Director of Philanthropy, Great Lakes and Central

Director of Philanthropy, Great Lakes and Central

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.

The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities including within our organization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bring 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.

The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting significant financial donations from high-net-worth individuals, managing a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of making large gifts ($100,000+) by building strong relationships, understanding their philanthropic interests, and strategically moving them through the giving cycle to secure major donations for the organization. This role involves extensive face-to-face meetings, personalized communication, and detailed donor engagement strategies. This position plays a key role in 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, leadership staff, conservation colleagues, and volunteers, including board, River Council, and campaign cabinet members. The Director possess a deep understanding of best practices in major gift philanthropy as well as the ability to 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 be part of talented, passionate, and fun major gifts team.

Principal Responsibilities :

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 120 major gift donors and prospects in Great Lakes and Central regions, as well as Texas. Primary focus is securing $25,000+ annual gifts and multi-year campaign pledge commitments of $250,000+ with the goal of initially raising $500,000+ annually.
• Make direct face-to-face solicitations and assist the CEO, other staff, and volunteers with solicitations (e.g., provide portfolio development support, strategic briefings, and assistance with donor communications).
• Effectively prepare meeting materials, stewardship reports, and major gift solicitations including, high-quality proposals and investment decks.
• Manage donor interactions and communication with programmatic leadership.
• Travel regularly within the two regions for donor visits, events, and site visits.
• Build a pipeline of prospective donors and develop plans to introduce American Rivers to the philanthropic leaders in respective regions.
• Qualify prospective major donors for upgrades from membership and mid-level giving programs.

Minimum Qualifications :

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills and experience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

Location : In Great Lakes, Central, or Texas regions; Chicago, Minneapolis, or Dallas preferred

Compensation : American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $98,423-$131,194, annually, depending on experience and qualifications. We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees, including :

At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee's well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.

Community and Opportunity :

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 202-243-7040 or recruitment@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.