About Explore The Trades

Founded in 2005, Explore The Trades is dedicated to bridging the technical talent gap in the service trades of plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical.

Explore The Trades, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is part of the national conversation to bring the skilled trades back into schools. Through specially designed classroom resources and an equipment program for K-12 schools, Explore The Trades promotes the awareness and importance of skilled trades careers. Explore The Trades is also an industry resource for residential service contractors and industry vendors looking to partner with schools in their communities.

The Big Picture

The Donor Engagement Specialist will create and manage a donor engagement strategy for Explore The Trades, specifically with industry and foundation partner relationships. The position will work in partnership with the Executive Director, Explore The Trades staff, and Board of Trustees (as applicable).

Key Tasks

• Work with Executive Director and trustee committee to create and implement a comprehensive donor strategy
• Management of donor communications (e-newsletters, website copy, marketing materials as needed)
• Cultivate and manage donor relationships to meet donation KPIs related to specific donor segments (individual donors and grants)
• Research, write, and manage grant proposals to corporate and private foundations to sustain the mission of the organization
• Develop and maintain stewardship opportunities, recognition, and communication
• Research and identify corporate giving prospects and grant opportunities
• Track donor metrics, including donor retention, recurring giving, new donors, etc.
• Collaborate with Executive Director and Explore The Trades staff with donor-related activities
• Attend industry events and speak on behalf of Explore The Trades in 1:1 conversations with potential donors and partners, as well as large group settings, interviews (podcasts, industry publications, etc.)
• Establish and manage relationships with new and existing donors (including prospecting, cultivation, stewardship, retention) to Explore The Trades
• Other responsibilities as assigned by Executive Director

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Successful track record of grant proposals at both the state and federal levels (three years minimum preferred)
• Minimum of three years’ experience in non-profit fundraising and/or sales (preferred)
• Familiarity and/or experience in the industries of plumbing, HVAC and electrical (preferred)
• High degree of integrity, ethical decision making and confidentiality
• Experience with Microsoft 365 applications/SharePoint and donor management software (Donor Perfect) (preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to present articulately, effectively and succinctly to different audiences (1:1 and large group presentations)
• Demonstrated ability to build and grow relationships with potential donors and program partners
• Strong interpersonal skills with a variety of stakeholders.
• Work independently
• Must be articulate and demonstrate excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing.
• Must be highly organized with attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize work and effectively follow through on tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Must be responsible, reliable and dependable.

Travel Requirements

• 15-20%

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and sit/stand for long periods of time

What We Offer

We know you want a phenomenal career. We know you want a career with growth opportunities, work/life flexibility, and great benefits. We also know you want to care about what you do; you want to make a difference in people’s lives through your day-to-day work.

• Base salary with performance bonus potential
• Competitive benefits package (health, dental, vision, life)
• Company-sponsored 403(b) retirement plan available to eligible employees
• Generous PTO plan
• Fringe benefits including: professional development reimbursement, home service reimbursement, cell phone reimbursement, paid community service day, Sam’s Club/Costco membership
• Remote eligible
• Base Salary: $60,000-$70,000 + bonus pay

If you want to be part of something bigger than just a job - then this may be the job for you! You will work in a place where you will be appreciated and where your work has a direct effect on the success of Explore The Trades. Visit our site at www.explorethetrades.org to learn more about our organization.

Explore The Trades receives administrative support from Nexstar Network, with all pre-employment screenings administered by Nexstar Network.

Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment drug test and background check. Nexstar Network provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, Nexstar Network complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.