Strategic Partnerships and Development Director, HECHO

National Wildlife Federation•Santa Fe, NM

65d•$82,000 - $87,000•Remote

About The Position

From southwestern deserts to northern forestland, Hispanics throughout America have strong connections to our nation's public lands and waters. Founded in 2013, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) has worked diligently to safeguard these lands and watersheds so that future generations can enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, camping and other outdoor activities for generations to come. As a fiscally-sponsored partner and program with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) since 2017, HECHO plays a key role in both uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife and people thrive in our rapidly changing world and connecting and convening Hispanic leaders and communities to conserve our public land, water, and outdoor traditions. Through our engagement of Hispanic local and elected leaders from Southwestern states and elevating their perspectives at the national level, we are an effective conduit for connecting local voices to federal conservation policy decision-making opportunities. While our focus is on the protection of public lands and waters in the American Southwest, our work has a national scope and impact. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, high-impact team and lead one of its three core priorities. Reporting to the HECHO Executive Director, the Strategic Partnerships and Development Director will be responsible for designing and executing a strategy to expand HECHO's funding base and build a network of relationships that strengthens the organization's influence, visibility, and long-term sustainability. This full-time position will serve as a key member of HECHO's leadership team, working closely with the Executive Director to engage prospective funders, cultivate donors, and develop strategic partnerships - including with those from different sectors or viewpoints who offer opportunities for meaningful collaboration. The Director will both lead and support external engagement efforts that advance shared goals, broaden HECHO's reach, and contribute to a positive, collaborative, and effective team culture.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of experience in donor relations and strategy, fundraising, marketing, communications, business/corporate partnerships, or other relationship/partnership building roles.
Demonstrated success in cultivating and deepening relationships and effectively engaging individual or institutional donors or business partners.
Experience designing and implementing effective outreach and relationship-building strategies to support organizational growth and visibility.
Proven ability to set priorities and manage concurrent deliverables using collaborative workflows and organizational systems.
Track record of creative problem-solving and ability to lead effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Experience supporting a principal (e.g., Executive Director or CEO) with external engagement, strategic relationship development, and brand positioning.
Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with experience tailoring messaging for a variety of audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills and a professional presence, with the ability to build trust and align people around common priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience creating or managing the design of visually compelling donor materials (e.g., case for support, annual report), either independently or in collaboration with a designer.
Proficiency in digital tools and platforms, including social media strategy, email marketing, and website CMS.
Experience managing or supervising people, consultants, or cross-functional teams.
Familiarity with Southwestern culture and/or public land and water conservation in the American West.
Location in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah is preferred.

Responsibilities

Design and execute strategies to diversify HECHO's funding base by cultivating new foundation, corporate, and individual donors.
Lead all grant writing, donor communications, and fundraising material development - including a compelling case for support, annual report, and proposals - ensuring alignment with HECHO's strategic roadmap, voice, and HECHO's unique approach.
Support the ED in stewarding relationships with existing funders and advancing major donor engagement.
Develop and implement new, creative ideas for strategic partnerships that can enhance HECHO visibility and resources including possible business, corporate, or outdoor industry partnerships.
Build an ecosystem of relationships across sectors (public, private, nonprofit, philanthropic), including with those who may bring different perspectives but share common goals, to advance HECHO's mission and influence.
Develop and implement a "roadshow" strategy, in partnership with the ED, to elevate HECHO's visibility and deepen understanding of its value among prospective funders and cross-sector partners.
Identify and pursue opportunities - such as conferences, convenings, or speaking engagements-that help elevate HECHO's profile and position the organization as a leading voice in conservation.
Partner with the Communications Director to ensure consistent, strategic branding and messaging of HECHO across all platforms and audiences.
Serve as a member of HECHO's leadership team, contributing to the organizational strategy and cross-program collaboration.
Work closely with program leads to ensure fundraising and partnership efforts reflect and reinforce HECHO's mission, goals, and work in conservation and advocacy.
Help foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.