Managing Director of Development - Midwest

pheasantsforever; Minnesota; On-site; USD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever seek a Managing Director of Development to lead a comprehensive major gifts program across the United States. You will identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts of $10,000 or more while expanding the donor pipeline across major, leadership, and mega donor levels.

You will activate a team of Development Officers, coach staff, and collaborate with volunteers to advance the organization’s mission and secure new funding opportunities.

Qualifications

• B.A. or B.S. degree or higher.
• At least 6 years nonprofit fundraising with 4 years dedicated to major gift fundraising leadership, or relevant experience leading high performing teams in a remote work environment.
• Experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns is also desired.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve strategic priorities.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight of the Development Officer Team, including coaching and supervision.
• Plan, implement, and coordinate multi-year strategies for gift prospects (corporate, foundation, and individual).
• Serve as a member of the Development Leadership Team.
• Maintain a personal portfolio of high-net-worth major gift prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward.
• Identify and pursue donors and funders to grow revenue and mission delivery.
• Develop fundraising initiatives across diverse funding opportunities.
• Implement best practices in gift processing, data management, and donor relations.
• Deliver fundraising strategies with cross-functional teams to expand revenue.
• Travel involved.

Skills

Major gift fundraising

Nonprofit leadership

Fundraising campaigns

CRM software

Power BI

Data analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Team leadership

Strategic planning

Education

B.A. or B.S. degree

Tools

CRM platforms (Salesforce)

Microsoft Office

Power BI

Job description

Application Closing Date

November 2, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

December 1, 2026

Position Overview

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever are seeking a Managing Director of Development to provide strategic direction and leadership for the continued growth of major philanthropic fundraising across the United States. This leader is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission by developing, executing, and leading a comprehensive major gifts program designed to grow philanthropic support. In collaboration with the Development team, other team members, and volunteers, the Managing Director of Development will lead efforts to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts of $10,000 or more. The primary responsibility is to activate the team of Development Officers to increase philanthropy by expanding a donor-centered pipeline of major donors ($10,000+), annual donors ($10,000+), leadership donors ($100,000+), and mega donors ($1,000,000+).

Responsibilities and Expectations

• Work collaboratively with Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever internal and external shareholders to successfully achieve strategic priorities.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight of the Development Officer Team, including coaching and supervision of team members, performance evaluation, professional development, and effective coordination of work.
• Work closely with the Development team to plan, implement, and coordinate multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and individual donors.
• Serve as a member of the Development Leadership Team.
• Maintain a personal portfolio of high-net-worth major gift prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward.
• Collaborate with VP of Development and other Directors of Development to operate a comprehensive major gifts program.
• Identify and pursue donors, strategic partners, and funders to advance the organization’s priorities with respect to revenue growth and mission delivery.
• Develop fundraising initiatives consistent with the organization’s strategies that secure new private, corporate, foundation, and government funding opportunities.
• Implement best practices in areas of gift processing, data management, and donor relations.
• Execute and deliver fundraising strategies with cross-functional teams to expand major gift fundraising and grow revenue.
• Partner with Development Officers, Organization Leaders, and Volunteers to cultivate prospects and secure philanthropic commitments.
• Develop and implement database management tactics and donor research to expand the major gifts pipeline.
• Provide leadership for the successful delivery of Pheasant Fest & Quail Classic.
• Ensure that appropriate CRM, PowerBI, and data processing practices are developed and implemented.
• Utilize CRM, PowerBI, and other software for multifaceted business functions.
• Administer the major gifts program budget, prepare reports on annual progress toward goals, and deliver in-depth analysis.
• Foster positive relationships with team members and supporters. Promote a cohesive fundraising team of employees and volunteers to implement a comprehensive major gift program and support other fundraising activities.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Travel involved.

Minimum Qualifications

• A strong passion for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s mission.
• B.A. or B.S. degree or higher. At least 6 years nonprofit fundraising with 4 years dedicated to major gift fundraising leadership, or relevant experience leading high performing teams in a remote work environment. Experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns is also desired.
• An energetic, well-organized, and detailed individual who has a strong track‑record of leadership, fundraising, business development, and success.
• A strategic thinker with an innovative mindset and strengths in efficiency, timeliness, multi‑tasking, teamwork, and attention to detail.
• Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
• Knowledge, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving, including areas of comprehensive campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coach effectively.
• Strong fundraising skills in major gift solicitation, foundation appeals, grant writing, and planned giving.
• Computer literacy with a proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI; experience with complex customer relationship management software.
• Superb written and oral communication skills with ability to convey the Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever mission.
• Superior interpersonal and presentation skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.

Compensation and Location

Competitive salary ($100,000-120,000 annually) commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus benefits. PF offers an exceptional benefits package. Location in Midwestern U.S. preferred.

For more information

Contact Jordan L.K. Martincich, Pheasants Forever Vice President of Development, at 816-560-1070 or [e-mail].

Pheasants Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.