Director of Gift Planning - Southern Region

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Director of Gift Planning for its Southern Region, covering the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, with the following fundraising responsibilities:

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit planned and deferred gifts from individuals who are part of an identified prospect portfolio to help support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited.
• Coordinate with Conservation and Development partners on proposals to secure funding for DU’s habitat conservation priorities as defined by the Strategic Plan, and to include support for operations, conservation in key landscapes, educational programs, and permanent endowment.
• Partner with event fundraising staff and volunteers to raise awareness of DU’s planned giving program (Feather Society) and increase philanthropic revenue in the region.
• Engage volunteer leadership to motivate and guide DU volunteers to assist with planned gift fundraising.
• Serve as a staff liaison on the State Campaign Committee.
• Achieve goals established in the Development Annual Work Plan.

Qualifications: Experience and Education: Completed Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of four years fundraising or related experience with an emphasis on planned / estate giving and a strong conservation ethic. Familiarity with major gifts fundraising, experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns, relationships within the region's philanthropic community, and a working knowledge of the region’s philanthropic landscape are also desired. Additionally, an interest in outdoor conservation activities is desirable. Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication skills Technological Proficiency: Working knowledge of planned giving vehicles. Computer literacy with proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs Interpersonal Skills: Excellent interpersonal, relationship, and team-building skills. Ability to provide leadership and guidance to other fundraising professionals and volunteers. Self-starter who can work independently as well as part of a team and is driven to succeed. The selected candidate should have the desire and ability to travel extensively and will be expected to reside in a mutually agreed-upon location, with a strong emphasis on Texas. Must have a valid driver's license and provide proof of insurability. SALARY AND BENEFITS PACKAGE: Salary commensurate with experience. We work hard to encourage everyone at Ducks Unlimited to bring their authentic selves to work every day. DU offers an exceptional benefit package that includes comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks of paid vacation; paid sick leave and 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement. Application Instructions: Please fill out all application materials and attach a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Application deadline: Resume review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information, except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.