US Development Executive

Position: US Development Executive, Tusk Trust

About The Fully Remote Role

Tusk is a conservation charity that protects wildlife, supports communities, and promotes environmental education across Africa. In line with its recent growth, Tusk is partnering with Searching for Good to identify an experienced US based Development Executive.

The primary responsibilities of this new role will be to work with the UK based Tusk team to lead and develop major level fundraising efforts in the USA. Particular focus is to be on building sustainability for the charity’s successful Wildlife Ranger Challenge initiative (https://wildliferangerchallenge.org/), an exciting and hugely impactful campaign first established in 2020 which has provided vital funding to keep over 9,000 rangers across 24 African countries operational throughout the pandemic. The campaign has raised over $13m to date and Tusk is now seeking an experienced US fundraiser to build on the success of this Challenge, securing major gift support for this important initiative as well as Tusk’s broader conservation work.    

The successful candidate will have a minimum of five years of fundraising experience with a successful and demonstrable track record in closing major gifts and attaining corporate and foundation support. Tusk partners with CAF America (501 c 3 status) to process US donations via its ‘Friends of Tusk’ donor advised fund and the position is best suited for independent contractors with global fundraising experience. In 2021, Tusk raised $6.76m from US donors. Although the position is remote, with some national and international travel required, the candidate will have the full support of the UK office and a US based Board Member in NYC.

About Tusk

Tusk’s mission is to amplify the impact of progressive conservation initiatives across Africa. 

Tusk has earned a global reputation for providing a highly efficient solution for funding wildlife conservation programs. The charity partners with the most effective local organizations, investing in their in-depth knowledge and expertise. By supporting and nurturing their conservation programs, Tusk helps accelerate growth from an innovative idea to a scalable solution. 

Tusk builds long lasting relationships with its donors and seeks to invest in long-term solutions because sustainable conservation needs sustained funding. 

Since 1990 Tusk has raised over $130m and helped pioneer an impressive range of successful conservation initiatives across more than 20 countries, increasing vital protection for over 70 million hectares of land and more than 40 different threatened species. Its partner network supports the livelihoods of over 1m people and its environmental education program has reached over 500,000 children and students.

HRH The Duke of Cambridge became the charity’s Royal Patron in 2005 and has been a proactive supporter of Tusk’s work ever since. The charity enjoys the generous support of some major US based philanthropists and has a close working relationship with African Community and Conservation Fund.

Responsibilities:

• In conjunction with the CEO, Head of Fundraising, Philanthropy Manager and Senior Management Team, develop and execute Tusk’s US focused fundraising strategy and tools; deliver effective approaches for communicating with major donors, foundations, corporations, and global stakeholders with a particular focus on the Wildlife Ranger Challenge (WRC).
• Lead a range of development strategies and tactics, targeting major individual gifts; institutional giving (foundation and corporate); program/restricted funding; unrestricted funding; special events and creative donor engagement techniques; a front-line major gift cultivator and solicitor, who is able to manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and maximize donor engagement.
• Develop WRC and broader Tusk resources and access required to tap and expand Tusk’s development potential and build a sustainable philanthropic future.
• Write grants, develop solicitation collateral and donor acknowledgements as required.
• Understand Salesforce database management and use strategically to enhance established HNW donor base
• Offer excellent communication skills to build Tusk’s presence in the philanthropic community.
• Track all major gifts, manage reporting and coordinate development operations with the wider Tusk fundraising team.
• Establish clear metrics and drive results according to the strategic plan.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including at least three years of major gift ($10,000 and above) fundraising experience.
• Demonstrable track record of identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts.
• Experience in conservation or global fundraising a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, time management, and communication skills (both oral and written).
• Creative, innovative, and able to devise new approaches to philanthropy.
• Ability to think and act independently as well as collaboratively with peers, Tusk Board and organizational partners.
• Experience with fundraising databases.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word and Excel.
• Bachelor’s degree required.

Interested candidates should send CV, cover letter and sample donor communication to:

Elyse Barbell

Searching for Good

searchinforgoodNYC@gmail.com

ebarbell@gmail.com

(917) 887.2184

Searching For Good Commitment to Diversity

Our most effective service to the nonprofit community comes from a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experience. As a result, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive slate of candidates.  Searching for Good actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all  applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status or any other protected category under federal, state and local law. We ensure that EVERY search we do results in a diverse finalist pool from which to make your hiring decisions.