Regional Lead Jobs in South Dakota

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is a mission-driven non-profit dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. Since our founding in 1984, we have helped conserve nearly one square mile of elk country every day. In partnership with others, we have conserved or enhanced more than 9.2 million acres, including improving public access to 1.6 million acres. Our impact will extend to 10 million acres by 2030.

RMEF is proud of our conservation successes and is committed to making an even larger impact in the future. RMEF is seeking a performance-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills to engage and manage volunteer activities, event fundraising and mission granting program oversight in western South Dakota and western Nebraska. Responsibilities include:

• Oversee local volunteer chapters in specific geographic areas organizing fundraising events, including Big Game banquets, special events, and other grassroots fundraising activities
• Recruit, train and retain volunteers
• Oversee the review and recommend phases of the RMEF’s granting program in Nebraska and South Dakota

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of conservation in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Business, Marketing, Fundraising, Communications, or related field
• Five years additional professional experience in a business environment
• Experience working with volunteers and fundraising preferred

Location: This position is remote however the successful candidate must be located in South Dakota or Nebraska.

Travel Requirement and Physical Demands:

• Frequent travel is required on weekdays and weekends
• Ability to work any day of the week, including weekends
• Ability to work late at night (often until after midnight)
• Must be capable of sitting for long periods in a car or airplane and stand for intervals of 2-6 hours
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods
• Must be able to lift heavy items up to 50 pounds

Summary: Field Operations is the chapter-based fundraising structure of the RMEF. Regional Directors oversee local volunteer chapters in specific geographic areas organizing fundraising events, including Big Game banquets, special events, and other grassroots fundraising activities. These efforts support RMEF operations and elk and big game conservation projects. In addition to event-based fundraising, regional directors work within their region to recruit, train and retain volunteers. Regional Directors are responsible for overseeing one of the review and recommend phases of the RMEF granting program in their respective state/s.

Essential Functions:

• Lead, organize, and guide local chapter committees with the planning, organization, and execution of successful in-person fundraising activities and events, to meet or exceed annual profit center goals.
• Work closely with key RMEF volunteers, including regional, state and chapter chairs, to ensure compliance with RMEF operating policies, procedures, financial reporting as well as the planning and execution of in-person fundraising activities and events.
• Responsible for planning & executing an annual in-person volunteer workshop to include training on all aspects of grassroots fundraising as well as chapter & volunteer recognition within the profit center.
• Serve as chair/co-chair overseeing the RMEF granting process within your state(s) to include the solicitation, review and recommendation of hunting heritage, habitat stewardship, wildlife management/research and lands projects for RMEF funding.
• Direct and execute a comprehensive volunteer recruitment and grassroots fundraising training program across all chapters within the profit center.
• Complete, maintain, and submit all required records, reports and paperwork on time and accurately. Respond to inquiries about RMEF activities and programs within assigned region in a timely and concise manner.
• Ensure compliance with state non-profit and charitable fundraising laws and requirements, including but not limited to, raffles, drawings, games, or other fundraising activities.
• Possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license and an acceptable driving record to operate rental or personal vehicles for business travel across the profit center.
• Lead the expansion of RMEF within the region by launching new chapters and/or in-person fundraising events in strategic areas to increase sustainable net revenue growth across the profit center.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge and support of the RMEF’s mission, goals, organizational structure, and activities, including biological, social, and political elements that shape them, and the ability to promote them. Inclusive understanding about hunting and the key role it plays in relation to wildlife management and conservation.
• Must possess excellent people skills and be able to develop effective relationships with a wide variety of individuals.
• Must be a self-starter with excellent organizational skills and be able to direct and motivate volunteers.
• Must be able to identify future chapter opportunities and recruit volunteers to capitalize on these opportunities to increase the number of chapters and volunteers within the region.
• Proficient in annual fundraising income projections and operating expense budgets.
• Proficiency in web-based software platforms and office computer programs, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, is required.
• Must have excellent communication skills both verbally and written. Must be able to speak to large groups of people.
• Must have the ability to work independently without frequent, direct supervision and to remain focused on goals while also supporting the regional team when needed.
• Must have the ability to work in and foster a team-oriented environment.
• Must have the ability to resolve conflicts and be flexible with changing priorities, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to travel extensively and work flexible hours.

RMEF Salary & Benefits:

Starting salary is $69,000 a year depending on experience. Regional Directors may qualify for a bonus in addition to their annual salary if they achieve all goals that are set for their profit center and are employed for a full calendar year. Eligibility is also dependent on achieving performance requirements outlined in the job description, as well as adherence to organizational and department policies and procedures. Bonuses will be paid by the end of the first quarter of the next calendar year.

• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance: Includes prescription coverage
• Medical Savings Account: The Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Medical Spending Account is available to eligible employees
• Retirement 403 (b) Plan: RMEF currently matches up to 5% of an employee’s contribution plan. Participation and vesting are immediate. Both pretax 403(b) and Roth 403(b) options are available for employee contributions
• Paid Time Off (PTO): Accrues immediately at a rate of 4.92 hours per payday with accrued leave available immediately. Accrual rates increase with years of service
• Extended Illness Bank (EIB): Begins accruing immediately at 4.92 hours per payday with accrued leave available immediately
• Paid Holidays: Based on President & CEO approval, RMEF offers up to 17 holidays per year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Four-free counseling sessions per year for employee and family
• Additional Employer-Paid Benefits: Life insurance as well as short-term and long-term disability coverage