SVP, Strategic Partnerships & Philanthropy

American Forests

14h•Remote

About The Position

American Forests is a national nonprofit conservation organization with a bold vision for restoring forests at the scale needed to address climate change, support biodiversity, and strengthen communities. Our work is driven by cutting-edge forest science, strong policy engagement, and movement-building efforts in collaboration with federal agencies, corporate partners, and local community leaders. We lead transformative, science-based initiatives across the country, from advancing Tree Equity to ensure every neighborhood has the trees needed for health, safety, and climate resilience, to restoring forest ecosystems so they can adapt to climate change, store more carbon, protect water resources, and support wildlife. This role will play a defining part in shaping how this vision is understood, embraced, and championed by the public, policymakers, corporate partners, and philanthropic leaders alike.

Requirements

12+ years of progressive fundraising experience, with a significant focus on major and principal gifts
Demonstrated success securing seven- and eight-figure gifts from individuals and/or institutions
Proven ability to manage complex donor relationships and navigate sophisticated philanthropic environments
Experience working closely with senior executives and preparing principals (CEO/Board) for donor engagement
Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate organizational priorities into compelling funding opportunities
High level of executive presence, judgment, and discretion
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
Experience managing multi-million-dollar accounts and fundraising targets required.
Strong supervisory and leadership skills, with experience managing and developing a high-performing team.
Demonstrated expertise in non-profit fundraising, strategic planning, and donor relations.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Experience in environmental, conservation, climate, or land-use sectors
Familiarity with family offices, donor-advised funds, and institutional philanthropy
Experience in a growth-stage or scaling nonprofit organization

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year revenue strategy aligned with organizational goals and growth targets
Drive significant expansion of revenue across major donors and institutional funders
Cultivate and maintain relationships with high-net-worth individuals and institutional funders
Advance multi-year, seven- and eight-figure principal gifts, partnerships , and funding opportunities
Develop and execute a Capital Campaign strategy for the organization
Partner with the CEO and CRO to establish clear revenue targets, pipeline development strategies, and forecasting discipline
Build systems and processes to ensure consistent donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship , and engagement
Analyze and manage fundraising campaigns to ensure they meet established targets and are executed effectively
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align philanthropic strategies with organizational priorities and initiatives.
Lead strategy and execution for major donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Personally manage, solicit, and steward a portfolio of top-tier donors and prospects
Partner closely with the executive team and Board of Directors on donor engagement and fundraising strategy
Build systems and culture for high-performance major gifts fundraising, including pipeline management, moves management, and stewardship excellence
Develop and execute tailored cultivation strategies that align donor interests with American Forests’ priorities
Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO in advancing top-tier donor relationships, philanthropic growth,
Prepare the CEO for high-stakes donor interactions, including briefing materials, strategy, and follow-up
Co-develop and execute solicitation strategies for principal gifts, including direct participation in donor meetings and asks
Ensure strong coordination across executive leadership to present a cohesive and compelling case for support
Oversee foundation fundraising strategy and engagement, including national, regional, place-based opportunities, and select corporate partners
Grow and strengthen relationships with key philanthropic institutions and public funders
Increase complex gifts, including multi-year commitments, restricted funding, and blended funding models , and increase multi-year flexible funding commitments
Partner with Finance and Program teams to ensure proposals are fully scoped, costed, and aligned with organizational priorities
Proactively identify, qualify, and cultivate new high-capacity donors
Leverage personal and professional networks to open doors and expand the prospect pipeline
Engage Board members and senior stakeholders in donor identification and relationship development
Represent American Forests at high-level events, convenings, and donor forums