The Organization
ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS
American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers, and conserves clean water for people and nature. Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and the annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 355,000 members, supporters, and volunteers. American Rivers embraces and celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Rivers Connect Us is more than just our tagline. The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities, and we seek to build and embody this diversity in our organization and throughout the conservation field. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that each individual brings to our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to our effectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water for people and nature.
Position Overview
We are seeking a dedicated, energetic and strategic Director of Philanthropy to grow philanthropic support for American Rivers. Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Director will be responsible for securing major gifts of $10,000+ from individual donors. This position will work from a home office in the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast, traveling throughout the region to meet with donors and prospects up to 50 percent of the time.
The ideal candidate will have a history of success in cultivating, soliciting and closing major gifts from individuals; developing portfolios of individual donors and prospects with major gift potential; and building relationships and sustainable donor engagement strategies. The Director of Philanthropy, Eastern Region, will also possess a deep understanding of best practices in major gift philanthropy as well as the ability to see the big picture and translate strategy into targeted goals and actions.
The Director interacts with the President/CEO as well as board members and other leadership staff and volunteers. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a talented, high-energy team of professionals who are making a difference in the environmental field.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and execute personalized solicitation strategies for each donor/prospect in assigned portfolio with information about specific initiatives, persons involved in each task and target dates for each purposeful action; track activities and information in CRM.
Conduct a significant number of qualified contacts per month with donors and prospects to form and strengthen relationships for long-term support and engagement.
Prepare and conduct donor briefings for President/CEO’s visits and
Prepare personalized correspondence; solicitation and briefing materials; and other items for face-to-face meetings and other donor interactions.
Solicit assigned prospects to meet or exceed annual fundraising targets, as specified in annual budget and work plan.
Build a robust portfolio of qualified major donors and prospects through networking and by utilizing prospect research.
Work with CEO, board members, SVP of Advancement and major gifts colleagues to manage high-profile leadership volunteers who comprise American Rivers’ national advisory council and contribute personally significant gifts; also leverage their networks to secure additional major gifts support.
Lead efforts to launch a River Council in the region, ensuring members are appropriately supported and trained on American Rivers programs and opportunities. Work with regional director and major gifts staff to manage and engage River Council members through regular meetings/events and individual interactions.
Develop and execute an annual work plan for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors and prospects for major and planned gifts in assigned region.
Work closely with the major gifts team on strategy for the overall major donor program as well as for individual prospects.
Ensure that donor contact reports are compiled and maintained; maintain up-to-date CRM reports and contact log.
Assist Senior Director of Philanthropy in developing the major gift division’s overall plan and procedures.
OTHER
Stay current with major gift trends and best
Participate in department meetings, organization-wide meetings and activities, and staff
Organize or participate in initiatives to promote the organization and build a culture of philanthropy within the American Rivers community.
Complete administrative requirements such as timesheets, performance evaluations and expense reports in an accurate and timely manner.
Perform other fundraising duties and special projects in support of the Advancement Department, as
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An advanced degree and a minimum of 7 years of significant fundraising experience working with individuals. Or an appropriate combination of education and at least 9 years of relevant experience in sales or business development or other related fields, in a confidential environment to a sophisticated audience, will be considered.
History of closing ten+ figure gifts or sales/ marketing accounts, including the ability to evaluate, qualify, and move prospects through the identification, cultivation and solicitation cycle.
Understanding of planned giving principles and vehicles; and ability to coordinate interactions with donors to facilitate a deferred gift.
Experience interacting with high-net worth individuals and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Excellent communication skills coupled with strong writing and presentation skills.
Proficiency with donor database/CRM applications (ROI preferred).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Excellent planning and organizational skills as well as the ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently.
Ability to travel frequently and to work outside of normal business hours to meet donors and attend functions.
Prefer candidate with knowledge of and interest in conservation as well as a personal commitment to American Rivers’ mission.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Salary is commensurate with experience. Full-time and full-time equivalent employee benefits include health, dental and life insurance, retirement plan, and generous leave time.
American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
How To Apply