with farm chores as needed, including animal care, planting and harvesting.
• Participate in AFF special events.
• Support educational, community, and environmental outreach through presentations, demonstrations, newsletters, Web sites, and/or other outreach activities.

SALARY/BENEFITS: $10/hour plus sick and personal leave , averaging 20-30 hours per week in spring and fall, 10-20 hours per week in winter and summer.

STARTING DATE: Open

• Comfort in and appreciation of the out-of-doors, and experience working with children.
• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Science, Environmental Education, Agriculture, Education, Natural Resources, Physical or Outdoor Recreation, or a related field.
• Ability to hike daily and lead inquiry-based, hands-on environmental education activities.
• Knowledge of ecology, aquatic habitats, and flora and fauna.
• Willingness to learn to drive tractor and work with barnyard animals.
• CPR, First aid and canoe safety training or a willingness to acquire training.

• Demonstrated teaching competence
• Certifications in CPR and First Aid
• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills
• Physical ability to hike, canoe, drive a tractor and assist with farm chores

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Open until filled

APPLICATION INFORMATION: Please send cover letter and resume to ecampbell@fergusonfoundation.org, Alice Ferguson Foundation, 2001 Bryan Point Road, Accokeek, MD 20607, or FAX 301-292-1070.

Event Coordinator for Potomac Watershed Trash Summit

Tasks will include:

• Identifying and inviting key stakeholder groups including elected officials, agency staff, and youth groups
• Organizing meetings and conference calls with session moderators, speakers, and participants
• Facilitating website updates through coordination with Website Coordinator and Database Coordinator
• Assisting with coordination of event logistics such as setup, catering, sponsorship, program production, and media.
• Other activities as directed

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent writing and communications skills

• Previous experience with event organizing
• Basic environmental knowledge – familiarity with Potomac River Watershed area.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal political structures
• Proficiency in Adobe Indesign and Skype

The Potomac Watershed Trash Summit is a flagship event of the Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative and is a gathering of 300 key stakeholders to educate, dialogue, plan and take action on strategies that lead to a Trash Free Potomac Watershed by 2013. The Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative is a program of the Alice Ferguson Foundation which seeks to address the Potomac watershed’s trash problem by engaging citizens and community leaders, which will generate momentum for change and environmental responsibility.

Please send resume and cover letter to Matt Alcide, apply@fergusonfoundation.org, 202-518-7415, www.trashfreepotomac.org Deadline to apply: July 21, 2010.