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Full-time, exempt position

Position Description: The Development Coordinator will play an important role in supporting the ACLC’s fundraising and donor management efforts. This individual will work closely with the Executive Director and Philanthropy Committee to plan, implement, and help oversee the fundraising activities of the organization. The new Development Coordinator will be responsible for maintaining and expanding private donor support and foundation funding while developing new relationships in and beyond the Adirondack Park to expand the reach of the Center’s mission and achieve its fundraising goals. This is an exciting opportunity to manage a development program for a unique wildlife conservation organization in a wonderful and expansive area of New York State. It is an ideal role for a highly motivated and passionate individual seeking professional growth and mentorship.

The Development Coordinator’s responsibilities will include:

• Working with the ED and Philanthropy Committee to develop and implement the ACLC’s annual fundraising plan and calendar

• Nurturing and managing effective stewardship and working relationships with donors, volunteers, government and foundation representatives, and others to foster their connection to the ACLC

• Researching, identifying, and cultivating potential donors, partners, and grant opportunities.

• Develop and maintain those relationships along with the Executive Director and Board Members

• Cultivating plans for major gifts, and expanding planned giving

• Assisting with the development and execution of the ACLC’s annual appeal, special appeals, and fundraising events

• Tracking and maintaining all phases of the donor process through ACLC’s donor database (charityproud) in a timely manner while ensuring data integrity

• Soliciting corporate and business sponsorships (local, regional, and national) for research, conservation, education, and other projects

• Implementing the ACLC’s grant application strategy and meticulous maintenance of the institutional donor tracking system

• Analyzing and providing timely reporting to the Executive Director on all aspects of pledging/giving against plan, grant awards and receipts, gift receipts and donor relations

• Working with the Director of Education and Communications to help develop and implement an annual fundraising communications plan

• Serve as a responsible, articulate spokesperson for ACLC in all professional situations

• Some travel and the flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for ACLC events are required, particularly during the summer

• Flexibility to work occasional days or weekends for the ACLC’s gift shop when needed

Professional Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, communications, or related field of study.

• Minimum of two years’ development/donor relations experience in a nonprofit organization.

• Track record of personally cultivating and securing major and/or planned gifts.

• Ability to expand and implement fundraising strategies.

• Familiarity with environmental/conservation fundraising and New York's Adirondack Park is preferred.

• Proficiency in computer applications, including all Microsoft Office products and donor database software.

• Prior experience with estate planning and major gift solicitation is a plus.

• Strong verbal, written, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work efficiently and independently in a fast-paced environment.

• A valid driver's license or access to personal transportation (with proof of insurance) for travel is required.

Personal Qualifications: Our ideal candidate will be friendly, social, outgoing, positive, passionate, cool under pressure, detail and deadline-oriented, a quick learner, a multi-tasker, have a great sense of humor, and willing to do what needs to be done to make things happen.

Additional qualifications include:

• Passionate about wildlife and/or environmental conservation.

• Possesses strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to interact with a variety of people.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Comfortable soliciting and speaking with a variety of donors about their philanthropic plans.

• Solutions-oriented, flexible team player.

• Thrives in a fast-paced, do-it-yourself, nonprofit environment.

• Capable of managing multiple projects; able to prioritize.

• Displays resourcefulness and independence.

• Maintains a high level of confidentiality and discretion.

• Enjoys mentoring volunteers and interns.

• Voracious learner who pushes technical limits.

Compensation: Salary range: $40,000 - $43,000 based on experience, plus benefits (health, generous PTO, Simple IRA with employer match).

To Apply: Email your resume to dwaldt@adkloon.org with subject line, “Development Coordinator Applicant”.Description text goes here

Location: Saranac Lake, NY

 Position Dates: May 28, 2025 - August 15, 2025 (12-week internship)

Supervisor: Denise Silfee, Director of Education and Communications, ACLC

Number of positions: 1

 To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to education@adkloon.org. Note that a cover letter IS REQUIRED.

Application Deadline: Friday, February, 28, 2025 or until position has been filled.

Position Description: The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is a scientific and educational nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring passion for the conservation of Common Loons. We conduct research on the status and health of the Adirondack loon population, its nesting success, and threats to loon populations and their habitats.

The Education and Outreach internship is made up of a variety of activities that connect the general public to the work of ACLC and to a scientific understanding of the common loon and its role in the Adirondack ecosystem. This position is open to either an undergraduate or graduate intern and tailored to meet the academic needs of the individual, as well as to best accommodate the intern’s personal interests and professional growth.

There is opportunity to tailor the internship activities to the individual, but some combination of the following educational and outreach activities will be expected:

•  Present for up to 40 minutes about loons at public venues throughout the Adirondack Park

• Guide small groups (2-5) of paddlers in canoes or kayaks on local lakes to responsibly observe and learn about Adirondack loons

• Give short presentations at local summer camps for youth of varying ages

• Help organize and facilitate presentations at the Loon Center in Saranac Lake, including helping to promote organized events and introducing featured speakers

• Create and update children’s activities in the Kids’ Corner at the Loon Center

• Table at community events and festivals to hand out educational materials and engage with the public about the Adirondack Loon Center’s work

• Create or update education materials for print and generate content for social media and publication on the Loon Center blog

• Partner with local organizations to create unique programs; develop, promote and lead outreach programs with freedom to create new programs with ACLC approval

 The above activities are examples of potential Education and Outreach Intern tasks. Final tasks and projects will be tailored to the individual intern, but will include some combination of the above activities and potential for new, creative activities.

 If chosen for an interview, please be prepared to discuss the activities you are most interested in and the skills and experiences that qualify you for those activities, including goals for what you want to learn.

 In addition to education and outreach activities, there is opportunity to participate in lake monitoring and loon research one day each week. Lake monitoring requires the ability to transport, unload/load and paddle a kayak or single-person canoe for several hours while making observations and taking detailed notes. The intern can also choose to participate in loon rescue training and assist in loon rescues.

 ACLC supervisor and staff will provide robust training at the beginning of the internship and will support the intern along the way to ensure success. This position will work closely with the Director of Education and Communications.

 Candidate Requirements:

• Previous experience inenvironmental education/interpretation, outdoor recreation, education/teaching, summer camp programming, public speaking, guiding or combination of experiences with a strong willingness to learn

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to present oneself in a professional manner, with strong interpersonal skills to interact with members of the public

• High level of organizational skills to effectively plan for and administer outreach tasks to diverse audiences

• Ability to work both independently and with a team, and the ability to accept constructive feedback

• Motivated, enthusiastic, creative, and willing to work with people of all ages

• Able to paddle a kayak or canoe safely in varying weather conditions and sit for ~4 hours to observe loons

• Valid driver’s license and personal transportation

 Preferred Qualifications:

• A personal canoe or kayak, paddle, PFD, and paddling experience – if you do not have your own boat, paddle or PFD, the Loon Center will help you borrow one

• Binoculars for loon monitoring with an appropriate magnification

Employment is contingent on passing a background check

 Work Schedule: No more than40 hours/week. We assume a regular work schedule of Monday - Friday, but there will often be weekend and some evening work as well. The work schedule will fluctuate to ensure intern has two days in a row off each week.

 Compensation: $15.00/hour and academic credit as required by academic institution

Location: Adirondack Ecological Center in Newcomb, NY

 Position Dates: May 27, 2025 - August 15, 2025 (12-week internship - end date negotiable)

Number of positions: 2

To Apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to Natasha Karniski-Keglovits (nlkarnis@esf.edu). If possible, please send as one PDF document. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled; please apply by February 21st for optimal consideration.  

The internship is a conservation science and outreach position. Interns will gain experience with developing and facilitating environmental programs and loon-related outreach and conservation initiatives, data collection and entry, monitoring wildlife, and understanding loon behavior. 

Projects include the Loon-Friendly Lake Certification Program (LFLCP), Fishing Line Recycling Program, loon nest site protection, Lead Tackle Buy-Back Program, monitoring lakes, and aiding in loon rescues if needed. These programs involve helping with public education initiatives, working with lake associations, communicating with partners, monitoring lakes, and working on loon research initiatives. Opportunities to develop new research and outreach programs and design educational materials may be available. More information on each of these programs can be found on the ACLC website (see below). 

Major Responsibilities:

• Monitor lakes for loon activity, nest protection, and potential nest raft suitability 

• Work with lake associations on monitoring programs and piloting new research initiatives 

• Assist with promotion of Lead Buyback, LFLCP, and Fishing Line Recycling programs 

• Assist with public education and outreach such as presentations and/or tabling events, contributing to social media posts, and designing outreach materials 

• Attend loon rescue training and assist with loon rescues as needed

Candidate Requirements: This is a public-facing position that requires strong interpersonal skills. The position requires an individual who is driven, outgoing, engaging, organized, and passionate about wildlife and conservation. Because this position requires travel to locations throughout the eastern Adirondacks, a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation is a must. Ability to swim and paddle a kayak is preferred. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and Word is recommended. Mileage for travel to and from field sites will be reimbursed, and food and lodging (a $5,000 value) will be provided.  

Details:

• Interns will live and work out of ESF’s Newcomb Campus   

• Intern supervisor is Natasha Karniski-Keglovits of ESF’s Adirondack Ecological Center 

• Coordinating the program are Denise Silfee, ACLC Director of Education and Communications, Dr. Nina Schoch, DVM, and Griffin Archambault, ACLC biologist. 

• The internship runs for 12 weeks in summer (40 hrs/week)  

• Regular weekend and occasional night work is required 

• Approximately late May through mid August   

• The internship is not a paid position, but covers full summer food and housing as well as mileage reimbursement to and from work sites. 

• Interns will be provided room and board - a $5,000 value  

•  Vegetarian, vegan and other meal choices are available 

• Interns need their own transportation for the summer. Carpooling may be an option. 

• Information on the Newcomb Campus and Adirondack Ecological Center: www.esf.edu/newcomb

About ACLC: The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is a scientific and educational nonprofit organization in Saranac Lake, NY dedicated to promoting and inspiring passion for the conservation of Common Loons. We conduct research on loon health, nest success, and threats to loon populations and habitats. www.adkloon.org/  

About AEC: SUNY ESF Adirondack Ecological Center is a 15,000-acre field research station in the central Adirondack Mountains of New York.  The AEC supports year-round scientific discovery, teaching and public engagement.  Our mission is to understand the Adirondack ecosystem through research and education. www.esf.edu/newcomb

Funding for the internship is provided by the USFWS B120 Grant

“Restoring Breeding Common Loons in New York’s Adirondack Park”