Director, Donor Engagement and Stewardship (NAS)

Overview

Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. Audubon is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Position Summary

Reporting to the Managing Director, Development Communications, the Director, Donor Engagement and Stewardship will partner with the Managing Director and other senior leaders to design, implement, and coordinate an overarching stewardship and donor engagement strategy for major donors to Audubon. A recent match gift has seeded the opportunity to launch Audubon’s first-ever major giving society, recognizing donors who give $10,000 or more annually. The Director’s initial primary responsibility will be to build out this new initiative, with the goals of attracting and retaining new and existing major donors, deepening their engagement with Audubon, and fostering community among like-minded philanthropists. The Development department at Audubon is in a tremendous growth period, and is in the planning process for a multi-year fundraising campaign; we’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running.

Essential Functions:

Serve as a key strategic leader with senior leadership and frontline fundraisers across Audubon’s network to design, implement, and coordinate a major donor engagement and stewardship strategy, including a combination of both broad-based and individualized donor recognition and engagement opportunities, such as (but not limited to) events, communications, and the major giving society.
Lead the creation, execution, and oversight of the new major giving society, which will have a name and brand identity. This will include:
- Determining and implementing the society’s benefits and recognition opportunities;
- Partner with the Events team to facilitate the first annual symposium in FY20, with regional cultivation and stewardship events to follow;
- Hosting 3-4 webinars per year, featuring executive and programmatic leadership on timely topics;
- Creating a calendar of donor communications and engagement opportunities and deliver these, in partnership with the Development Communications team and others;
- Identifying and monitoring key metrics for success, as well as developing standard operating procedures and policies to maintain compliance, in coordination with the Donor Services team;
- Developing a fundraising plan; and
- Soliciting feedback from frontline fundraisers and select donors to revise and refine the society’s design, as needed.
Identify, recommend, and coordinate opportunities for higher-level stewardship, such as future giving societies at the $100,000 and $1 million levels.
In partnership with the Managing Director and Vice President, Campaigns & Capacity Building, provide oversight and strategic input on the creation of new and comprehensive strategies and products for the stewardship of key campaign initiatives and priorities. This could include campaign impact reports, personalized stewardship reports for principal gift donors, special events, or unique experiences.
Throughout the campaign and beyond, oversee all naming policies, inventories, signage, etc.
In partnership with the Managing Director and frontline fundraisers, oversee all stewardship communications—ensuring impactful stewardship reports are sent to donors on a timely basis, and regular communications are happening on an ongoing basis.

Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree, along with 7 or more years of experience in stewardship/donor relations, donor communications, or related field required.
Past experience with a conservation organization is not required, but a passion for Audubon’s mission is essential.

Exceptional project management skills and attention to detail, with an ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects accurately and within deadline—in a fast-paced, demanding, and complex environment.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as proofreading skills.
A motivated team player who can build partnerships across many teams and who possesses diplomacy, finesse, intuition, and strong interpersonal skills; ability to engage with a diverse group of donors as well as to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization, from front-line fundraisers to assistants to the CEO.
Ability to work with confidential information and remain discreet.
Should be flexible but focused, open to new ideas, and able to function independently and as part of a team; a proactive and strategic problem solver.
Must have solid computer skills including proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

An interest and ability to remain current with changing trends across the donor relations and stewardship field.
A good sense of humor, tenacity, a positive attitude, and a commitment to customer service are essential.
Ability to travel occasionally.