• Job Description

  Req#: 575262

  Director of Foundation Relations

  National Accounts and Special Projects

  Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Director of Foundation Relations of National Accounts and Special Projects with the following primary responsibilities:

  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from foundations, corporations, and corporate foundations to support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited.
  • Work with the Chief Development Officer and National Directors on top and leadership prospects to secure and steward major gifts.
  • Provide strategic direction and leadership for the development efforts across a national portfolio of corporate and foundation major gift prospects.
  • Work with our Sustainability and Ecosystem Science teams to match corporate sustainability interests with DU’s habitat outcomes to improve funding opportunities nationally.
  • Work with communications, conservation, and development colleagues to craft collateral materials for DU initiatives and special campaigns.
  • Provide the expertise to advance Ducks Unlimited’s interests by researching and identifying sources of support, proactively seeking new opportunities based on corporate/foundation guidelines, goals, and interests, and maintaining strong communication ties with donors and prospects.
  • Partners with the event fundraising staff and volunteer leadership to raise awareness of DU’s major gift program, motivate and guide volunteers, and increase major gift revenue.

  The ideal candidate will have a minimum of four years of fundraising or related experience with an emphasis on foundation and corporate major gift solicitation and a strong conservation ethic. Additional qualifications include:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Excellent interpersonal, relationship, and team-building skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on the skills needed to write a compelling solicitation proposal
  • Demonstrated knowledge of methods, practices, and procedures for obtaining information about the giving programs of corporations and foundations
  • Knowledge of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques, particularly corporate and foundation fundraising techniques
  • Ability to provide leadership and guidance to other fundraising professionals and volunteers
  • Demonstrated ability to take primary responsibility for a diverse number of projects and to complete them on time with limited supervision
  • Computer literacy with proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs

  The successful candidate will be a self-starter who works independently as well as part of a team and is driven to succeed. Familiarity with major gift fundraising, experience with comprehensive campaigns, relationships, and a working knowledge of the philanthropic community, and an interest in outdoor conservation activities are also desired. The selected candidate must be willing to work hours that extend beyond the typical workday and workweek throughout the year; occasional overnight travel is required. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

  This position reports to the Senior Managing Director of Foundation Relations and will be expected to reside in Memphis, TN, the site of DU’s National Headquarters.

  To complete your application, visit the Jobs page at www.ducks.org. Please include a writing sample (proposal, LOI, or related fundraising piece), your resume indicating your qualifications, and a cover letter outlining your interest in the position.

  Resume review will begin asap and will continue until the position is filled.

  
  

  DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

  It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.

• About the company

  Ducks Unlimited is an American nonprofit organization 501 dedicated to the conservation of wetlands and associated upland habitats for waterfowl, other wildlife, and people.

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