Director Foundation Relations

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. • Memphis, TN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Ducks Unlimited Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Director of Foundation Relations with the following primary responsibilities:
Provide strategic direction and leadership for the development efforts across a national portfolio of corporate and foundation major gift prospects, with a focus on international programs and mid-tier grants.
Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts from foundations, corporations and corporate foundations to support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited with a focus on programs delivered across North America.
Coordinate with conservation and development colleagues to develop proposals and secure funding for Ducks Unlimited’s priority initiatives with a focus on international programs and mid-tier grant opportunities (under $25K).
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 and interests, and maintaining strong communication ties with donors and prospects.
Work with volunteer leadership to motivate and guide volunteers to assist with major gift fundraising.
The successful candidate will be a self-starter who works independently and collaboratively and is driven to succeed. Familiarity with major gift fundraising, experience with comprehensive campaigns, donor relationships and working within 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.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of fundraising or related experience, with an emphasis on foundation and corporate major gift solicitation, and a strong conservation ethic.
• Bachelor’s degree
• Fluency in Spanish (oral proficiency required; written proficiency preferred)
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with major gift fundraising
• Experience with comprehensive campaigns
• Donor relationships and working within the philanthropic community
• An interest in outdoor conservation activities

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the development efforts across a national portfolio of corporate and foundation major gift prospects, with a focus on international programs and mid-tier grants.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts from foundations, corporations and corporate foundations to support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited with a focus on programs delivered across North America.
• Coordinate with conservation and development colleagues to develop proposals and secure funding for Ducks Unlimited’s priority initiatives with a focus on international programs and mid-tier grant opportunities (under $25K).
• 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 and interests, and maintaining strong communication ties with donors and prospects.
• Work with volunteer leadership to motivate and guide volunteers to assist with major gift fundraising.

Benefits

• Comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage
• Three weeks paid vacation
• Paid sick leave
• Ten paid holidays
• 401(k) plan (including partial employer match)
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director