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ABOUT NATURESERVE:
NatureServe, a nonprofit conservation science and technology organization, unlocks the power of science to guide biodiversity conservation. With an international network of over 60 natural heritage programs across the United States and Canada, NatureServe is the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems. To protect threatened biodiversity, NatureServe works with over 1,000 conservation professionals to collect, aggregate, and standardize biodiversity statistics, providing comprehensive data to the public for strategic conservation efforts. NatureServe and its network programs develop and manage the most comprehensive data for over 100,000 species and ecosystems, answering fundamental questions about what biodiversity exists, where it is found, and how it is doing.
DESCRIPTION:
NatureServe is currently recruiting a talented, motivated, experienced, and entrepreneurial Director of Major Gifts to join our growing development team. We envision this position to be a key ingredient in unlocking our success in building sustainable philanthropic support.
This individual will expand and implement our comprehensive major giving and engagement program strategy. The Director will be responsible for building a robust pipeline of philanthropic gifts from a portfolio including individual, foundation, and corporate partners. The Director will also provide leadership to our efforts in identifying new prospects in each category and engaging mid-level donors as a segment and pipeline for future individual major gifts.
The position reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and will work in close collaboration with senior leaders across the organization to build effective cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
This job is perfect for an ambitious fundraiser who is a builder and a doer, proactive, productive, highly organized, able to work independently, data-driven, compassionately competitive, curious, and thoughtfully connects with donors and colleagues.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
Donors
- Build and manage a diverse portfolio of 100 donors (individual, foundation, and corporate donors to raise $500,000-$1M annually in revenue.
- Implement and track data-driven, relationship-based, precision-fundraising engagement plans for each managed account.
- Connect and empathize with donors while also communicating the organization's mission and work.
- Collaborate with the board of directors, colleagues, Network partners, the Annual Fund and Database Manager, and communication and marketing colleagues as necessary to cultivate relationships.
- Provide support and strategic advice to leadership in their engagement with donors, including customized donor-centric presentation materials.
- Utilize SalesForce for donor tracking and planning.
- Strategize and manage mid-level donor engagement, cultivating donors as a pipeline for major gifts.
- Cultivate relationships with major gift donors, foundations, and corporate partners to enhance support, while also creating profiles for high-potential individuals and corporate partners.
Grants
- Write compelling grant proposals that align with the organization's priorities and requirements.
- Identify relevant grant opportunities and understand the funding priorities of different nonprofit foundations.
- Manage the grant application process from start to finish, including tracking deadlines and ensuring all requirements are met.
- Develop strategic approaches to securing grants, including identifying innovative funding sources and partnerships.
Programs, Events & Fundraising
- Implement data-driven fundraising plans for each account.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of our programs, campaigns, events, and fundraising/marketing themes and priorities.
- Translate complex and technical science into compelling and inspiring messages for a lay audience.
- Collaborate with staff and board members to grasp program priorities and focus.
- When appropriate, assist with the planning and execution of special events designed to engage donors and prospective donors.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- You have a passion for biodiversity, conservation, and nature.
- You have at least a bachelor's degree in social work, communications, business administration or another relevant field.
- You have 5+ years of fundraising experience with similar responsibilities.
- You understand dynamics of fundraising in a non-profit affiliate or network model.
- You have a demonstrated record of success in generating commitments from donors and corporate partners.
- You have a demonstrated record of success with securing grants from mid-size to large foundations.
- You have knowledge and command in building relationships with current and prospective donors in-person and online.
- You enjoy writing and are organized.
- You are self-motivated and disciplined to regularly set and achieve work goals.
- You enjoy connecting with people and have strong interpersonal and networking skills with large groups as well as with individuals.
- You want to be part of a highly productive, collaborative, and busy team.
- You can travel regionally and nationally and work extended hours, including weekends and evenings when necessary.
- You are proficient with MS Office and have Salesforce or similar CRM experience.
BENEFITS:
NatureServe offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- 401K savings and retirement plan with matching contributions
- Health and dental insurance
- Short and long-term disability
- Annual and sick leave
- Life insurance
- Telework/Flex work
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work during standard office hours
- Ability to move or adjust light computer and peripheral equipment
- Requires frequent communication, verbal and written
- Ability to hear well and speak clearly to engage effectively with staff
- Requires ability to visually or otherwise identify, observe or assess
- Ability to travel independently and attend events, meetings, and training.
- Ability to stay focused and maintain composure handling multiple deadlines in a fast-paced remote environment
NATURESERVE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
m/f/vet/disability
An equal opportunity, reasonable accommodations employer, NatureServe complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need accommodation in the employment process or this document in an alternative format, please contact our office at 703-908-1840 or info@natureserve.org. We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin, or disability.