Director of Foundation Relations - Great Lakes Region

Ducks Unlimited • Ann Arbor, MI

13d

About The Position

Director of Foundation RelationsGreat Lakes Region Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continents 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 in the Great Lakes and Atlantic Region states of IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, and WI (DUs Regions 3 and 5).Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts from foundations, corporations and corporate foundations to support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited.Coordinate with conservation and development colleagues to develop proposals and secure funding for Ducks Unlimiteds priority initiatives.Provide the expertise to advance Ducks Unlimiteds 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.Partner with the event fundraising staff to raise awareness of DUs major gift program to increase major gift revenue in the region.Work with the volunteer leadership to motivate and guide volunteers to assist with major gift fundraising.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:Bachelors degreeExcellent interpersonal, relationship and team-building skillsStrong oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on the skills needed to write a compelling solicitation proposalDemonstrated knowledge of methods, practices and procedures for obtaining information about the giving programs of corporations and foundationsKnowledge of cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies and techniques, particularly corporate and foundation fundraising techniquesAbility to provide leadership and guidance to other fundraising professionals and volunteersDemonstrated ability to take primary responsibility for a diverse number of projects and to complete them on time with limited supervisionComputer 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 a mutually agreed upon city in the 8-state region, preferably near Ann Arbor, Michigan, where our regional office is located. To complete your application: Please fill out all application materials and 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 opportunities 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, gender identity, gender expression, 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Bachelors 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the development efforts in the Great Lakes and Atlantic Region states of IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, and WI (DUs Regions 3 and 5).
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts from foundations, corporations and corporate foundations to support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited.
• Coordinate with conservation and development colleagues to develop proposals and secure funding for Ducks Unlimiteds priority initiatives.
• Provide the expertise to advance Ducks Unlimiteds 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.
• Partner with the event fundraising staff to raise awareness of DUs major gift program to increase major gift revenue in the region.
• Work with the volunteer leadership to motivate and guide volunteers to assist with major gift fundraising.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees