The Ecology School, a nonprofit Environmental Living & Learning Center located in Saco, Maine, seeks a full-time to provide strategy and direct daily implementation to promote and increase enrollment in school programs, camps, adult programs, and site rentals at The Ecology School’s River Bend Farm campus. The Business Development Manager reports directly to the President/CEO to ensure revenue growth and success of The Ecology School’s mission to inspire stewardship of and connection to the natural world through experiential learning in ecology, conservation, farming, and sustainability.
Position Description
The Business Development Manager’s role is focused on executing the top strategic goal of increased revenue through earned income from programs and rentals at River Bend Farm. The Business Development Manager works directly with the President/CEO and also collaborates with the Director of Learning Experiences (focusing on client/partner relationships & growth) and the Advancement Team (focusing on marketing & sales strategies) and is part of the TES Leadership Team including the President & CEO, Director of Learning Experiences, Director of Finance & HR, Director of Advancement & Community Partnerships, and Director of Operations & Food Services.
Duties will include:
· Make extensive sales calls/emails weekly, including cold calls & mining current client database
· Manage and track programming and rental leads via database
· Build and maintain an active pipeline of program partners, guests & potential guests
· Work with Communications Coordinator on marketing to utilize eblasts and social media for connecting with potential and repeat guests
· Prospect potential customers from geographic areas & develop plans to address them
· Manage and build strategic client & partner relationships, driving customer loyalty
· Attend marketing and sales events in major market areas, including luncheons, drop bys, trade shows and other marketing and networking events
· Research industry trends, activities, and market development to identify new business growth
· Regular reporting on sales pipeline, activities & performance metrics to management & board.
Skills and Attributes
· Independent thinker and self-starter who is ready to help drive the organization forward
· Solid experience in sales and marketing
· Demonstrated excellence in organizational, managerial, and communication skills
· Strong writing skills and content development
· Experience with strategies aimed at communicating with a targeted audience
· Significant professional experience (5 years+ with growth in responsibility), preferably in a nonprofit organization with a similar or related education mission including hospitality
· Excitement and experience in community engagement and building relationships
· Enthusiasm for collaboration, teamwork, creativity, innovation, & sustainable growth
· Desire and ability to enhance efforts to advance The Ecology School organization
· Commitment to systems thinking, conservation, science, and ecological sustainability.
The Business Development Manager is a full-time position with benefits including HMO health insurance, employer-matched retirement Simple IRA, generous personal & vacation days package, and $57,000 -$60,000 salary (commensurate w/ experience) with potential performance bonuses. Work expectations are 75% of time onsite and that remaining work can be accomplished remotely.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume and three references to Drew Dumsch, President & CEO, Drew@TheEcologySchool.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled with an anticipated start date of August 5, 2024.
The Ecology School provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type with regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
More About The Ecology School:
Since 1998 The Ecology School has made the science of ecology and the practice of sustainability accessible and enjoyable through programs for over 200,000 children and adults. What began as an overnight program for students has now expanded to reach large groups, businesses, families, and individuals of all ages from Maine, New England and throughout the country. Our innovative River Bend Farm green campus provides year-round immersive programs where people of all ages can live, laugh, and study in a place designed to bring people and nature together. We provide “live what you learn” opportunities for our guests through hands-on exploration of Maine’s ecosystems, sustainable living practices, direct connection to food systems & agroecology farming along with modeling conservation-in-action and climate change solutions.
The Ecology School completed the construction of its new $14.1M residential environmental learning center campus in 2021 along with over $2M raised for new program initiatives. The River Bend Farm campus is the first in Maine built to Living Building Challenge specifications including a 144-bed dormitory & 7,000 sq. ft. dining commons. With a $3.7M Capital Campaign completed and a large 712 solar panel array powering our climate positive campus, the 313-acre rural River Bend Farm property houses our Residential Living & Learning Experiences for children and adults.
Our income stream is generated by both program and rental fees as well as fundraising and grant activities. The organization currently has 15 year-round administrative staff. During high season (March-November), an additional 20+ seasonal employees are hired including a seasonal teaching staff of twelve, an on-site health coordinator and support personnel including farm assistants, kitchen staff, housekeeping and maintenance. The Ecology School is committed to the ongoing work of creating an organization that prioritizes inclusion and equity as an essential pillar of our collective progress and to better meet our mission.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Application Question(s):
- Cover Letter is Required - please email to donnalee@theecologyschool.org along with your resume in PDF
Experience:
- Business development: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Saco, ME 04072 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Saco, ME 04072: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person