Principal Gifts Director for UHNW Fundraising & Strategy

The Nature Conservancy

Chicago (IL)

Hybrid

USD 125,000 - 160,000

Full time

4 days ago

Be an early applicant

A complete application in a minute

Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan with employer match

Health care benefits

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking an Associate Director of Principal Gift Development to lead multi-year strategies for qualification, cultivation, and solicitation of principal gift prospects. The role focuses on building a principal gift portfolio across the Midwest (IL, IN, WI, OH, MI) and Chicago wealth markets, collaborating with global teams.

The position emphasizes discovery work, donor articulation of assets, and strategic engagement with UHNW donors, foundations, and institutions, with

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 7 years related experience.
Experience building a portfolio of UHNW donors.
Experience in asking for and closing seven-figure gifts, including planned gifts.
Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices.
Experience with capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.

Responsibilities

Qualify at least ten principal gift-level prospects in the first year.
Build a warm portfolio of UHNW donors; manage 25–40 donors as portfolio matures.
Manage a fundraising goal and metrics per PG Department standards; conduct discovery-based metrics.
Staff chapter leadership as appropriate; travel frequently and work long weekends as needed.