Director of Development

Reports To: Executive Director

Direct Supervisory Responsibilities: 2 full-time employees 

Position Overview
The Development Director supports the Endangered Wolf Center’s external relations efforts by leading fundraising programs related to individual, corporate and foundation giving; membership programs; Board relations; and special events, yielding over $1.2 million of philanthropic support for the organization.

Institutional Summary

Did you know every Mexican wolf in the wild today can trace its roots back to the Endangered Wolf Center (EWC)? Founded in 1971 by Marlin and Carol Perkins, the EWC continues to lead the pack with pioneering science, pup fostering, reintroduction, and inspiring educational programs to preserve and protect Mexican Wolves, American Red Wolves, and other wild canid species.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Culture

• Support the Endangered Wolf Center’s organizational culture, promoting transparency and collaboration.
• Attract, hire, retain, and develop a diverse and talented staff that will further the fundraising efforts that support the mission of the EWC.

Organizational Capacity

• Collaborate with the leadership team to create and implement a strategic plan to realize fundraising objectives.
• Lead efforts to grow capacity through major gifts, membership program, grants, events, and other fundraising activities.

Operational Capacity

• Oversee and utilize resource management software (donor database, grant management, etc.) to ensure accuracy and to provide relevant data for effective fundraising operations.
• Lead departmental planning efforts in strategy and operational decision-making.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain effective, fruitful, long-term relationships with donors and members.
• Represent the organization in a manner that strengthens the brand and communicates the Endangered Wolf Center’s purpose, mission, and vision.

Key Competencies

Collaboration

• Builds & fosters trust with others
• Motivates with compassion
• Leads with and contributes to a team-first culture
• Cultivates positive interpersonal interactions
• Establishes & sustains effective communication pathways

Accountability

• Acts with integrity
• Contributes productively to group efforts
• Owns mistakes and uses them as constructive growth opportunities
• Effectively manages workload
• Delivers positive results

Initiative & Innovation

• Shows good judgment with sound decision-making
• Proactively navigates obstacles in workflow
• Successfully adapts to unexpected challenges
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning
• Performs duties without unnecessary supervision

Job Ability

• Displays technical skills appropriate to experience
• Work quality meets expected standards
• Demonstrates professionalism with all stakeholders
• Maintains job-related proficiencies
• Stays up-to-date on field-related knowledge

Stewardship

• Exhibits workplace behaviors consistent with the mission
• Contributes to a sense of belonging, community, and well-being for all
• Prioritizes service to others
• Upholds the highest professional ethics and standards
• Demonstrates commitment to safe practices

Experience & Qualifications

• 3 years in nonprofit fundraising/development; leadership experience preferred
• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred; education preferences may be substituted by an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• CFRE or similar certification preferred
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills, both written and oral
• Ability to use various office software products (word processing, databases, spreadsheets, Dropbox, Google Suite, etc.)
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced setting, handle stressful situations, and maintain stakeholder confidentiality.
• AZA-accredited institution and nonprofit experience a plus
• Must hold or be able to possess a valid driver’s license within three months of hire
• Successful completion of a background check is required before employment

Physical Demands

• This is a primarily on-site role, with flexibility for remote work supported based on weekly tasks, personal preference, and collaborative needs.
• Be able and willing to work occasional non-traditional hours (weekends, nights, and holidays) and limited travel (including overnight trips) as needed. Most travel is local/regional.
• Capable of holding certification in First Aid and CPR
• Frequent exposure to outside weather conditions and a natural environment
• Frequent sitting, standing, bending, walking (including on uneven surfaces), and occasional unassisted lifting up to 20 lbs