Associate Vice President, Institutional Advancement

Job Description

The Opportunity:

You are a strategic thinker and communicator, with solid experience and skill in building and stewarding relationships, developing funding opportunities, creating compelling proposals, and meeting revenue goals. In collaboration with the Vice President, Institutional Advancement (IA) and as the leader of the Foundation Relations team, you will focus on securing private foundation funding of over $50 million per annum with the aim to grow significantly over the next five years.

Primary responsibility is to lead the development of foundation partnerships and private institutional funding growth strategies . You will manage a portfolio of 7, 8, and 9-figure gifts and mentor and lead a team of three frontline fundraisers and a frontline manager in the IA team, as well as a team of four staff dedicated to grant development and stewardship (proposal and report facilitation). You will work closely with executive staff and program leadership globally to identify and cultivate new prospects, focused on the six-figure and up level.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with organizational and program leadership, and colleagues in Institutional Advancement, create high-level funding strategies to secure foundation funding totaling $50 million plus per annum with the aim to grow significantly over the next five years.

Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects to personally secure 7, 8, and 9-figure gifts annually in Foundation support.

Oversee successful partnerships with some of the largest foundations working in the conservation field.

Lead organizational effort to broaden the base of foundation funding in accordance with the Institutional Advancement growth ramp strategy through maximizing the level of support from current donors, identifying and cultivating new prospects, and working closely with Program staff on funding strategies for private institutional donors.

Manage and mentor a team of three frontline fundraisers to include an Associate Director, 2 Senior Development Officers, and a Manager through assigning portfolios, identifying priorities, reviewing strategies and donor materials, and completing formal annual evaluations. Additionally, manage and mentor a team of four staff dedicated to grant reporting and proposal development in support of frontline fundraising efforts across Global Resources.

Co-manage the writing/editing of formal proposals, reports, letters, and other materials for donors and prospects. This will include writing/editing new material, adapting material prepared by other development staff and/or program staff, and reviewing the work of direct reports and other colleagues as needed. Coordinate cross-institutional proposals and reports.

Actively guide budget forecasting and revenue projections on a regular basis, including to ensure the IA team maintains accurate information in Salesforce – WCS’s donor and grant database.

Organize and facilitate donor engagement through conferences, tours, events, and other special projects, as necessary, including possible national and international travel.

Qualification Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of development or similar experience working in the nonprofit sector, with minimum of 6 years in a leadership role.
• Track record of securing seven-figure funding commitments and in leading a department in raising multi-million-dollar revenue annually.
• Proven ability to develop and implement comprehensive strategies for philanthropic entities.
• Demonstrated leadership in interdepartmental collaboration working with senior staff and trustees.
• Outstanding writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent management and mentoring skills and experience.
• Demonstrated experience cultivating and working with diverse audiences.
• Strong interest in WCS’s mission.
• BS/BA (and MS/MA degree preferred), ideally focused in international affairs, communications, and/or the sciences or education.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working as part of a team in a large global institution, and in a fast-paced environment with multiple responsibilities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in MS Office and Salesforce (or similar database).
• Proven management style that cultivates creativity and creative problem solving.
  
  

WCS is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to hiring and supporting a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value.

EOE/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled

Salary Range

$135,000 - $195,000