The Director of Major Gifts reports to the Director of Philanthropy and works to implement a strategic plan for all direct fundraising, including developing and maintaining a healthy pipeline and portfolio management. This person will manage the out-the-door fundraising efforts of the team, leading on effective strategies and moves for qualified major donors and prospective donors.

As a relationship manager this person will carry a small, high-level portfolio and is expected to close high six and seven-figure gifts. They develop, implement, and manage complex multi-year strategies raising on average of $2 million annually from a growing portfolio of Canadian and international donors. They will also strategically lead, coach, and motivate a team of high-performing fundraisers to raise $5-8 million annually.

They will collaborate across multiple teams, including with conservation staff in both local and international programs to engage donors and should display curiosity and self-motivation to learn and communicate conservation goals to donors and prospects.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Reporting to and in collaboration with the Director of Philanthropy, the Director of Major Gifts will:
• Develop and manage a robust out-the-door fundraising program specifically focusing on managing a major gifts program, raising approximately $5-8 million annually.
• Work from a major donor pipeline in a team environment to build a personal and team portfolio.
• Work with the Philanthropy leadership team to develop annual and long-range philanthropy plans, including establishing multi-year fundraising goals.
• Collaborate with the Philanthropy team to design and execute a meaningful and dynamic donor program.
• Lead and manage a team of two fundraisers, with potential for future growth.
• Through targeted prospecting efforts, build and manage a portfolio of select major and principal gift donors, including qualifying and disqualifying high-capacity leads.
• Collaborate with the Director of Philanthropy to oversee the design and execution of the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for all managed donors and key leads, identifying and orchestrating engagement of natural partners within and outside of the organization.
• Educate others about and institute best philanthropic practices.
• Understand and comply with all Nature United gift-related policies and procedures and ensure ethical compliance, as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
• Demonstrate an active commitment to being in right relations with Indigenous Peoples through philanthropy practices and leadership within the team and fundraising community more broadly.
• Bring an active commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and lead the team by example to create a culture of inclusion and belonging.
• Readily take on additional responsibilities as this growing philanthropy program evolves into one of the Canada’s leading development teams.