Director of Development, West Coast US

Submitted by Gia Thomas on Tue, 05/14/2013 - 8:48am
Reports To: 
Vice President of Philanthropy – Cape Cod, MA
Supervises: 
The Office of Philanthropy (3 major gift development officers, Associate Director and related TOP staff) based at HQ
Job Location: 
Home Office - California
Job Code: 
RD007
Purpose: 

Work in conjunction with a dynamic major and planned gifts team and in partnership with Program and project leaders.  The primary focus of this position is on development work and revenue growth for the west coast region, and is responsible for meeting annual revenue targets and contributing to the overall achievement of philanthropy team goals.  He/She will manage relationships with approximately 125 major gift donors and prospects in California and other West Coast regions. The Director will also provide strategic leadership, guidance and management of The Office of Philanthropy.  Additional and related prospect management and performance monitoring support will be provided by the Associate Director at HQ.

Responsibilities: 
  • Manage a portfolio of 125 prospects. Develop strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major and planned gift prospects for gifts of $10,000 - $500,000.
  • Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle:
    - Initiate contacts with potential major gift donors
    - Develop appropriate cultivation strategies for them
    - Move potential donors in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure
    - Make solicitations when appropriate
    - Maintain stewardship contacts with donors
  • Commit to a plan for continuous learning about IFAW’s work in order to convey news to donors and prospects.
  • Effectively communicate IFAW’s case for support for various initiatives and programs.
  • Keep abreast of tax incentives, finance and current trends in philanthropy.
  • Extensive travel required for this position (50%), including quarterly visits to HQ.
  • Lead the major gift development officers by example through success in the west, providing periodic structured mentoring and motivation support, monitoring advisor performance and managing as needed.
Requirements: 
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Five years of experience in conducting successful major gift solicitations with non-profits, along with demonstrated ability to identify close major and planned gifts
  • Five plus years successful management experience, preferably of development officers and support staff.
  • Knowledge of fundraising techniques and experience with moves management strategies required.
  • Experience in planned giving and working with high level volunteers essential.
  • Must be a highly energetic professional with a track record of building donor relationships and closing gifts in the six-figure range.
  • Ability to participate in conference/video calls before and after normal work hours to accommodate east coast and international colleagues.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including major gift proposal development.
  • A high level of self sufficiency is required, including proficiency with computers: CRM (Team Approach or other supporter database), excel, and other office software (Microsoft).
  • Interest in environmental and animal welfare is desirable.
Application Details: 

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Gia Thomas at Recruitus@ifaw.org.