About Us: Wildlands Network is a U.S.-based non-profit organization dedicated to reconnecting, restoring and rewilding North America. Through advocacy, partnerships, applied wildlife research and hands-on conservation projects, we aim to safeguard biodiversity and create an environment where people and wildlife can thrive in the United States, Mexico and Canada. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Development Director to join our team and help us expand our impact by creating a scalable fundraising program that centers on cultivating relationships with current and prospective major donors, private foundations, government funding entities and corporations. Wildlands Network’s annual budget is approximately $3.5 million USD.

Position Summary: The Development Director will play a pivotal role in advancing the mission of Wildlands Network by leading the strategy and execution of our fundraising efforts, primarily supporting projects and operations in the United States and Mexico. This individual will be responsible for overseeing and growing our development programs with a particular focus on major gift fundraising, donor stewardship, and overseeing relationship development with private foundations, government funding entities and corporations. This position requires a passion for and knowledge of environmental conservation and a strong background in non-profit fundraising, with demonstrated success in cultivating relationships that result in long-term, sustainable funding.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership:

• Serve on staff executive team, lending insight and perspective to inform Executive Director and board decision-making related to organizational management and operations.Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and long-range fundraising strategy with a focus on major gifts, grants, and corporate and government partnerships, in alignment with the organization’s goals.
• Provide expertise and leadership to complete or update business plans (including fundraising strategy and development program staffing) aligned with strategic plan.
• Collaborate with the executive team and board members to identify funding priorities and set revenue targets..
• Identify appropriate metrics and track fundraising progress, adjusting strategies as needed to meet or exceed annual fundraising goals.
• Provide leadership to a 2-person development team, including managing their performance, providing professional development opportunities, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Manage program budget.
• Provide periodic updates (written and oral) to board of directors and executive team on progress toward goals.

Major Donor Cultivation and Stewardship:

• Directly manage a $1.1 million portfolio of major donors, including coordinating supporting actions by other team leaders.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective major donors and high-net-worth individuals, aligned with budget goals and projections.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase support from major donors, including personalized engagement (virtual and in-person), creating packaged gift opportunities and project updates that match donors’ interests.
• Manage and track donor stewardship and pipelines, coordinating supporting actions by other team leaders, ensuring follow-up actions are taken in a timely and effective manner.

Partnership Development and External Funding:

• Ensure success in grants management and portfolio management, providing oversight, mentorship and guidance for Foundation Relations & Grants Manager, who oversees a $1.8 million grants portfolio.
• Research and identify new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships (incl. corporate partnerships + government funding sources) to diversify the organization’s revenue streams.
• Lead the creation of compelling presentations and pitch materials for external funding partners, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and donor interests.

Communications and Outreach:

• Coordinate strategy development and annual planning with Communications Director to achieve shared vision, priorities and implementation schedule.
• Work with the communications team to develop and deliver compelling donor communications, including newsletters, impact reports, website content and social media.
• Represent the organization at conferences, fundraising events, meetings with potential donors, and other external forums.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy internally, including working directly with Wildlands Network’s board to develop suitable strategies and activities for board members to support fundraising goals.

Annual Appeal Campaigns

•  Oversee timing and content of twice-annual appeals (direct mail and email).
• Review and report on internal and external trends and results from appeal campaigns.
• Coordinate and strategize with communications staff to align marketing and fundraising activities during and in support of appeals.

Qualifications:

Experience:

•  Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with at least 3 years in a senior development role required.
• Prior responsibility for revenue goals exceeding $1 million or senior fundraising for organizations with total revenue of over $3 million required.
• Proven track record of successful major donor cultivation, stewardship, and securing and renewing significant ($50,000+) gifts required.
• Written and oral storytelling and donor-focused communications experience, including ability to effectively summarize and explain complex projects required. 
• Experience and understanding of international philanthropy or demonstrated experience mastering new skills or knowledge in philanthropy to support future professional growth in this area preferred.
• Strong understanding of the environmental conservation field and its key stakeholders, issues, and trends required.
• Experience securing corporate, foundation, and government grants preferred.
• Experience working directly with board and board leadership preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with donors, staff, board members, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to craft persuasive proposals, presentations, and reports.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in donor management software (Wildlands Network uses Raiser’s Edge NXT) and Microsoft Office Suite. 

Personal Attributes:

• Passion for environmental conservation and the mission of Wildlands Network.
• Proactive, results-driven, and highly motivated to achieve fundraising goals.
• Flexible in approach with willingness to take calculated risks and pivot strategy as necessary.
• Collaborative and diplomatic, with a warm, positive and professional demeanor.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to transparency in fundraising practices.

Educational Requirements:

• Demonstrated commitment to continued professional development.
• Relevant certifications in non-profit management, environmental science, or a related field are a plus.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time exempt position.
• Travel will be required (average of 20 working days per year), rarely on weekends, including potential international travel to Mexico or Canada for meetings and program visits. Must maintain valid US passport or other relevant travel documentation.
• Flexible work hours, but must be available for virtual meetings regularly M-F between 11am-3pm MT.
• Work requires virtual meetings, collaboration and communication with remote colleagues and donors, primarily using a computer, and will require sitting or standing at a desk for long periods. Meetings and interactions with staff or donors may be conducted outside and include walking, hiking or camping in uneven terrain or inclement weather.

Compensation:

• Salary based on location and experience, performance bonus available.
• Benefits package, including health and dental insurance, retirement plan with match, generous paid time off, eligibility for sabbatical every 5 years, and access to paid leave for various circumstances.

How to Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter in an email with subject line “Development Director” detailing your qualifications and passion for environmental conservation to k.davis@wildlandsnetwork.org. Please note that candidates reaching the final stages of the interview process will be asked to provide professional references. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be notified promptly (within approximately two weeks of application receipt), other candidates may not receive notification until the hiring process has been completed. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: Wildlands Network provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.