Conservation Partnerships Director

National Forest Foundation (NFF) is pleased to offer a regular, full-time position that will build partnerships and connections to support the development and implementation of conservation projects and programs across the California National Forests, with a primary focus on the Tahoe National Forest.

About the NFF: The NFF works with communities and organizations to conserve and enhance the watersheds, wildlife habitat, wild places, and recreational opportunities across the 193-million-acre National Forest System.  The NFF seeks to engage all Americans in this work.

Position Function: The Conservation Partnerships Director reports directly to the Chief Conservation Officer and is responsible for supporting the C-Suite in achieving development and fundraising goals and objectives for NFF’s projects and programs. The Conservation Partnerships Director will lead a Development Team that focuses primarily on generating funding to support NFF programs and projects, will oversee Events and Corporate Engagement Staff, and will work interdepartmentally and cross functionally to help secure the resources the organization needs to successfully accomplish its objectives and advance its mission. The Conservation Partnerships Director shall help develop strategies to support organizational development goals and objectives.

Position Duties and Responsibilities:  The Conservation Partnerships Director is responsible for:

• Working with the Chief Conservation Officer, Sr. Development Director, other leadership staff, development staff and other staff responsible for fundraising to help ensure adequate resources are generated to support organizational strategic priorities.
• Working with the C-Suite, Sr. Development Director, and other Department Directors to develop organizational development and advancement strategy and goals, and to foster integration among department teams.
• Overseeing Events and Corporate Engagement staff and supporting Events and Corporate Engagement staff in developing and executing the events and corporate engagement program of work and related processes and policies.
• Managing, mentoring, and supporting a team of development and events and engagement staff.
• Developing and implementing best and ethical practices, policies, and procedures to support organizational development goals and objectives.
• Expanding the base of private sector partners and supporters by cultivating and soliciting new funding sources and creating new development opportunities.
• Maintaining a portfolio of major prospective donors.
• Sustaining strong, ongoing partnerships by building relationships through top-notch, best in class, donor stewardship.
• Developing and overseeing organizational development training for new staff.
• Maintaining a wide breadth of knowledge about organizational projects and programs, conservation topics, and fundraising trends and issues to support the NFF’s development goals and objectives.
• Developing ways to educate and inform the donor community about the values of their National Forests and the importance of citizen engagement.
• Working with partners and NFF Marketing and Communications staff to elevate the NFF brand.

Education and Qualifications:  NFF expects the Director, Conservation Partnerships to possess the following educational and experiential qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of eight years’ direct development experience, with proven results in cultivating and securing major new gifts and renewals of six figures and up from corporate, private foundation, and individual donors. Experience with governmental grant proposals preferred.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategy, initiatives, campaigns, and policies and procedures to support an organizational development and fundraising program.
• Recognized excellence in donor service and stewardship.
• Experienced and collaborative leader, with four years minimum of supervisory responsibilities.
• A strong understanding of forest and conservation issues.
• A demonstrated commitment to the environment.

Abilities and Skills:  NFF expects the incumbent to possess the following proven abilities/skills:

• Ability to lead a team and dynamically achieve, inspire, and support results.
• Ability to collaboratively design, develop, implement and manage strategy, goals and objectives.
• Ability to manage programs and evaluate their outcomes against quantifiable measures of success.
• Ability to effectively set priorities, while directing the management of a variety of projects and tasks to successful completion.
• Commitment to supporting the growth, development and success of the Development Team.
• Ability to cultivate, solicit and steward current and potential donors, including major donors, through excellent strategy, interpersonal skills, experience and judgment.
• Ability to represent the NFF in a variety of settings in a clear and professional manner and to articulate NFF priorities and values, through excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively, flexibly, and cross-functionally, in a team-oriented environment.
• Proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively.
• Ability to coach and advise others on fundraising best-practices and strategies.
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Willingness to work and travel frequently, including on weekends and evenings in order to be responsive to donor needs.

Location: The location for this position is flexible throughout the US. This position is a remote/work-from-home position and requires reliable internet access and a dedicated workspace. 

Compensation: The NFF offers competitive compensation commensurate with candidate skills, experience, and location. Total rewards at NFF, beyond salary, include generous paid time off, employer contributions to health savings accounts, matching funds for retirement, and more. NFF has recently (August 2022) implemented a new compensation program with grade levels as part of our commitment to transparency. The salary range for this position will be in the $74,700 to $100,800 range and may be eligible for locality adjustment. Please note that the indicated salary range describes the full range for an incumbent in this position. Most new staff generally start at the beginning of the range percentile to ensure internal salary equity.

To Apply: Applications must include both a cover letter and resume. Incomplete packages will not be considered. Please apply by March 22nd. Please visit our careers site to apply online. 

The National Forest Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates in this search. For more information about the National Forest Foundation, visit the website at: www.nationalforests.org