Managing Director of Development

Anticipated Start Date:  February 1, 2026

POSITION SUMMARY:
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 and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications. PF offers an exceptional benefit package (see our benefits summary at www.pheasantsforever.org/jobs). Location is negotiable.