Friends of Lakeside Lab, Inc. is seeking an executive director to oversee the daily operations of administration, community engagement, and solicitation of donors on behalf of the Friends organization. Friends of Lakeside Lab is a 501(c)3 with the mission of supporting environmental education, water quality monitoring, and research programs at Iowa Lakeside Laboratory. This is a full-time, on-site position comprising:

25% - Administration
Administration of the organization requires ongoing investment in the people and systems required to achieve our shared mission. Ensuring the Board is aligned and equipped to fulfill its governance role, with a focus on strengthening engagement and optimizing operational systems and leveraging available tools for greater efficiency while proactively driving committee meetings and keeping them on track with organizational objectives.

Activities include:

  • Overseeing basic accounting functions in QuickBooks and exploring further integration with DonorPerfect as needed.
  • Facilitate ongoing communication between organization and subcontractors including accounting and fundraising counsel.
  • Ensure accuracy of DonorPerfect and produce regular management reports
  • Organize and implement monthly board/committee meetings
  • Create annual reviews of board performance
  • Create annual budget plans and monthly financial reports
  • Provide updates to constituent organizations
  • Invoice and collect pledged gifts
  • Continue professional development in the non-profit industry

30% - Community Engagement
The ED must take an active role in promoting our programming through strong advocacy and regular marketing efforts. Specifically, establish and maintain a consistent cadence of communications across all appropriate channels, ensuring messaging aligns with ongoing activities and organizational goals.

Activities include:

  • Attend Lakeside Laboratory and Friends of Lakeside Lab events
  • Maintain volunteer/participant/donor records
  • Conduct relationship-building events
  • Maintain weekly contact with major donors
  • Conduct facility tours with donors/prospective donors
  • Create annual impact reports and direct mailings
  • Record gifts and handle gift acknowledgment

45% - Donor Relations
The ED must understand what Lakeside needs and work to secure the funding or materials necessary for Lakeside to flourish in delivery of mission critical programming. This includes but is not limited to, direct solicitation of gifts, partnership solicitations with Board and Iowa Lakeside Lab staff and implementation of various events.

Activities include:

  • Engage in major gift work via donor prospecting & in-person meetings
  • Establish an annual solicitation schedule
  • Develop solicitation materials
  • Plan and implement a large annual fundraising event
  • Solicit charitable donations on behalf of the organization in accordance with the gift acceptance policy

This job is perfect for the individual who has a passion for environmental education, research, and assisting donors to achieve their personal giving goals. Ideal candidates must have exemplary interpersonal skills, time management, and multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and strong written and spoken communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree is strongly preferred. Coursework in non-profit management, business, or environmental science is also preferred.
  • 2+ years of experience in non-profit management and fundraising
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience with computer-based applications (social media, virtual meeting software, marketing/design software)
  • Knowledge of leadership and management principles related to non-profits
  • Previous success working with a Board of Directors
  • Dynamic and charismatic team player who enjoys being the public face of an organization
  • Experience with donation/accounting software and relational databases (DonorPerfect, QuickBooks, Constant Contact)

Salary range: $40,000-$50,000 commensurate with experience. Paid time off included. The successful candidate will be subject to a background check.

Friends of Lakeside Lab is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination towards race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other defining characteristic defended by law.

To apply:

Email jlueck@gmail.com with a subject line of “NAME - APPLICATION" and include:

  1. Resume and cover letter
  2. Availability in upcoming weeks for the interview process

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.