PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY

The director of institutional giving will work closely with Chesapeake Conservancy leadership and program teams to build institutional partnerships in support of the Conservancy’s mission to conserve and restore the natural and cultural resources of the Chesapeake Bay watershed for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

As a member of the development team, this individual will be responsible for achieving annual revenue goals by developing and executing a comprehensive plan for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation, corporate, and other institutional funders in support of priorities to advance our conservation goals.

This position will report to the senior vice president of development and business strategy and will not have any direct supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Working in coordination with the SVP of development and the program teams, design and execute the annual and long-term fundraising plan for institutional giving. 
  • Manage a portfolio of institutional donors, develop solicitation and stewardship strategies, and maintain a schedule of contacts with institutional donor representatives.
  • Coordinate donor meetings and identify opportunities to gather intelligence, strengthen relationships with key institutional donors and champions, and represent Chesapeake Conservancy to identify and cultivate new partnerships.
  • Oversee the writing and editing of grant proposals and work with the Conservancy’s other departments on the preparation of proposal budgets and financial documents.
  • Work with the SVP of development, the chief operating officer, and the chief financial officer to maintain institutional donor revenue projections and annual budgeting.
  • Oversee data management on institutional donor contacts, relationships, and their giving histories in our CRM (DonorPerfect).
  • Collaborate with the development team to create customized communications and other written materials that prepare Conservancy leadership and staff for meetings with institutional donors.
  • Prepare quarterly updates for Board meetings on institutional fundraising activities
  • Work with the compliance and reporting administrator and other staff to ensure compliance with all reporting requirements.
  • Ensure plans support the growth of opportunities aligned with the strategic plan: annual, endowment, and capital campaigns. 
  • Work closely and collaboratively with other members of the development team, the communications team, and the administration and finance team to ensure internal processes run smoothly.
  • Fully participate on select committees with Board and staff participation, including at a minimum the Board Development Committee.
  • Occasionally represent Chesapeake Conservancy at conferences and events, as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

  • Minimum 5 years of frontline institutional fundraising experience
  • A Bachelor’s degree or 4 years of additional experience in lieu of degree
  • Demonstrated experience and success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding gifts from a variety of funders
  • Proven track record of successful fundraising and strong relationship-building
  • Significant experience in grant research, writing, and editing
  • Organization, efficiency, and timeliness in project management and delivery, meeting preparation, and facilitation
  • Ability to communicate complex issues, discuss funding opportunities with donors, and relay information to a variety of stakeholders
  • Broad-based experience and knowledge in the core areas of fundraising utilized by the Conservancy: annual fund, major donors, grants, endowment, and capital campaign
  • Experience with grant management systems or CRMs
  • Understanding of public-private partnerships
  • A strong understanding of and deep commitment to environmental issues, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
  • Existing knowledge and network in philanthropy targeting environmental and social change
  • Strong writer with exceptional communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a diverse staff
  • An enthusiastic, proactive, and inquiring personality
  • A confident self-starter with a strong entrepreneurial spirit
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and a thorough appreciation of the power of gratitude as an essential skill to change the world
  • Ability to travel on occasion to achieve stated objectives when conditions allow

PREFERRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

  • Existing relationships with corporate, foundation and/or city, state and federal government funders
  • Proficiency with DonorPerfect (CRM)
  • Familiarity with land acquisition, conservation easements, and/or real estate
  • Knowledge of conservation finance tools, including pay-for-success or pay-for-performance proposals
  • Understanding of Program Related Investment (PRI) options with funders

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $90,000 – $100,000 depending on relevant experience. The Conservancy offers a competitive employee benefits package that includes:

  • 3 medical plans, plus dental and vision insurance plans. The Conservancy pays 70-75% of the premium for medical and dental.
  • Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
  • Life and AD&D insurance and long-term disability insurance. The Conservancy pays 100% of the premium for these ancillary benefits.
  • 15 days paid vacation leave accrued annually, increased to 20 days after 5 years of service
  • 4 weeks paid sick and family leave accrued annually
  • 13 paid holidays
  • 403(b) retirement plan with up to 5% employer match
  • Alternate Work Week and flexible work hours available
  • Hybrid work arrangement
  • Opportunities for advancement and professional development