Director of Philanthropy

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Employees are expected to be responsible for and assist with additional tasks and duties as needed. Job descriptions may change to meet the business needs of the organization.

JOB PURPOSE: This position is responsible for direct solicitation of major gifts and will have oversight of staff executing American Prairie’s annual fund and mid-level strategies. In addition to managing a portfolio of donors, this position collaborates with the Senior Director of Philanthropy and the philanthropy team to identify and drive strategies designed to increase the number of annual, mid-level ($10K+), major ($50K+) and planned gift donors and donor prospects.

American Prairie’s philanthropy program exists to support general operations and raise awareness of our mission by attracting and retaining supporters giving annually, identifying mid-level and major gift prospects, and building a nationwide constituency of ambassadors eager to advance our goals.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES:  

Fundraising (50%)

• Build and manage a portfolio of 50 to 100 major donors and prospects through discovery, cultivation, and stewardship.
• Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with supporters, resulting in new, sustained, and increased philanthropic support, enthusiasm for, and awareness of the mission, vision and objectives of American Prairie.
• Use a moves management approach to design and execute donor strategies to secure major gifts of $50,000 or greater, with responsibility to raise $500,000 to $1 million in the first year, and $1M+ annually thereafter.
• Host donor and donor prospect visits to American Prairie properties.

Staff and Program Oversight (50%) 

• Supervise two philanthropy team positions, the Philanthropy Program Manager and the Philanthropy Manager, responsible for management and execution of American Prairie’s annual fund (gifts $1 to $50K) revenue goal of more than $2 million secured from more than 5,000 donor households annually.
• Oversee strategies for a thoughtful and effective annual fund strategy to inspire and retain American Prairie’s donor and follower bases, and to incrementally and significantly grow the base of annual donors over time.
• Oversee discovery pipeline development for new donor prospects including systems and processes for donor research, gift officer portfolio management and donor stewardship.
• Ensure proficient high caliber donation processing and fulfillment is executed by the Philanthropy team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Enthusiasm for and positive representation of American Prairie’s mission, values, goals, and culture.
• A minimum of 5+ years directly related professional philanthropy experience.
• Experience managing an individual portfolio of major donors and producing charitable contributions of $500,000 or more annually.
• Strong accountability and initiative in executing tactics and tracking efficacy, and ability to use learning to recommend adjustments to the annual fund strategy.
• Supervisory experience.
• Highly competent in working with, inspiring and reporting to donors, volunteers and staff with strong collaborative skills and ability to contribute to a team environment.
• Strategic oral and written communicator with assertive and proactive approach; articulate and poised with strong presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent research and writing skills.
• Motivated, creative, and organized self-starter with attention to detail.
• Demonstrate resiliency and the ability to work under pressure, handle multiple projects and demonstrate time management and prioritization skills with a high level of productivity and accuracy.
• Strong critical thinking and ability to analyze information.
• Proficient with current technology devices and software including databases and cloud-based software.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours including some evenings and weekends.
• Moderate travel required. On average 5-10 days per month.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive as part of work travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in managing a comprehensive fund development program.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge, understanding and familiarity with state of Montana.

For more information and to apply, visit americanprairie.org/employment