Director of Philanthropy

The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for cultivating and soliciting current $10,000+ donors and prospects, with emphasis on increasing the pipeline of $100,000+ donors and recruiting new major donors for Defenders of Wildlife. The Director works closely with the Senior Director of Philanthropy, Vice President of Philanthropy, Major Gift team, and Development operations staff. The Director also works with the President, Senior Vice President and Senior Program staff in carrying out donor strategies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meets or exceeds annual revenue goals that are established in partnership with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and Vice President of Philanthropy.
• Develops and manages a portfolio of ~125-150 donors and prospects of $10,000+ to Defenders of Wildlife. Establishes and carries out donor cultivation and solicitation strategies including personal visits, events, letters, e-mails and telephone calls. Qualifies and recruits key prospects, including individuals and family foundations.
• In consultation with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and Vice President of Philanthropy, sets donor portfolio goals, evaluates results and develops new approaches as needed. Develops multi-year fundraising strategies and goals for selected donors.
• Prepares progress reports and funding proposals for select $10,000+ donors.
• Work with volunteer hosts, Development staff and regional staff to coordinate donor cultivation events and field trips.
• Engages and supports senior management, program staff and Board members in executing donor strategies.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in related discipline.

Experience: 10 years of relevant experience; 5 years supervisory experience; 5+ years of experience in major gift donor cultivation and solicitation.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Director of Philanthropy

• Demonstrated success in developing substantive donor relationships and in supporting senior management, program staff and high-level volunteers in executing donor strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Analytical, strategic and problem-solving skills with the ability to function independently and as part of a team.
• Strong knowledge of wildlife conservation issues.
• Ability to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Defenders of Wildlife requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.

Please be advised this position is union-eligible.