Partnerships Director

Conservation International

2mo ago

Job
Full-time
Senior Level
London
Remote

AI generated summary

You need a bachelor's degree, 7+ years in major gifts, strong relationship skills, and knowledge of conservation. Experience with South Asia and fundraising systems is a plus.
You will identify and cultivate high-net-worth donors, lead fundraising strategies, manage proposals, engage donors, organize events, and maintain records to achieve fundraising targets.

Requirements

Required
Bachelor’s degree or up to four years of college-level study
7 or more years of related work experience in directly soliciting major gifts
Demonstrated track record of successfully cultivating and securing significant 6-7 figure gifts from assigned prospects
Experience working with advisors, senior colleagues, volunteers, board members, or partners in identifying and cultivating prospects
Success in this position requires:
A person who is a self-starter and can work independently and has impeccable professional integrity and confidence
The ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment
The necessary gravitas to represent a project to individuals in senior roles, UHNW individuals and VIPs, and answer high-level questions about project details
Interest and knowledge of the environment and conservation trends
Professionalism, knowledge of protocol, and discretion
Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills
Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a dynamic environment
Fluent English
Skilled at proposal writing and coordinating information from a variety of teams and sources into a compelling proposal
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain lasting professional relationships with funding partners, with strong communication and stewardship skills
Preferred
Graduate level study
Experience working with or in organizations based in South Asia is a plus
Experience fundraising for conservation is preferred, but crossover areas will also be beneficial, for example, sustainability/climate change, disaster relief, international development, socioeconomic development, or public health
Small and large event experience is a plus – including large global convenings such as COP, UNGA, New York Climate Week, Davos, etc.
Proficient in fundraising software and systems
French or German proficiency is a plus

Responsibilities

This new position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding new prospects, individual, corporate, and foundation donors globally for the Great People’s Forest. The Partnerships Director is responsible for achieving specific multi-figure short-term and long-term fundraising goals and growing the portfolio to meet yearly and multi-year fundraising targets.
The Partnerships Director will lead the fundraising strategy for The Great People’s Forest, working closely with the Founding Managing Director and fundraising teams at Conservation International. They will represent CI externally, and develop and execute cultivation strategies for prospective high-net-worth donors. Strategies include direct solicitation and cultivation meetings that will lead to large gifts to support operating and restricted program needs.
Identify and approach funding prospects and pitching The Great People’s Forest to HNWIs and senior representatives of private, individual, and corporate donors
Create a portfolio of major gift and foundation prospects to contribute to developing overall fundraising objectives
Qualify or disqualify at least 50 prospects annually through meetings and other donor engagement activities.
Complete multiple (10+) gift solicitations each year for six- to seven-figure donations.
Lead on proposal development and coordination of information for funding proposals.
Oversee the development of the long-term financial sustainability strategy for The Great People’s Forest, including public and multilateral funding strategy.
Engage donors through in-person or virtual visits, collaboration with GPF colleagues, mailings, emails, etc. to advance solicitation efforts.
Organize small cultivation events and support the Brand and Communications team on design and fundraising strategy for large events to support existing and new donor engagement and flexible funding goals.
Work closely with senior development staff and Relationship Managers of Leadership Council members to identify and cultivate new donors.
Work closely with Communications colleagues on donor communications
Steward existing donors via written reports and in-person briefings as appropriate.
Maintain up-to-date records of moves management activity in Raiser’s Edge and provide monthly and ad-hoc progress reports.
Utilize internal and external research to identify high-net-worth individuals new to CI.
Lead GPF fundraising meetings and ensure actions are followed up promptly and reported on to the GPF fundraising group.
Report monthly to the GPF Executive and leveraging CI senior leadership, and Implementing Partner organizations (South Asian Conservation NGOs) for fundraising as appropriate.
Attend meetings and conferences on behalf of The Great People’s Forest.
Work closely with the Development team to ensure a coordinated approach to identifying prospects and soliciting gifts in the context of CI’s other programs.

FAQs

Is this position remote, or does it require on-site work?

This position is remote but based in London, United Kingdom.

What is the primary goal of the Great People’s Forest initiative?

The primary goal is to plant 1 billion trees and protect and restore 1 million hectares of land in the Eastern Himalayas.

What are the main responsibilities of the Partnerships Director?

The Partnerships Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding new prospects and donors globally, as well as achieving specific fundraising goals for the Great People’s Forest initiative.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Candidates need a bachelor's degree, at least 7 years of related work experience in soliciting major gifts, and a demonstrated track record of securing significant 6-7 figure gifts.

Will there be travel involved in this role?

Yes, the position requires 50% local and regional travel.

Is knowledge about conservation and environmental trends important for this role?

Yes, an interest and knowledge of the environment and conservation trends is necessary for success in this position.

Are there preferred qualifications for candidates?

Yes, preferred qualifications include graduate-level study, experience with organizations in South Asia, and experience in fundraising for conservation or related fields.

What kind of communication skills are necessary for this position?

Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills are required, along with the ability to build and maintain professional relationships with funding partners.

What fundraising experience is required?

Candidates must have a demonstrated track record of successfully cultivating and securing significant 6-7 figure gifts from assigned prospects.

How should candidates apply for this position?

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to apply for the position.

Conservation International

Since 1987, we have been fighting to protect nature for people.

Non-profit

Industry

501-1000

Employees

1987

Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Since 1987, Conservation International has worked to spotlight and secure the critical benefits that nature provides to humanity. Combining fieldwork with innovations in science, policy and finance, we’ve helped protect more than 6 million square kilometers (2.3 million square miles) of land and sea across more than 70 countries. Today, with offices in more than two dozen countries and a worldwide network of thousands of partners, our reach is truly global. But we couldn't have made it this far without you. Your contributions support our work to protect nature for the benefit of us all.