Join The Riveredge Team
More than a nature center
We’ve built our legacy since 1968 as a pioneer in the areas of land restoration, research, and inquiry-based education throughout Wisconsin.
Supporting community
Today, Riveredge is reimagining the role of the nature center by empowering and supporting communities to live in harmony with their natural environment in a way that encourages exploration, adventure, and fun while contributing to the overall quality of life for our neighbors throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
Be your authentic self
The Riveredge team values diversity – in who we are, in how we think, and how we accomplish goals together. Everyone is invited to bring their authentic self to their work: their passions, their interest, their skills and talents. We strive to build and demonstrate a growth mindset; we learn from each other and continually seek to get better in our positions, and as people, every day. We promote equity, support one other, and build diverse teams where each member can bring their unique strengths with them to the table.
CAREERS at riveredge
Director of Development (Now hiring!) Full-time, salaried position
The Director of Development provides key leadership to all philanthropic initiatives at Riveredge Nature Center and serves as an important part of the Center’s leadership team. The Director of Development directly supervises the Development Team including a Membership & Database Manager, Marketing & Communication Specialist, Grants Specialist and a part-time Administrative Assistant. The Director of Development is critical to planning, implementing, and supervising all aspects of fund development.
Primary Duties
Leadership and Management
● Work with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, Board of Directors and Development Team to design and fulfill annual fundraising strategy and goals
● Monitor fundraising results and report progress to the Executive Director and the Board of Directors including participation in Board Meetings and Philanthropy Committee Meetings
● Manage and empower the development team in designing and fulfilling their goals, meeting every two weeks
● Work with the Executive Director and the Philanthropy Committee to build Board’s capacity, consistency, and confidence in fundraising
Fundraising and Communications
● Oversee successful creation and implementation of the annual development plan
● Lead annual giving and planned giving programs focused on engagement with 100+ major donors
● Manage donor communications for high-level, strategic fundraising opportunities
● Oversee grant-seeking strategies, proposal development, and submission of 100+ proposals annually
● Lead planning and execution of membership and fundraising events including Farm-to-Table Dinner Gala
● Successfully cultivate corporate relationships to grow memberships, volunteerism, and sponsorships
● Work with Executive Director and Development Team to create and implement the development communications plan and annual report
For more details, please see the position description and instructions below. We look forward to reviewing your application!
Ready to Apply?
Please send an email expressing your interest to our Executive Director John Rakowski at jrakowski@riveredge.us, attaching a formal cover letter describing comparable experience and a resume.
Riveredge Environmental Educator Not currently hiring, but we encourage resume submissions!
All positions for Environmental Educators are currently filled, but in case of an opening in the future, we welcome you to submit a resume or CV to our talent pool. Please send your information and a letter of interest to Steff Merten at smerten@riveredge.us if you would like to be contacted about future openings for this position. Thank you!
More information about the position:
The Environmental Educators work as a key part of the Riveredge Nature Center team of staff and volunteers. This position is able to lead a consistent schedule of environmental education programs to school-aged students (mostly ages 6-12 years) and provide support to educational events throughout the year.
Some evening and weekend hours are expected, though most hours will occur Monday- Friday 8am-4pm.
- Teach inquiry-based environmental education programs for school-aged children during peak school program months on-site.
- Assist in the creation and delivery of curricular materials for a variety of environmental education programs for school, scout, youth group, and family audiences.
- Assist with education programs and special events such as the Maple Sugaring Festival, Fairy Fest, Family Egg Hunt, Trails & Treats, and Handmade for the Holidays.
- Travel to and deliver community outreach programs offsite of Riveredge property (various locations in Southeastern Wisconsin, usually in Milwaukee, Washington, or Ozaukee Counties).
- Lead Nature Journey Summer Camps activities
Explore our seasonal paid internships!
Make a difference: Join our Board!
Becoming a member of our Board of Directors empowers you to make a positive difference for people and places in Southeastern Wisconsin. Whether it’s the conservation of our 485 acres that inspires you, our work inspiring environmental stewardship in the next generation, or a simple belief that all people should be able to experience the physical and emotional wellness benefits of nature, we welcome your enthusiasm, expertise, and perspective. To apply for a board position, click the link below and download the application. Please send completed applications and your resume to info@riveredge.us.