Development Events Manager

Audubon Nature Institute comprises Audubon Park, Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park, and Audubon Wilderness Park.

At Audubon Nature Institute, we are more than a collection of parks, museums, and conservation centers—we are a dedicated team with a shared mission to celebrate, protect, and connect people to the wonders of nature. Our work is guided by our culture code, which is at the heart of everything we do. We believe in Activating Impact by integrating tangible, real-world outcomes into all our initiatives, fostering a culture where every action contributes to a positive environmental impact. We are committed to Empowering Optimism, using positivity to inspire others to act and believe in their capacity to create meaningful change. We strive to Create Connection by engaging with people from all walks of life, knowing that the collective strength of a diverse community can address the most pressing challenges facing our natural world. At Audubon, we embody the spirit of Le Bon Temps, infusing the joy and vibrant culture of Louisiana into our everyday work, celebrating our unique heritage while advancing our mission. As Leaders of the Pack, we constantly seek smarter, innovative solutions, challenging conventions to drive the change we want to see in the world.

Through grant writing and grant management, the Grants Manager develops and implements strategies for securing and growing financial support from public and private entities that can make gifts to Audubon Nature Institute at or above $25,000. Position responsibilities include research, qualification, stewarding relationships with local, regional, and national funding entities, submitting applications of the highest quality, securing grant funding, and managing post-award reporting and compliance. The Grants Manager is an Audubon Nature Institute ambassador, consistently displaying excellent interpersonal skills, constantly working to connect funders to the organization’s mission and goals, and building positive working relationships with Audubon staff across facilities.

• At the direction of the Director of Development, assume relationship management of approximately 50 current and past Audubon funders.
• Using in-depth research, develop a robust portfolio of new public and private funding prospects with capacity to award $25,000 or more to support Audubon.
• Regularly review public and private funding announcements to identify opportunities and initiate new relationships as appropriate.

• Develop and manage an annual grants plan based on fundraising priorities.
• Determine the most effective application strategy, including application prioritization, success probability, and program staff involvement.
• Write targeted, compelling narratives to communicate Audubon’s mission and programs with qualified funders and manage boilerplate language to ensure funding request consistency and accuracy.
• Develop relationships with Audubon staff to identify funding needs and create proposals.

• Develop and execute grant agreements and contract materials; complete any pre-award requirements.
• Manage reporting requirements with applicable Audubon program staff; ensure Audubon fulfills outlined agreement terms and provides high-quality stewardship of funders through timely reporting and updates.
• Work closely with Audubon program staff and the Finance department to facilitate proper fund usage, expenditure coding, financial reporting, and reimbursements; ensure compliance with applicable government requirements and Audubon internal policies.
• Utilize Raiser’s Edge to record and track all funding requests and awards.

• Available to work fundraising and other Audubon events as requested.
• Available to support other fundraising efforts and other Audubon departments with writing, researching, and editing assistance as needed.
• Provide outstanding “behind the scenes” experiences for funders through tours, animal encounters, and introduction to Audubon’s program professionals.
• Contribute to a professional, positive team environment with the overarching goal of producing sufficient funds for operations, programs, and capital projects.
• Maintain a positive attitude and a strong sense of accountability, furthering a collaborative team environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
• Celebrate the successes of your team and bring enthusiasm to your work, reflecting the joyful culture that is at the heart of Audubon’s mission.
• Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills, embracing change and innovation as opportunities to lead and grow.
• The above listed duties are general statements of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a regular and continuous basis. They do not exclude other duties as assigned.

• Ability to sit for extended periods (up to 8 hours).
• Minimal standing and walking required.
• Occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate office equipment, including computer keyboards, telephones, and printers.
• May involve repetitive motions.
• Clear and concise vision (with or without correction) for close-up work.
• Ability to drive a golf cart.

• Indoor office environment.
• Climate-controlled setting.
• Minimal exposure to noise, vibration, or other environmental hazards.