Senior Director, Development

Senior Director, Development

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - In order to effectively manage the portfolio of potential donors, this position is based in a major metropolitan area in the Eastern United States, ideally in Atlanta, Chicago, Virginia, or New York. Candidates in other locations in the East Coast will also be considered.

The Senior Director, Development is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding new prospects and individual donors with Major Giving potential ($100,000+ annually). They are responsible for achieving specific multi-figure short-term and long-term fundraising goals and growing the portfolio to meet yearly and multi-year revenue targets. This position will be based in a major metropolitan region or wealth center in the United States (e.g. Atlanta, Chicago, New York or Washington, DC) and will hold a portfolio appropriate to the location including a number of global donors.

This position works closely with Development leadership staff, Program leads, and organizational leadership throughout Conservation International to collaborate on fundraising opportunities and strategies. They represent CI externally and continually build strong relationships with prospects. They develop and execute cultivation strategies for prospective high-net-worth donors. Strategies include direct solicitation and cultivation meetings that will lead to large gifts to support operating and restricted program needs. They prepare detailed progress reports of all fundraising activities. This position works closely with Donor Experience and Communications team and fellow Development staff to plan and execute several strategic events, including pre-and post-event donor solicitation.

Duties are performed under limited or “as needed” supervision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue Generation

Raise at least $1,500,000 in the initial 18 months and grow the portfolio to $2-3 million annually in the first three years.

Build and manage a portfolio of up to 125 major gift donors (a mix of current donors and prospects) to contribute to overall organization fundraising. Objectives; complete at least 15 gift solicitations of at least $50,000 in the first 18 months.

Maintain up-to-date revenue projections toward annual revenue goals in collaboration with Development Leadership.

Portfolio Management

Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for donors and prospects to raise awareness of CI’s mission and broaden CI’s funding base, increasing portfolio productivity to meet annual and multi-year revenue goals.

Engage donors through in-person or virtual visits (at least 100 per year), collaboration with CI program staff, mailings, emails, etc. to advance solicitation efforts.

Organize small cultivation and revenue-generating events in collaboration with Donor Experience and Communications team on event design and the Sr. Director of Inclusive Philanthropy on fundraising strategy to support existing and new donor engagement and flexible funding goals.

Steward existing donors via written reports and in-person briefings as appropriate.

Maintain up-to-date records of moves management activity in Raiser’s Edge and provide monthly and ad-hoc progress reports to Development Leadership.

Utilize internal and external research to identify high-net-worth individuals new to CI.

Relationship Development

Work closely with senior development staff and Relationship Managers of Leadership Council members to identify and cultivate new donors.

Partner with CI field and program staff to foster deeper relationships with donors.

As needed, work with partner organizations in the local community as part of donor relationship building.

Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

50% local and regional travel required.

Ability to work irregular and extended work hours, including evenings and weekends.

This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. If Conservation International does not have an office in the region where hired, the Senior Gift Officer will work remotely full time.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Ten or more years of related work experience in directly soliciting major gifts.

Demonstrated track record of successfully cultivating and securing significant gifts of $100K or more from assigned prospects.

Experience working with volunteer leadership in identifying and cultivating major gift prospects.

Success in this position requires a person who is a self-starter, can work independently, and has impeccable professional integrity and confidence.

This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

Success in this position is also dependent on the person having a deep interest in the environment and being highly motivated, committed to teamwork and individual achievement, professional in demeanor, flexible, organized, and forward-thinking.

Professionalism, knowledge of protocol, and discretion.

Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills.

Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a dynamic environment.

Proficient in fundraising software and systems.

Preferred

Experience establishing and maintaining working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

Experience working with an international nonprofit.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.

As a science-based organization, CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Accordingly, for the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, subject to applicable local law, all Conservation International staff are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, vaccination is no longer a mandate or condition of employment and employees are not required to provide proof of vaccination. This means we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to enter a CI office, attend CI events or travel on CI-related trips. This applies for our community partners as well. This vaccine expectation applies to all team members working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site. Job applicants are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.