Senior Director of Development (Remote - Northeast Region)

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

Conservation International is seeking a Senior Director of Development to play a pivotal role in advancing its unique mission and vision with a particular emphasis on the Northeastern United States (ideally Boston, New York, and New Jersey). The Senior Director of Development is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding new prospects and individual donors with Major Giving potential ($100,000+ annually).

The Opportunity:

• Raise at least $1,500,000 in the initial 18 months and grow the portfolio to $2-3 million annually in the first three years. A current portfolio exists but the successful candidate will be unafraid to seek out new potential donors and grow those relationships.
• Build and manage a portfolio of up to 125 major gift donors (a mix of current donors and prospects) to contribute to overall organization fundraising. Objective: complete at least 15 gift solicitations of at least $50,000 in the first 18 months.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for donors and prospects to raise awareness of CI’s mission and broaden CI’s funding base, increasing portfolio productivity to meet annual and multi-year revenue goals.
• Engage donors through in-person or virtual visits (at least 100 per year), collaborate with CI program staff, mailings, emails, etc., to advance solicitation efforts.
• Organize small cultivation and revenue-generating events in collaboration with the Donor Experience and Communications team on event design and the Sr. Director of Inclusive Philanthropy on fundraising strategy to support existing and new donor engagement and flexible funding goals.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Seven to ten or more years of related work experience directly soliciting major gifts.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully cultivating and securing significant gifts from assigned prospects.
• Experience working with volunteer leadership in identifying and cultivating major gift prospects.
• Self-starter, can work independently, and has impeccable professional integrity. A team player with a competitive nature.
• Proficient in fundraising software and systems.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with a global nonprofit is preferred.

To effectively manage the portfolio of potential donors, this remote position will be based in a major urban area in the Northeastern, United States. Ideally Boston, New York, or New Jersey.

DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of Conservation International.