Description
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Director of Philanthropy
CLASSIFICATION: Professional 6
SALARY: $110,000 - $122,000
FLSA: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Development
LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Philanthropy
NUMBER OF DIRECT/INDIRECT REPORTS: 0
LAST REVISED: March 2024
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for cultivating and soliciting current $10,000 donors and prospects, with emphasis on increasing the pipeline of $100,000 donors and recruiting new major donors for Defenders of Wildlife. The Director works closely with the Senior Director of Philanthropy, Vice President of Philanthropy, Major Gift team, and Development operations staff. The Director also works with the President, Senior Vice President and Senior Program staff in carrying out donor strategies.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meets or exceeds annual revenue goals that are established in partnership with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and Vice President of Philanthropy.
• Develops and manages a portfolio of ~125-150 donors and prospects of $10,000 to Defenders of Wildlife. Establishes and carries out donor cultivation and solicitation strategies including personal visits, events, letters, e-mails and telephone calls. Qualifies and recruits key prospects, including individuals and family foundations.
• In consultation with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and Vice President of Philanthropy, sets donor portfolio goals, evaluates results and develops new approaches as needed. Develops multi-year fundraising strategies and goals for selected donors.
• Prepares progress reports and funding proposals for select $10,000 donors.
• Work with volunteer hosts, Development staff and regional staff to coordinate donor cultivation events and field trips.
• Engages and supports senior management, program staff and Board members in executing donor strategies.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education : Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) or equivalent in related discipline.
Experience : 10 years of relevant experience; 5 years supervisory experience; 5 years of experience in major gift donor cultivation and solicitation.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders
https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Professional 6
Administrative

• Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records
• Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service

Communication

• Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely
• Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies
• Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders' interests in external environments
• Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders

Critical Thinking

• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion
• Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner
• Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods.
• Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders' work
• Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments
• Strategic thinker with the ability to create high-level strategy, identify organizational-level impact, and translate strategy into relatable points and action steps.

Project Management

• Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments
• Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests
• Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues
• Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment
• Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues
• Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion

Coalition and Community Engagement (if applicable)

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders' members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and /or the general public.
• Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate policy issues impacting wildlife and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions.
• Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations.

Conservation Knowledge (if applicable)

• Expert-level knowledge of Defenders' legal, scientific, and/or political issues
• Expert-level knowledge of national and regional social, political, and ecological landscapes

Leadership and Management

• Ability to foster a team culture which models the tenets of the Commitment Statement
• Ability to connect employees and their work to Defenders' mission
• Ability to set and maintain clear expectations, ensuring clarity of roles, accountabilities, and responsibilities
• Ability to ensure that staff have the skills and support required to perform at the highest level
• Working knowledge of Defenders' business and people systems and processes
• Ability to create and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and high-functioning environment
• Ability to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in team/department-level decisions
• Ability to manage employee conflict and resolve escalations in an inclusive and healthy manner
• Ability to effectively lead and manage change
• Ability to develop staff to their highest capabilities, through delegation, coaching, empowerment, and professional growth opportunities
• Ability to provide effective feedback in real-time
• Ability to create and implement team/department strategies in support of Defenders' Strategic Plan

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Director of Philanthropy

• Demonstrated success in developing substantive donor relationships and in supporting senior management, program staff and high-level volunteers in executing donor strategies.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills and strong interpersonal skills.
• Analytical, strategic and problem-solving skills with the ability to function independently and as part of a team.
• Strong knowledge of wildlife conservation issues.
• Ability to make sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Activities
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
N
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.
N
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
C
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
O
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.
O
Communicating with others to exchange information.
C
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
C
Operating machinery and/or power tools.
N
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
O
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
C
Environmental Conditions
Check all that apply
Frequency
(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Low temperatures.
High temperatures.
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
O
Noisy environments.
O
Hazardous conditions.
Poor ventilation.
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
No adverse environmental conditions expected.
C
Physical Demands
Check only one
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
X
Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
Visit www.defenders.org to apply.
All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Defenders of Wildlife requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant (i) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant's disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions.
Please be advised this position is union-eligible.