Director of Philanthropy, California
TITLE: Director of Philanthropy, California
CLASSIFICATION: Director II
DEPARTMENT: Advancement
WAGE CATEGORY: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Sr. Director of Philanthropy
LOCATION: California (remote/home office)
Click here to apply
ABOUT AMERICAN RIVERS
American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers℠.
American Rivers centers the ongoing work of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all that we do. 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 everyone 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.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for securing major gifts from individual donors and family foundations, and actively contributing to the success of the Life Depends on Rivers campaign. Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy, the Director of Philanthropy will partner with the President and CEO, the California Regional Director, board members, campaign cabinet members, River Council volunteers, and leadership staff. This person will have a history of success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts from individuals; developing and managing portfolios of individual donors and prospects with major gift potential; and building relationships and sustainable donor engagement strategies. They 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. As American Rivers executes the Life Depends on Rivers comprehensive fundraising campaign to scale our work and impact, this is an exciting opportunity to join a talented, passionate, and fun major gifts team.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify, cultivate, and solicit a portfolio of approximately 100 major gift donors capable of giving at least $10,000, with focus on securing annual gifts of $50,000+ and six to eight figure multi-year campaign pledges.
- Travel regularly around the state for donor visits, events, field trips, and trainings. Occasional travel to Washington, DC, will be required.
- Build a pipeline of prospective donors and develop plans to introduce American Rivers to the philanthropic leaders in California.
- Qualify prospective major donors for upgrades from membership and mid-level giving programs.
- Develop and execute personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each donor/prospect in assigned portfolio.
- Prepare and conduct briefings for visits and solicitation of assigned prospects by President and CEO where warranted.
- Ensure that donor contact reports are compiled and maintained in the donor database.
- Work with conservation leadership colleagues to develop case statements, proposals, and strategies for major donors.
- In partnership with regional conservation leadership, ensure members of regional River Councils are appropriately supported, trained, and engaged on American Rivers programs, campaign, and other fundraising efforts; leverage their networks on behalf of the organization.
- Work collaboratively with major gifts colleagues to develop and execute donor communications plan, engagement events, and stewardship activities, while supporting one another and celebrating success.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Seven or more years of major gift fundraising experience; campaign experience preferred.
- Proven success closing five and six figure gifts including the ability to evaluate, qualify, and move prospects through the identification, qualification, cultivation, and solicitation cycle. Seven figure gift experience a plus.
- Experience and comfort interacting with high-net worth individuals and engaging with philanthropic leaders, as well as the ability to maintain a high level of maturity, discretion, and confidentiality.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills as well as the ability to prioritize and manage time efficiently.
- Excellent communication skills coupled with strong writing and presentation skills.
- Proficiency with donor database/CRM applications and in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to travel frequently to meet donors and attend functions.
- Interest and/or experience with planned giving principles and vehicles.
- Curiosity and interest in American Rivers’ work, as well as a personal commitment to mission.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary for this position is $107,000-128,000, commensurate with experience. Full-time employee benefits include health, dental and life insurance, a retirement plan, and generous leave time.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter:
Click here to apply
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone calls, please.
American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
LOCATION
Remote role based out of California
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary for this position is $107,000-128,000, annually depending upon qualifications and experience. Full-time employee benefits include health, dental, and life insurance; a retirement plan, training budget, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, four weeks of paid vacation, paid sabbaticals every seven years, and a 3% retirement match. American Rivers offers TIAA-CREF Social Choice, including green impact, as an investment option.
COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY
Our community’s core values motivate us to Lead with Collaboration and Trust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. American Rivers offers staff professional development and training opportunities, engages in equitable hiring and retention practices, has taken the Green 2.0 pay equity pledge and participates in the transparency report, provides “no meetings” weeks, and hosts People of Color, Accessibility, LGBTQAI+, Women’s Leadership, Parents and Caregivers, and DEIJ affinity groups and committees led by staff and board members.
American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7050 or humanresources@americanrivers.org. Please note that one week’s advance notice is preferred.
Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States.
American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply