Ocean Job Board
0
Organizations
0
Jobs
Director of Philanthropy, Great Lakes and Central
American Rivers
Milwaukee, WI, USA
Posted on Sep 12, 2025
JOB TITLE: Director of Philanthropy, Great Lakes and Central
POSITION CLASSIFACTION: Exempt
SALARY BAND: B or C
REPORTS TO: Sr Director of Philanthropy
LOCATION: Remote (Great Lakes, Central, or Texas)
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℠.
The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities – including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring 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
The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting significant financial donations from high-net-worth individuals, managing a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of making large gifts ($100,000+) by building strong relationships, understanding their philanthropic interests, and strategically moving them through the giving cycle to secure major donations for the organization. This role involves extensive face-to-face meetings, personalized communication, and detailed donor engagement strategies. This position plays a key role in the success of the Life Depends on Rivers campaign.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropy will partner with the President and CEO, leadership staff, conservation colleagues, and volunteers, including board, River Council, and campaign cabinet members. The Director possess a deep understanding of best practices in major gift philanthropy as well as the ability to translate strategy into targeted goals and actions. As American Rivers executes the Life Depends on Rivers comprehensive fundraising campaign to scale our work and impact, this is an exciting opportunity to be part of talented, passionate, and fun major gifts team.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 120 major gift donors and prospects in Great Lakes and Central regions, as well as Texas. Primary focus is securing $25,000+ annual gifts and multi-year campaign pledge commitments of $250,000+ with the goal of initially raising $500,000+ annually.
- Make direct face-to-face solicitations and assist the CEO, other staff, and volunteers with solicitations (e.g., provide portfolio development support, strategic briefings, and assistance with donor communications).
- Effectively prepare meeting materials, stewardship reports, and major gift solicitations including, high-quality proposals and investment decks.
- Manage donor interactions and communication with programmatic leadership.
- Travel regularly within the two regions for donor visits, events, and site visits.
- Build a pipeline of prospective donors and develop plans to introduce American Rivers to the philanthropic leaders in respective regions.
- Qualify prospective major donors for upgrades from membership and mid-level giving programs.
- Utilize CRM to track and manage donor/prospect portfolio and monitor individual progress toward fundraising goal; adhere to timely reporting to ensure accuracy of the fundraising pipeline and year-end projection forecasts. Ensure donor contact reports are compiled and maintained in the donor database.
- In partnership with regional conservation leadership, ensure members of regional River Councils are appropriately supported, trained, and engaged on American Rivers programs, campaign, and other fundraising efforts; leverage their networks on behalf of the organization.
- Work collaboratively with major gifts colleagues to develop and execute donor communications plans, engagement events, and stewardship activities, while supporting one another and celebrating success.
- Manage and supervise the Associate Director of Philanthropy in their work on donor communications, account management, and donor qualification.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Seven or more years of major gift fundraising experience; campaign experience preferred.
- Proven success closing five and six figure gifts including the ability to evaluate, qualify, and move prospects through the giving cycle. Seven figure gift experience a plus.
- Experience and comfort interacting with high-net worth individuals and engaging with philanthropic leaders, as well as the ability to maintain a high level of maturity, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Proven interpersonal skills to work effectively with senior leadership, donors, prospects, and volunteers, as well as strong writing and communication skills.
- High degree of initiative and resourcefulness, with the ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced work environment.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills as well as the ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently.
- Proficiency with donor database/CRM applications and in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to travel frequently to meet donors and organize and attend events.
- Interest and/or experience with planned giving principles and vehicles.
- Curiosity and interest in American Rivers’ work, as well as a personal commitment to mission.
Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.
LOCATION
In Great Lakes, Central, or Texas regions; Chicago, Minneapolis, or Dallas preferred
COMPENSATION
American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $98,423-$131,194, annually, depending on experience and qualifications. We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including:
- Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.
- Financial Security: After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3% employer contribution. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions as employees are 100% vested upon participation.
- Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, and sick leave.
At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee’s well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.
COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY
- At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do – we Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. We are committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference.
- Our culture prioritizes work-life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings), professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leave policies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/ one year of service).
- We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group, fostering open communication and continuous improvement.
- At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.
American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7040 or recruitment@americanrivers.org. Please note that one week’s advance notice is preferred.
Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States. American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.