Director of Philanthropy

American Rivers

American Rivers

Sales & Business Development
Posted on Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Director of Philanthropy

TITLE: Director of Philanthropy                    
CLASSIFICATION: Director II
DEPARTMENT: Advancement                   
WAGE CATEGORY: Exempt       
REPORTS TO: Sr. Director of Philanthropy
LOCATION: Remote, Pacific Northwest preferred

Click Here to Apply

ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS

American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers℠.

American Rivers centers the ongoing work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all that we do. The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities, and we seek to build and embody this diversity in our organization and throughout the conservation field. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that everyone brings to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropy is responsible for securing major gifts of $10,000+ from individual donors. The Director of Philanthropy will partner with the President and CEO, board members, and other leadership staff and volunteers. This person will have a history of success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts from individuals; developing portfolios of individual donors and prospects with major gift potential; and building relationships and sustainable donor engagement strategies. They will also possess a deep understanding of best practices in major gift philanthropy as well as the ability to see the big picture and translate strategy into targeted goals and actions. As American Rivers executes a comprehensive fundraising campaign to scale our work and impact, this is an exciting opportunity to join a talented, passionate, and fun major gifts team.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Identify, cultivate, and solicit a portfolio of approximately 100 major gift donors capable of giving at least $10,000, with focus on securing gifts of $50,000 or more.
  • Travel regularly for donor visits, events, field trips, and trainings.
  • Build a pipeline of potential new donors and develop a plan for introducing American Rivers to the philanthropic leaders.
  • Qualify prospective major donors for upgrades from membership and mid-level giving programs.
  • Develop and execute personalized solicitation strategies for each donor/prospect in assigned portfolio and ensure that donor contact reports are compiled and maintained.
  • Prepare and conduct briefings for President/CEO’s visits and solicitations.
  • Work with conservation leadership colleagues to develop necessary case statements for major donors.
  • In partnership with regional conservation leadership, ensure members of regional River Councils are appropriately supported, trained, and engaged on American Rivers programs and fundraising opportunities; leverage their networks on behalf of the organization.
  • Work collaboratively with major gifts colleagues to develop and execute donor communications plan, engagement events, and stewardship activities, while supporting one another and celebrating success.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • 7+ years of major gift fundraising experience; campaign experience preferred but not required.
  • Proven success closing five-figure gifts including the ability to evaluate, qualify, and move prospects through the identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation cycle. Six-figure gift experience a plus.
  • Experience interacting with high-net worth individuals and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
  • Excellent communication skills coupled with strong writing and presentation skills.
  • Proficiency with donor database/CRM applications (ROI preferred) and in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Excellent planning and organizational skills as well as the ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently.
  • Ability to travel frequently to meet donors and attend functions.
  • Interest and/or experience with planned giving principles and vehicles.
  • Knowledge of and/or interest in conservation as well as a personal commitment to American Rivers’ mission.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary for this position is $90,000-105,000/commensurate with experience. Full-time employee benefits include health, dental and life insurance, a retirement plan, and generous leave time.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Click Here to Apply

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter on BambooHR. No phone calls please.

American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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