[Hiring] Director of Philanthropy @American Prairie Foundation

Role Description

The Director of Philanthropy is a senior individual contributor who builds lasting partnerships with donors who share American Prairie’s vision. Those partnerships turn into the major gifts that power the Forever Wild comprehensive campaign. Success in this role is measured by fundraising results and by the strength of donor relationships. Lasting donor partnerships take time to build and this role is set up with that in mind. Goals phase in over three years:

• 50% of the full goal in year one
• 75% in year two
• The full goal in year three

Once fully ramped up, the role is expected to deliver:

• Major gifts: Regularly secures five and six-figure gift commitments.
• Principal gifts: May include the cultivation of principal gifts in philanthropy leadership.
• Transformational gifts: Partners with senior leadership on principal gift opportunities as they emerge.
• A growing pipeline: Qualifies at least 35 new major gift prospects each year and cultivates a portfolio of 80–120 donors and prospects with capacity to give $10,000 to $1,000,000+ with an annual goal of $1M+ (subject to annual review and adjustment based on revenue needs and portfolio development).
• Deepening donor commitment: Keeps portfolio donors engaged and giving, and helps them increase their investment over time. All portfolio gifts of $10,000 count toward the position’s annual goal.
• Shared success: Contributes to the Philanthropy team’s goals and helps shape how the team measures its impact in the years ahead.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for American Prairie’s mission, values, goals, and culture, and the ability to represent them with credibility to high-capacity donors.
• At least 5 years of directly related philanthropy experience, with a focus on major and principal gifts.
• A record of personally securing five- and six-figure gift commitments.
• Experience working in a comprehensive fundraising program. Campaign experience is strongly preferred.
• Advanced skill in major gift strategy, including multi-year cultivation and solicitation planning, moves management, portfolio prioritization, and philanthropy ethics.
• Working knowledge of planned giving vehicles, and the ability to start planned gift conversations and partner with advisors and specialists.
• Comfort working with board members, senior leadership, and volunteers on cultivation and solicitation, including preparing them for donor meetings and asks.
• Strategic, persuasive communicator in writing and in person, with poise and strong presentation skills.
• Collaborative team member who informally mentors colleagues and shares best practices as an individual contributor.
• Organized, self-directed, and results-focused. Manages a complex portfolio with accuracy, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Salesforce or a comparable CRM. Experience using wealth screening and prospect research tools.
• Ability to work non-traditional and long hours. If based outside of Mountain Time, core hours of 10 a.m. -to 2 p.m. MT is expected. The schedule outside core hours flexes to donors’ and employee time zone, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for donor meetings and events.
• Significant travel is required, roughly 15-25% of the time (about 40-70 days a year), with trips usually lasting 2-3 days. Travel peaks in spring (April through June) and late summer through fall (August through November), when it may reach up to two weeks a month. Expect more travel during the onboarding period while you build relationships and get to know the landscape and team.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to drive for work travel, including in rural and remote areas.

Benefits

• Refer to benefit guide and handbook.

Company Description