Director of Gift Planning - Southern Region

Ducks Unlimited, Inc.• US,

7h•Remote

About The Position

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Director of Gift Planning for its Southern Region, covering the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. This role involves identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting planned and deferred gifts from individuals within an identified prospect portfolio to support Ducks Unlimited's conservation mission. The position requires coordination with Conservation and Development partners on proposals for habitat conservation priorities, operational support, key landscape conservation, educational programs, and permanent endowment. It also involves partnering with event fundraising staff and volunteers to promote the planned giving program (Feather Society) and increase philanthropic revenue in the region, engaging volunteer leadership to assist with planned gift fundraising, serving as a staff liaison on the State Campaign Committee, and achieving goals established in the Development Annual Work Plan.

Requirements

Completed Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of four years fundraising or related experience with an emphasis on planned / estate giving
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
Desire and ability to travel extensively
Reside in a mutually agreed-upon location, with a strong emphasis on Texas
Valid driver's license and provide proof of insurability

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with major gifts fundraising
Experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns
Relationships within the region's philanthropic community
Working knowledge of the region’s philanthropic landscape
Interest in outdoor conservation activities

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.