Director of Gift Planning - Great Lakes/Atlantic Region

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. • Minneapolis, MN

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About The Position

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Director of Gift Planning for its Great Lakes / Atlantic Region, covering the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, with the following fundraising responsibilities: Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit planned and deferred gifts from individuals who are part of an identified prospect portfolio to help support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited.   Coordinate with Conservation and Development partners on proposals to secure funding for DU’s habitat conservation priorities as defined by the Strategic Plan, and to include support for operations, conservation in key landscapes, educational programs, and permanent endowment.  Partner with event fundraising staff and volunteers to raise awareness of DU’s planned giving program (Feather Society) and increase philanthropic revenue in the region. Engage volunteer leadership to motivate and guide DU volunteers to assist with planned gift fundraising. Serve as a staff liaison on the State Campaign Committee.   Achieve goals established in the Development Annual Work Plan.                   Qualifications: Experience and Education: Completed Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of four years fundraising or related experience with an emphasis on planned / estate giving and a strong conservation ethic. Familiarity with major gifts fundraising, experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns, relationships within the region's philanthropic community, and a working knowledge of the region’s philanthropic landscape are also desired. Additionally, an interest in outdoor conservation activities is desirable.    Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills Technological Proficiency: Working knowledge of planned giving vehicles. Computer literacy with proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal, relationship, and team-building skills. Ability to provide leadership and guidance to other fundraising professionals and volunteers. Self-starter who can work independently as well as part of a team and is driven to succeed.  The selected candidate should have the desire and ability to travel extensively and will be expected to reside in a mutually agreed-upon location in Minnesota, with an emphasis on the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Salary and Benefits Package: Salary commensurate with experience. We work hard to encourage everyone at Ducks Unlimited to bring their authentic selves to work every day. DU offers an exceptional benefit package that includes comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks of paid vacation; paid sick leave and 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement. Application Instructions: Submit a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position and a resume highlighting your qualifications, along with three professional references.  Application Deadline: Resume review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Requirements

• Completed Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of four years fundraising or related experience with an emphasis on planned / estate giving and a strong conservation ethic.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Working knowledge of planned giving vehicles.
• Computer literacy with proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship, and team-building skills.
• Ability to provide leadership and guidance to other fundraising professionals and volunteers.
• Self-starter who can work independently as well as part of a team and is driven to succeed.
• The selected candidate should have the desire and ability to travel extensively and will be expected to reside in a mutually agreed-upon location in Minnesota, with an emphasis on the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with major gifts fundraising, experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns, relationships within the region's philanthropic community, and a working knowledge of the region’s philanthropic landscape are also desired.
• Additionally, an interest in outdoor conservation activities is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit planned and deferred gifts from individuals who are part of an identified prospect portfolio to help support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited.
• Coordinate with Conservation and Development partners on proposals to secure funding for DU’s habitat conservation priorities as defined by the Strategic Plan, and to include support for operations, conservation in key landscapes, educational programs, and permanent endowment.
• Partner with event fundraising staff and volunteers to raise awareness of DU’s planned giving program (Feather Society) and increase philanthropic revenue in the region.
• Engage volunteer leadership to motivate and guide DU volunteers to assist with planned gift fundraising.
• Serve as a staff liaison on the State Campaign Committee.
• Achieve goals established in the Development Annual Work Plan.

Benefits

• comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage
• three weeks of paid vacation
• paid sick leave and 10 paid holidays
• 401(k) plan (including partial employer match)
• tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

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