This position can be based in Washington, DC or remote on the US East Coast

Staff work a hybrid schedule with 2 days/week in the office

The Director of Philanthropy – US East Coast will manage a fundraising portfolio, establish a prospect solicitation pipeline, and coordinate engagement and stewardship for high-potential donors in the United States. Reporting to the DVP Development, Major Gifts, the Director of Philanthropy will be a key member of a global team.  S/he will effectively represent the organization to high net worth (HNW) donors and prospects and work with the development team to achieve philanthropic goals. The focus is on building a stronger pipeline for major gifts, strengthening relationships with individual donors and prospects in key markets (US East Coast) and asking for significant commitments to IFAW’s mission and conservation/rescue initiatives.

Role and Responsibilities

Develop an engaged community of influential IFAW supporters in the US, with an emphasis on major metropolitan areas – East Coast; including identifying and recruiting supporters to join IFAW’s Global Council and securing significant contributions to high-priority philanthropic campaigns
Manage a portfolio of 100+ major gift supporters and prospects; develop and implement strategic moves plans to cultivate, solicit and steward gifts from donors capable of giving $100k+
Identify and recruit supporters by conducting discovery calls and outreach to a nationwide prospect pool
Leverage IFAW’s Global Council (VIP events, webinars, experiences) to engage and upgrade supporters at the $10k+ giving level
Work closely with global Major Gifts team and Global Events Manager to execute cultivation plans, including providing strategic and logistical event support for gift officer colleagues
Secure meetings with donors, tag team with others in Major Gifts for soliciting larger or complex gifts, and prepare senior leaders for compelling engagements with High Net-Worth Philanthropists
Help catalyze a strong pipeline for future giving by conducting discovery and engagement calls to newly identified prospects
Meet or exceed goals for donor contacts (visits in person or by phone or video), solicitations (including current use major gifts, campaign gifts, Global Council and more significant legacy gifts) and revenue for assigned regions (detailed Key Performance Indicators are set annually in consultation with DVP and progress is tracked monthly)
Participate actively in regular major gifts team meetings and training opportunities
Keep abreast of data protection laws, tax laws, finance and current fundraising trends
This position is envisioned as a remote assignment; preference for candidates located in Washington, DC; NYC / TriState; or Southern Florida to enhance access to donors and in-person meetings.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred
Minimum 3-5 years comparable experience required
Demonstrated track record as a relationship fundraiser capable of securing significant commitments and meeting ambitious goals
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills, team work ethic, ability to handle confidential information, excellent judgement, diplomacy and discretion
Ability to be entrepreneurial, work independently and problem-solve with minimal supervision.
Willingness to travel – domestic and some international travel

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people.    We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.