Director of Major Gifts & Conservation Impact

Nature Conservancy; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Chicago seeks a Director of Major Gifts to lead a high-level fundraising team and manage a personal donor portfolio with a goal of securing multimillion-dollar gifts. The role blends strategy, donor engagement, and supervision of four fundraisers to advance statewide and global conservation priorities.

Reporting to the IL Chief Development Officer, you will drive out-the-door fundraising, collaborate on donor strategies, and monitor performance to ensure ambitious goals

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field.
• 8+ years major gifts fundraising experience.
• Experience in supervising fundraisers and managing portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a robust out-the-door fundraising program raising approx. $10–15M annually.
• Lead and supervise a team of four fundraisers and manage performance.
• Build and manage a portfolio of select major and principal gift donors.
• Collaborate on identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies for donors.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Supervisory experience

Portfolio management

Donor relationship building

Strategic planning

Travel 25%+

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing/communications or related field

8+ years major gifts fundraising experience

Job description

The Nature Conservancy in Chicago seeks a Director of Major Gifts to lead a high-level fundraising team and manage a personal donor portfolio with a goal of securing multimillion-dollar gifts. The role blends strategy, donor engagement, and supervision of four fundraisers to advance statewide and global conservation priorities.

Reporting to the IL Chief Development Officer, you will drive out-the-door fundraising, collaborate on donor strategies, and monitor performance to ensure ambitious goals