Senior. Development Officer

In 1961, a limited number of organizations around the world—such as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and The Conservation Foundation—were trying to meet conservation needs, but were desperately short of funds.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the world’s leading conservation organization, seeks Senior Development Officer, Western region (“SDO”) to join a growing team development professionals in WWF’s San Francisco office. As part of the Western region team, the Senior Development Officer will develop and execute strategies to substantially expand major gift fundraising in a nine-state western region, working closely with program and development colleagues in WWF’s Washington, DC headquarters, as well as Board members, National Council members, and other regional volunteers. The SDO will primarily focus on major donors in the Bay Area including the Silicon Valley. There may, in the future, be other geographic areas of focus within the region. In addition to solid experience working with high net worth prospects and closing major gifts of $100,000 or greater, the successful SDO will have a passion for WWF’s mission and an entrepreneurial spirit oriented to building and growing a major donor program. The Western region development professionals work as collaborative and supportive team members to each other as they focus on the group’s success to meet or exceed the regional team’s fundraising goals. It is a team approach and mentality, where everyone contributes to success. Major gifts are defined as a minimum commitment of $100,000 (or $25,000 per year over a three year period); the Western region’s current annual goal is $3 million for the team but is expected to grow over time. The goal is determined by the quantity and quality of major donors in the portfolio; the organization is flexible as the development staff is building the portfolio. The team uses the best thinking of all colleagues, employs creative brainstorming, and is highly solutions oriented. There are periodic communications (monthly or quarterly conference calls) with colleagues in individual giving, research, portfolio services, or national development. There are more informal, spontaneous calls with the development officers and with program staff. This formal interaction offers friendly support and guidance; the team members are proactive in reaching out to colleagues to build relationships and promote the success of each staff member individually as well as the individual giving team. WWF development staff is well resourced and leadership works to ensure appropriate resources are available to and deployed by team members.

* Raise major and principal gifts from individuals to support WWF’s highest conservation priorities in six major program areas: Wildlife, Forests, Freshwater, Marine, Food, and Climate; * Manage a portfolio of 80-100 individuals including those qualified to make a gift of $100,000 or more as well as a significant number of potential prospects needing qualification; cultivate ongoing relationships between donors, prospective donors and WWF to build a robust base of major gift donors in the Western region; * Develop and execute solicitation strategies for qualified prospects; solicit and close major gifts to achieve contributed revenue goals from the portfolio; negotiate complex gift agreements for multi-year major gift pledges; * Develop strategies to attract new major gift donors and raise visibility for WWF; work with National Council and Board members in the Western region to host events and serve as ambassadors for WWF; qualify prospects for capacity and interest in giving to WWF at a major or principal gift level through substantive contacts and visits; * Work and travel with program staff to conduct donor visits and recruit as speakers at regional events; collaborate with development communications and events team in Washington DC to plan events and product proposals, stewardship reports and other donor materials as needed; accompany donors and prospective donors on trips to visit WWF projects in the field, as requested; and * Work with program staff and attend webinars and briefings to gain up-to-date knowledge of WWF’s major initiatives worldwide.

* Minimum of eight years of development experience, with a minimum of six years of individual major gift fundraising is required. * Demonstrated success in growing major gift revenue; has successfully conducted face-to-face presentations with current and prospective major donors. * Proven ability to manage projects, set priorities, and work within deadlines is required. * Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, both written and verbal with a track record of being able to relate to a variety of individuals and groups. * A successful track record of working with high-level volunteers/Board members is extremely helpful. * Professional flexibility to be able to travel approximately 10-20% of the time including some international travel. * Demonstrated creativity, problem-solving skills, strong initiative and the ability to work independently. * Knowledge of conservation issues is strongly preferred. * Education: * A Bachelor’s degree and knowledge of major gift development technique are required. **Competencies/Attributes** **The successful professional will have or be:** * A passion for global conservation and optimism for the future of nature; * Excellent written and oral communication skills that are effective with major donors; * Excellent organizational and planning skills and the ability to think strategically; * Flexible and entrepreneurial; enjoys building and growing a donor base of support for an organization; * Demonstrated ability to establish collaborative relationships with colleagues in remote offices; * Able to balance a variety of activities; * Responsive, and able to work effectively as a member of a team; * Collegial and respectful; * Sense of humor and a containable ego; and * Genuine curiosity about the world around us!