The town of Clayton is conveniently located two hours from several major cities and airports, including Atlanta, Georgia and Asheville, North Carolina.  In addition to having good public schools, it is also close to several colleges and universities, including the University of Georgia in Athens, several community colleges, and two well renowned private schools. Clayton and the surrounding area offer numerous outdoor recreational activities, such as scenic waterfalls, lush forests, lakes, a wild and scenic river, fantastic hiking, and world class fishing. Though often considered a vacation destination, we call it home, as do several other conservation and environmental organizations which are located in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains, including the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, the Highlands Biological Research Station, and Blue Ridge Forever.

Each Orianne Society staff member plays a critical role in helping us achieve our mission; we strive to hire the best people because our success depends on it.

Job Title: Communication Specialist: Foundations and Grants
Location: Clayton, Georgia

Opportunity Description:

The Orianne Society is looking to hire a dedicated and motivated Communications Specialist: Foundations and Grants position to research foundation and grant funding opportunities, assist in coordination grant writing, assist the CEO and Executive Director with individual donor correspondence, and assist the communication department with creating media material for public relations. The position opens July 1, 2012, and will be based at The Orianne Society Headquarters in Clayton, Georgia.

Background:

The Orianne Society is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to the global conservation of snakes and their associated habitat.

Responsibilities:

1. Assist CEO in identifying individual donors and foundations,
2. Assist CEO in scheduling fundraising events and tracking donor interaction,
3. Prepare donor correspondence for the CEO,
4. Prepare donor acknowledgement letters,
5. Research grant and foundation award opportunities,
6. Identify grant and donor opportunities,
7. Work with staff to create and review reports/proposals,
8. Work with Accounting Staff to manage and track awarded grants/donations,
9. Maintain donor database,
10. Create and review reports/proposals from program staff,
11. Maintain current funding sources/grants and attract new funding sources,
12. Correspond with individual donors for donation requests/donation thank you letters,
13. Assist communications staff on marketing via social media/website/newsletter.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor degree and a minimum of two years experience in Public Relations, Communications, Non-Profit Management, Marketing or fundraising related field.
2. Experience with donor management software.
3. Outstanding interpersonal skills
4. Excellent writing and communication skills.
5. Great attention to detail.
6. Self-motivated, team player with strong people skills.
7. Ability to innovate, prioritize and multi-task.
8. Experience with public and media relations.
9. Nonprofit and campaign experience preferred.
10. Knowledge of conservation and/or snakes a plus.
11. Must have an interest in The Orianne Society’s Mission.

Compensation:

This is a full-time permanent position with benefits including health, vision, dental, and 401K.

Applications:

Applicants should provide a letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position; a CV or resume; and the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three references. Applications should be sent electronically to info@oriannesociety.org.  Please indicate "Communication Specialist: Foundations and Grants" in the subject line. 

Closing Date:

June 10, 2012