National Director of Advancement

Ducks Unlimited • Memphis, TN

10h • Onsite

About The Position

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. seeks a National Director of Advancement to provide strategic direction and leadership for its development advancement program. The program includes donor engagement, gift processing, acknowledgements and fulfillment, data management and analysis, direct marketing, and department operations. The position is based at the National Headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and reports to the Chief Development Officer.

The director oversees donor engagement and direct marketing programs, gift and pledge processing, and the team responsible for information systems, data management, analysis, and reporting. The role also supports department operations and strategic planning, partners with organizational leaders on development priorities and fundraising campaigns, and builds relationships with internal teams and senior volunteer leaders. The director oversees recruitment, onboarding and training, coaching, performance, and retention of a team of approximately 35 people.

Candidates must be willing to work hours extending beyond the typical workday and workweek throughout the year. Overnight travel is required. Salary will be based on experience and education. Ducks Unlimited offers medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a 401(k) plan with partial employer match; and tuition reimbursement.

Requirements

• At least a four-year degree from an accredited college or university.
• Ten years of development or advancement experience, including at least five years in a management role.
• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills, including the ability to persuasively convey DU’s mission.
• Computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI.
• Experience with complex customer relationship management software.
• Proven success in building strong-performing teams, maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents and colleagues, and advocating for donor-centric customer service.
• Willingness to work hours extending beyond the typical workday and workweek throughout the year.
• Ability to meet overnight travel requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Relationships with and working knowledge of the organization’s philanthropic community.
• Budget and analytical analysis experience.
• Interest in outdoor conservation activities.
• Experience with Blackbaud CRM is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and enhance an integrated donor engagement program, including major donor annual giving programs, recognition items and opportunities, donor acknowledgements, and gift fulfillment.
• Supervise the direct marketing program to acquire, renew, and market to DU members through mail and digital channels.
• Lead the team responsible for the department’s information system, data management, data analysis, and reporting.
• Enhance data integration and data analysis across the organization.
• Oversee gift and pledge processing for major gift, planned giving, corporate relations, and direct marketing donors, as well as specialized gift types.
• Assist the Chief with department operations, particularly strategic and business planning, budgeting, staff development, and human resources.
• Partner with the Chief and other National Directors to implement development program strategic priorities.
• Participate in planning and executing special and comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Develop and maintain relationships with conservation, accounting, communications, and executive leadership teams to further the development program and DU’s mission.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior volunteer leaders to advance organizational priorities.
• Participate in assigned organizational work groups.
• Serve on the development management and leadership prospect management teams.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding and training, coaching, performance, and retention of a cohesive team of approximately 35 people.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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