Friends of Devon Lawson: Fundraising Director

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Devon Lawson, an 18-year-old first-generation college student, restaurant manager, and founder/chair of Springfield Climate & Resilience Watch (SCRW), is running for the At Large 2 Director position on the Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District (UWSWCD) Board in Lane County, Oregon. Recognized as the Best Emerging Democratic Leader in Springfield for 2025, Devon is a passionate advocate for climate resilience, equitable water resource management, and sustainable agriculture. He's challenging incumbent Karl Morgenstern, a long-time watershed expert and current board member with deep roots in local conservation efforts. This 2026 election campaign aims to win 65% of the vote and significantly boost voter turnout in this non-partisan race by mobilizing communities around soil and water conservation, wildfire recovery, and environmental justice. Join a dynamic, youth-led effort to bring fresh perspectives to local governance!

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Director to drive resource development for Devon Lawson's UWSWCD campaign. This part-time role will focus on securing funds to support voter outreach, ads, mailers, and education initiatives critical for boosting turnout and achieving our 65% vote goal. The ideal candidate is a proactive fundraiser with a track record in political or nonprofit campaigns, passionate about environmental causes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy, including donor outreach, cultivation, and stewardship to build a sustainable funding base.

• Organize and execute fundraising events, such as virtual webinars, community gatherings, or donor receptions tailored to conservation themes.

• Identify and pursue grants from environmental organizations, foundations, and PACs (e.g., Sierra Club, Oregon Environmental Council, or local sustainability funds).

• Manage donor databases, track contributions, and ensure compliance with Oregon campaign finance laws in coordination with the treasurer.

• Collaborate with the campaign manager and team to align fundraising with overall goals, such as fueling GOTV efforts and voter education on soil/water issues.

• Set and meet fundraising targets to support ads, mailers, digital outreach, and field operations in Lane County.

• Build relationships with potential donors, including individuals, businesses, and groups aligned with climate resilience and equity.

Requirements and Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in fundraising for political campaigns, nonprofits, or environmental advocacy (e.g., grant writing, donor solicitation).

• Proven success in raising funds through diverse channels, with knowledge of tools like ActBlue, NGP VAN, or similar platforms.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for pitching to donors and organizing events.

• Familiarity with Oregon election finance regulations and conservation funding sources.

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.

• Commitment to progressive values, equity, and sustainability; experience in youth-led or grassroots movements is a plus.

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, political science, or related field preferred, but equivalent experience accepted.

This role offers a chance to fund impactful change in local environmental policy.

This role is hybrid/remote-friendly, with a strong preference for candidates based in or near Lane County, Oregon, to facilitate in-person activities like donor events and meetings in the Eugene-Springfield area. No dedicated office space; work from home or co-working spaces as needed.