Director of Philanthropy

ABOUT THE WILDERNESS LAND TRUST

The Wilderness Land Trust (TWLT), founded in 1992, is a private, 501c3 nonprofit, nationally accredited land trust dedicated to protecting federally designated wilderness from the threat of residential, commercial and industrial development. The Trust takes an apolitical approach to building working relationships with landowners, agency staff, elected officials and donors to purchase private properties before transferring them to the federal government where they become part of the surrounding wilderness. Financial support for the Trust comes from the sale of acquired properties to the federal government, foundation grants and charitable contributions.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Wilderness Land Trust seeks an experienced fundraising professional to become its first Director of Philanthropy with a specific focus on increasing major gifts. The position is not offered on a limited contract basis. The Trust is looking for someone with a deep understanding of non-profit development, a commitment to building meaningful relationships with donors, a proven multi-year track record of successful fundraising with a singular organization, the courage and confidence to make in-person solicitations for meaningful gifts and strong alignment with the mission of wilderness conservation.

This position offers the opportunity to join a well-established team and will be charged with growing the Trust’s individual fundraising program by attracting, retaining and more deeply engaging individual donors to advance the organization’s strategic goals. This position will develop and oversee a portfolio of high-net-worth prospective and current donors and work across the organization to strengthen our fundraising program, with heavy emphasis on new prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of five and six-figure gifts. This position is a key member of the fundraising team, including the President and Director of Development Operations, and will also collaborate closely with the communications and lands staff to advance and achieve annual fundraising goals. Reporting to the President, this is a full-time, permanent position that requires significant paid travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Lead and expand current major gifts fundraising strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospective donors as well as current donors to increase the Trust’s fundraising capacity, with a primary focus on a portfolio of 100-120 donors with the capacity to give over $10,000+ annually.
• Maintain a high level of personalized engagement with those in your portfolio. Complete 2-3 substantial interactions with each donor or prospective donor in portfolio within the first 12 months.
• Track moves management for all major gift prospects and donors, maintaining accurate records and gift documentation in the Trust’s database.
• Lead collaboration with the Trust’s current board members as well as other key stakeholders to leverage their networks, expertise and resources in fundraising efforts and donor relations.
• Communicate fundraising goals, priorities and reporting to staff and board through briefing materials and presentations.
• Actively participate in the Trust’s activities, including project site visits, board meetings, staff retreats and other events. Represent the Trust as requested at events or other activities to cultivate relationships.
• Work effectively with internal staff, including development staff, marketing and communications, and the Lands team.
• Adhere to fundraising best practices and ethics, Trust policies, Land Trust Alliance standards and practices, and all other requirements to maintain accreditation and charitable status.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate should have the following:

• Demonstrated track record of fundraising success in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major (six-figure) gifts, including success in strategically engaging and securing gifts from previously unaffiliated constituencies.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of proven experience in progressively responsible development positions, including direct fundraising.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to build, foster and maintain positive professional relationships with colleagues, board members, organizational partners, donors and external constituencies.
• Ability to clearly articulate the Trust’s impact on wilderness conservation to inspire new and increased support, including providing guidance on print and digital communications and conducting meetings with prospective donors, professional financial and estate planners, and other constituencies.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the Trust, public lands, and protecting designated wilderness.
• A good understanding of current trends in charitable giving and basics of charitable gift planning.
• Non-profit experience required; conservation experience is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and donor database software, including generating reports and analyzing data. Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities, including scheduling travel, that meets goals and deadlines and maximizes efficiency of the Trust’s resources.
• Completion of a Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Willing to work independently and travel to various destinations for project-specific events, donor meetings, fundraising trainings, board meetings, and an annual staff retreat on select nights and weekends over the course of the year. May include front country or backcountry project site visits.
  • Must be willing to travel 40-50% of the time to meet donors and prospects throughout the country during the year. Occasional weekend and evening work, as needed.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Range $100,000 - $125,000 depending on experience. Flexible work environment, paid time off, 401K retirement plan, employee health, dental, and vision insurance.

APPLY

Thank you for your interest in applying for the open Director of Philanthropy position with The Wilderness Land Trust. The Trust has a 32-year history (and counting!) of success due to outstanding staff that are deeply committed to fulfilling our mission and to building long-standing relationships with landowners, agency staff, conservation partners, and especially our supporters.

If you feel you meet this description, please send your resume, cover letter and references to Brad Borst, President of The Wilderness Land Trust at: brad@wildernesslandtrust.org.

This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed beginning January 15, 2025.

The Wilderness Land Trust is an equal-opportunity employer.