Director of Major Gifts - Wildlife and Global Conservation Species360 - Remote Opportunity

Species360 is a unique blend of a software company, a non-profit organization, and a global leader in wildlife and botanical species care and conservation. We are the predominant non-profit organization serving zoo, aquarium, botanical garden, and related conservation organizations’ animal and plant management needs through our Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) and Hortis software.

Our members include over 1,300 diverse institutions worldwide who use our software to record data on wildlife and, more recently, plants. This critical data enables them to provide world-class care for their animals and/or plant collections.  It also enables Species360’s science team to develop analytics and scientific research that supports global conservation and biodiversity. Through the Conservation Science Alliance, Species360 is a global leader in demographic and medical analytics for wildlife. Similarly, the Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative (SCTI) delivers critical analytics supporting the management and conservation of small populations of threatened species.

We are seeking an experienced Director of Major Gifts. The Director manages a portfolio of Species360’s highest potential major funders. Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate genuinely enjoys meeting with foundation officers and major gift prospects. The Director works directly with board members, senior staff, and program leaders in a highly collaborative environment. They play a key role in securing the transformative gifts needed to complete our mission.

Species360 is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and embraces a fully remote US workforce strategy. US and international travel is expected on occasion for key meetings and conferences.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Develop Major Gifts for Strategic Initiatives

• Implement our strategic plan to cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts
• Design, implement, and enhance Species360’s short, intermediate, and long-term major gift funder strategies
• Leverage Species360 key stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, to engage funders
• Establish a stewardship plan to provide a best-in-class funder experience

• Continually research, develop, qualify, engage, and maintain a US and international portfolio of prospective funders
• Conduct discovery calls, set up meetings, and build long-term relationships with prospective funders
• Meet or exceed goals for funder contacts (e.g., in-person, phone, or video visits), solicitations, and revenue
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of Species360’s programmatic and financial activities and priorities to relay accurate, appropriate, and inspiring information to funders in line with their interests 

• Be a visible presence to members and prospective funders by attending industry conferences and related networking events
• Collaborate with the CEO, Lead Team and marketing department to execute and refine fundraising stories (strong cases for support) and related materials for funder solicitations and campaigns
• Prepare and deliver tailored proposals, reports, updates, and touchpoints for funders and prospects
• Oversee and partner with external grant writers to execute submissions of targeted grants

• Utilize Species360 CRM and other internal systems and software to create and maintain a database of prospective and active funders
• Track and report pipeline, funder, and grant metrics
• Keep abreast of tax laws and current fundraising trends to ensure that Species360 is in alignment with national benchmarks
• Ensure Species360 public records are maintained to best represent the organization to prospective funders (e.g., GuideStar, IRS Form 990, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS

• 8 or more years of experience in development and major gift fundraising required
• Demonstrated track record as a relationship fundraiser with successful history of securing significant commitments and meeting ambitious development goals
• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Previous experience in and/or passion for nature conservation preferred
• Able to supervise grant writer and grants pipeline
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong presentation experience and able to craft a digital and verbal fundraising story
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills and ability to represent Species360 throughout our community
• Able to interact respectfully and effectively with people from any country, some of whom may not be proficient in English
• Exceptional organizational skills, self-motivated, able to work independently, take initiative; possess excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail and creativity
• Able to analyze complex information and compile into concise, powerful, and persuasive proposals and updates
• Proficient across Microsoft Office programs and experience using CRM 
• Commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion

MORE ABOUT SPECIES360

Species360, a non-profit NGO and global leader in wildlife care and conservation, mobilizes a network of more than 1,300 aquarium, zoo, university, research, and governmental members on six continents in 102 countries to improve animal welfare and species conservation. Our members address today’s most urgent wildlife issues, including establishing best practices in husbandry, enrichment, medical care, welfare, reproduction, population management, and biodiversity.

At Species360, we are dedicated to leveraging technology to support global collaboration and enhance the care and conservation of animals and plants under human care. Our mission is to provide tools and resources that empower zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and conservation organizations to make informed, data-driven decisions that contribute to the well-being and preservation of species worldwide.

The Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS)

Central to our efforts is the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS). ZIMS is the world's leading resource for the collection and sharing of data on animals, enabling institutions to manage their collections effectively and contribute valuable information to global conservation initiatives.

Species360 members collect and curate data in ZIMS, the world’s most comprehensive knowledge database on more than 22,000 species. ZIMS vastly increases what is known about thousands of species and is instrumental in identifying sustainability strategies for many species assessed as vulnerable, endangered, and extinct in the wild. 

Hortis

In 2022, Species360 expanded its mission to include flora in addition to flora, and extended our impact to Horticultural record-keeping, with the addition of Hortis – a specialized software that ensures meticulous record-keeping and management of botanical collections, fostering a holistic approach to biodiversity preservation.

From Data to Applied Conservation with the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance

Collaboration is central to Species360’s mission, and the Species360 Conservation Science Alliance exemplifies this commitment. This global network brings together scientists, researchers, and conservationists to share knowledge, insights, and best practices for the betterment of species worldwide.

Species360 provides conservationists with evidence-based findings integrating the full scope of global data, including IUCN Red List, CITES, TRAFFIC, EDGE, AZE, ZIMS, and more. Species360 Conservation Science Alliance research led in collaboration with IUCN Species Survival Commission, CITES, and others, drives insightful decisions on many levels, from developing national and international policy or enforcing illegal wildlife trade laws to calculating the viability of insurance populations.

Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative

In 2023, Species360 brought in the Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative, which embodies our dedication to providing practical solutions for conservation challenges. This initiative develops and disseminates tools, resources, and guidelines to empower conservation practitioners and institutions in their mission to protect species.

Established in 1974, Species360 is an international non-profit governed by a volunteer board of trustees of experts, primarily from our membership organizations. Our approximately 50 staff provide member support, lead the development of new solutions, spearhead research efforts, and more. Our team includes aquarists, population and animal and plant management experts, veterinarians, software experts, and conservation scientists. We work alongside members to impact animal care and conservation efforts within their institutions and across peer organizations worldwide.

For more information about us and our conservation partners and members, please visit: Species360.org.

OUR WORK CULTURE: ALL ARE WELCOME HERE

Species360 is an equal-opportunity employer. We serve a diverse, global population of members and welcome and value diversity in our team. We strive to be an organization that is a diverse blend of talented people who want to come, stay, and do their best work to make a difference in this world.

COMPENSATION

The compensation range for this exempt position for US employees is $110,000 – $125,000 based on experience.

OUR US BENEFITS

We offer generous time off benefits, combining holidays and vacation into one Paid Time Off benefit for maximum employee flexibility. You start accruing PTO at 5 weeks per year. In addition, we provide 10 paid sick days plus 8 weeks of paid parenting leave.

We offer medical, dental, life, short term and long-term disability insurance, and an HSA plan with employer contributions. You can contribute to our 401(k) plan immediately at hire, which includes a generous employer contribution to all employees. We provide a one-time office set-up stipend for home office equipment and supplies and the required technology and computer.

OUR TEAM

The most important benefit to working at Species360 is our team. We offer a casual, personable, respectful, and fun work environment. Our employees are committed to an open communication culture where we value partnering to achieve the greatest results for our members. We are transparent in our operations, have an all-team meeting monthly, an annual team retreat, and encourage peer recognition and celebration.

HOW TO APPLY

If this sounds like the position and work culture you have been seeking, please send your resume and cover letter to careers@species360.org.  In your cover letter, please explain what motivates you to work for Species360 and how your experience, skills, and commitment will advance our work.  

EOE - LGBTQIA