Director of Development - North Dakota and South Dakota

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

19d

About The Position

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Director of Development
in North Dakota and South Dakota with the following primary fundraising responsibilities:

Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit major and planned gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations that are part of an identified prospect portfolio to support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited (DU).
Coordinate with conservation and development departments to develop proposals and secure funding for DU’s habitat conservation priorities as defined in DU’s Strategic Plan, to include support for operations, conservation in key landscapes, educational programs, and DU’s endowment.
Partner with the event fundraising staff and volunteers to raise awareness of DU’s major gift program and increase major gift revenue in the region.
Work with volunteer leadership to motivate and guide DU volunteers to assist with major gift fundraising.
Serve as a staff liaison for the North Dakota and South Dakota State Campaign Committee.
Achieve goals established in the Annual Work Plan.

The ideal candidates will have a minimum of four years of fundraising or related experience with an emphasis on personal 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
Commitment to and experience with prospect moves management
Ability to provide leadership and guidance to other fundraising professionals and volunteers
Goal-oriented and performance results-driven
Computer literacy with proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs
Must have a valid driver's license and provide proof of insurability

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively. Familiarity with planned giving, experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns, relationships in the region's philanthropic community, and an interest in outdoor conservation are also desired.

The selected candidate should have the desire and ability to travel extensively within the region and will be expected to reside in a mutually agreed-upon location within the assigned work area.

The target start date is May 1, 2026, or as soon as possible.

To apply, please attach a cover letter, resume, and references. Resume review will begin as applications are received and continue until the position is filled.

Requirements

• Minimum of four years of fundraising or related experience with an emphasis on personal major gift solicitation and a strong conservation ethic.
• Bachelor’s degree
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship, and team-building skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Commitment to and experience with prospect moves management
• Ability to provide leadership and guidance to other fundraising professionals and volunteers
• Goal-oriented and performance results-driven
• Computer literacy with proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs
• Must have a valid driver's license and provide proof of insurability
• The selected candidate should have the desire and ability to travel extensively within the region and will be expected to reside in a mutually agreed-upon location within the assigned work area.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with planned giving
• Experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns
• Relationships in the region's philanthropic community
• An interest in outdoor conservation

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit major and planned gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations that are part of an identified prospect portfolio to support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited (DU).
• Coordinate with conservation and development departments to develop proposals and secure funding for DU’s habitat conservation priorities as defined in DU’s Strategic Plan, to include support for operations, conservation in key landscapes, educational programs, and DU’s endowment.
• Partner with the event fundraising staff and volunteers to raise awareness of DU’s major gift program and increase major gift revenue in the region.
• Work with volunteer leadership to motivate and guide DU volunteers to assist with major gift fundraising.
• Serve as a staff liaison for the North Dakota and South Dakota State Campaign Committee.
• Achieve goals established in the Annual Work Plan.

What This Job Offers

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