Who We Are

This isn't your typical job; it's a lifestyle! You’ll be rolling down the river (the Mississippi River and its tributaries), doing hands-on work throughout river cleanups, tree plantings, and more!

Being an LL&W crew member means living on a barge with around 10 other river rats! Our crew members are fully immersed in their duties, which vary from day to day. We have lots of fun while getting hard work done! See below for more details

• Must be willing to show up early and leave late. 
• Must also enjoy frozen pizza and other free groceries. 
• Must love people and dogs. 

Your room and board are covered while living on the barge (~9 months, give or take) as part of your employment package. This is communal, barge living which means you’ll have a private bedroom, shared his and hers bathrooms, and a full galley for shared dining.

As we remove trash from America’s rivers, we passionately live our mission every day, and we're in it for the long haul. Whatever it takes! 

Essential Duties Include (But Are Not Limited To):

• Living on our barge (which travels to different locations throughout the country) for up to nine (9) months out of the year (employment is year-round).
• Arranging necessary purchases through the Facilities Manager within budgetary limitations.
• Confidently and safely operating and driving a 30 ft jon boat full of either garbage or volunteers (on-the-job training provided if you don’t already possess this skill).
• Confidently and safely driving long and short distances in LL&W work vehicles with 30 ft. trailers attached (on-the-job training provided).
• Assisting in organizing, facilitating and participating in river clean-ups
• Working in high-intensity weather and with large groups of volunteers who need direction.

Other duties for this position may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Barge rigging
• Barge decking
• Helping with daily tasks and errands
• General maintenance on operations
• Miscellaneous duties
• Travel
• Heavy lifting

*On-the-job training provided. You bring the personality, work ethic and eagerness and we’ll show you the ropes!

Preferable Characteristics:

• A quick learner who is willing to roll with the punches of a fast-paced, cleanup season from roughly March-November (employment throughout the year). 
• Prepared to work outside in the elements and often get down and dirty while rocking a badass lifejacket and boots.
• Possesses spontaneity, charisma, a love for adventure and care for the environment. 
• Be prepared to suddenly have the most fulfilling and exciting job around with co-workers who will become family.
• You should be able to show up with a smile and cheerful demeanor no matter what the day may bring. The best in this business are workaholics with a touch of OCD and a side of snappy punchlines.

Requirements:

• Must be a good roommate as you'll be joining our floating house of around 10 river rats. No angry drunks, drama queens, know-it-alls or primadonnas allowed.
• Must be 21 or older with a valid driver’s license. 

ICYMI:

We realize this should go without saying but you’d be surprised how often we are asked. This is NOT a remote job. Quite the opposite, very present and hands-on. Come get environmental with us!

We are a fun-loving group of river rats and this is a vital role to our organization. We’ve removed over 13 million pounds of garbage from America’s rivers, which is our reactive way to take care of a real problem.

PURPOSE OF POSITION: 

Living Lands and Waters is seeking a Development Specialist to lead and implement successful major gifts, annual giving, legacy gifts, and corporate philanthropy strategies. This person will work with the Chief of Staff and President to meet individual and organizational fundraising goals utilizing a relationship-based fundraising model. The Development Specialist will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of individual, foundation, and corporate donors. This position will also cultivate relationships with existing donors and donor prospects through engagement and stewardship events.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and corporate sponsorship, in collaboration with leadership and LLW Board of Directors to increase revenue and achieve LLW’s goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and community organizations to secure gifts and sponsorships.
• Work with the marketing team to create fundraising materials and campaigns that communicate our mission and values to target audiences.
• Assist with fundraising and stewardship events, ensuring effective planning and implementation.
• Provide regular fundraising reports to leadership and Board of Directors and make recommendations for adjustments to the fundraising plan as necessary.
• Stay up to date with best practices in non-profit fundraising, including emerging trends, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Assist the Board of Directors and leadership with capital campaigns and other major fundraising drives.
• Maintain and enhance gift and donor recognition programs. Acknowledge donor gifts in a timely manner.
• Be current on programs and initiatives at LLW and be able to discuss them with internal and external audiences effectively. 
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to understand programmatic funding priorities and collectively fundraise toward those priorities.
• Collaborate with the finance Committee to develop fundraising and communication strategies for donors and prospects.
• Lead strategy, content creation, and execution of donor-facing communication efforts through multi-channel appeals, newsletters, social media, email, and annual reports.
• Create major gift opportunities around special initiatives, such as the endowment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with significant fundraising, soliciting, or sales experience. Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building, written and verbal communication skills and the ability to secure the confidence of top donors and prospects through long-term relationship-building strategies. Ability to make sound decisions, assume responsibility, and meet multiple deadlines. Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects and meet deadlines. Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to record and manage donor information effectively. Demonstrated analytical and data analysis skills. Previous experience with related computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, Access, PowerPoint, and Donor CRMs. Valid Driver’s License for travel.
 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

Belief in Living Lands and Waters mission and a healthy appreciation for the outdoors and conservation. Represents Living Lands and Waters in the most positive manner with all people, both personally and professionally. Goal-oriented and driven. Creative and energetic with strong public and human relations abilities, professional appearance, positive attitude and self-motivation. Ability to communicate with diverse groups of people and establish and grow strategic relationships to achieve goals. Exceptional organizational and communication skills. Ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to build relationships and cultivate these into financial support for the organization. A criminal background investigation and credit check will be required.

GENERAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: 

Sedentary to moderate work, approximately 85% of the time indoors. Position involves sitting in an office setting, off-site travel, and sitting in meetings. Constant (67-100%) talking and listening to people in person or over the telephone. Viewing computer screen and other types of close visual work constant (67-100%). Ability to lift and carry 40 pounds occasionally (10-33%). Occasional (10-33%) physical labor includes river cleanups, tree wrapping, and invasive species removals, setting up and tearing down tables, chairs etc. for events.

To apply, submit your cover letter, resume, and references to Leah Cafarelli at leah@livinglandsandwaters.org no later than 12/16/2024.

REPORTS TO: Living Lands and Waters Chief of Staff

SUPERVISES: None

HOURS OF POSITION: Generally, weekdays with some occasional evenings and weekends

STATUS: Full Time, Salaried 

COMPENSATION: $50,000 - $70,000 plus benefits

DATE REVISED: November 20, 2024

START DATE: January 1, 2025