The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of public parks, recreation and conservation. Our work draws national focus to the far-reaching impact of successes generated at the local level. Leveraging their role in conservation, health and wellness, and social equity to improve their communities NRPA’s members of park and recreation professionals and advocates are 60,000 strong and represent public spaces in urban communities, rural settings and everything in between.    

NRPA is currently seeking a Development Specialist for our Programs & Partnerships department. This position's primary responsibility is to expand our capacity to increase and diversify the existing revenue of NRPA by building relationships, cultivating and soliciting major gifts from corporate, foundation, and government donors to support NRPA’s work.     

At NRPA you will be an instrumental part of advancing the organization’s strategic priorities focused on equitable access, climate resilience, and healthy communities. You will report to a Programs & Partnerships Director and work with a group of passionate, creative, and fun leaders dedicated to creating more equitable, healthy, and resilient communities through parks.   

Required Materials and Application Process: Applicants without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.
• Resume
• Cover Letter detailing your background and description how your experience and education meet the qualifications (limit 2 pages). .   

Applicants will first be evaluated on the completeness and qualifications of application materials. Qualified applicants will then be invited for a phone screen and selected applicants will be invited to an in-person interview. Finalists will be required to complete a sample writing activity and submit references for a reference check.
  

Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified applicants.   

NRPA values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are committed to integrating these core values more deeply into all elements of our daily work. NPRA is an equal opportunity employer and highly encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, ethnic minorities, new Americans (immigrants and refugees), LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, native people, and veterans.
  

Specific Responsibilities Include:
• Assist director and program manager in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major corporate and foundation donors to support NRPA’s strategic priorities.
• Maintain proper records of donor research and outreach in the fundraising database
• Draft proposals and concepts papers to corporations, foundations and federal grants to secure funding for NRPA’s strategic priorities.
• Assist with the development of donor focused marketing and engagement including writing and sourcing content for print and web-based materials that tell meaningful stories and highlight the power of local parks.
• Undertake special projects and assignments as directed, including contributing to research and development of potential new fundraising strategies.
• Provide first-line customer interface to NRPA members and partners including responding to specific question on the phone, email, and direct mail, and providing direction to appropriate NRPA staff when needed.

Candidate Work Style
• Excels in dynamic, fast-paced work environment.
• Self-directed and detail-oriented with a collaborative and professional team spirit to contribute to a collegial, team-oriented environment.
• Willing to travel up to 20 days per year. 

Salary Range: $45,000 - $50,000

Discover the Benefits at NRPA  

NRPA has been named a Top Workplace by The Washington Post every year since 2014. To promote healthy lifestyles, at work and away, we have established programs like Teleworking, FlexTime Schedules, 37.5-hour work-week, Employee Assistance Programs, Educational Assistance Programs, Lunch-and-Learn sessions, and more.   

Situated on park land, our Ashburn, Virginia campus boasts a warm professional environment, with a relaxing and peaceful view of nature at its finest! The space offers indoor & outdoor eating areas, as well as indoor & outdoor fitness opportunities, including an air-conditioned fitness room with access to showers, as well as foot trails for the outdoor enthusiast. NRPA also maintains office space in Washington, D.C. for its D.C.-based staff that is centrally located and convenient to the blue, orange, silver and red subway lines.