Director of Strategic Partnerships

~ Advocates for the West is a public interest, nonprofit environmental law firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho with offices in Portland, Oregon and Washington, DC. ~

Founded in 2003, we provide pro bono legal representation to conservation clients on public lands, wildlife, clean water, and other environmental issues across the American West. Advocates for the West has a strong track record of success, winning or settling favorably 85% of our cases, with a current annual budget of just under $1 million. Additional information on our work is available on our website.

Position Overview

Advocates for the West seeks a dynamic and seasoned professional to join our senior leadership team and advance our successes by focusing our organizational strategy and growing our annual revenue beyond $1 million.

The Director of Strategic Partnerships will report to the Executive Director, and work to broaden Advocates for the West's foundation and individual support, expand our network of partners and allies, and help steward the implementation of our new Strategic Plan.

We are a small organization of committed professionals who are passionate about protecting the American West, and enjoy working together in pursuit of that passion. We seek to add a senior member to our team who shares our passion and enjoyment of the outdoors and natural environment, and can work with substantial independence and exercise creative leadership.

This position could accommodate a candidate located outside the Boise area, with regular visits to our Boise headquarters. Compensation is commensurate with experience, including competitive salary plus generous benefits and leave policies.

Responsibilities  

Activities & Deliverables 

• Work with Executive Director, Board of Directors, and staff to identify new strategic opportunities for growing our network of supporters, partners and clients.
• Work with staff and board to help develop and implement new strategies to address climate change threats, public lands and wildlife protection, and other key activities to be undertaken pursuant to our Strategic Plan.
• Assist the Executive Director and senior staff in cultivating and building client relationships in existing and new program areas.
• Build a robust major donor outreach plan that includes identifying and cultivating new donors, particularly in major cities outside Idaho.
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of 30-50 new major/lead donors and prospects, and maintain a regular schedule of face-to-face visits with new and prospective major/lead donors.
• Collaborate with our development staff to identify and upgrade current high-capacity and annual mid-level ($1,000 - $5,000) donors to lead donor level.
• Assess and expand our foundation prospect list and devise an effective foundation inquiry strategy to assist the Executive Director in carrying out informational interviews with at least 10 target foundations in the first year.
• Work with the Executive Director and development staff to achieve a contributed income growth rate of 10-12% annually for the next 5 years. 

Qualifications  

Skills and Qualifications 

• Creative thinking with the energy and abilities needed to develop and implement new strategic opportunities and connections with likely partners and allies.
• 5-7 years of fundraising experience; comfortable with direct solicitation of major gifts.
• Familiarity, ties, and contacts in the environmental community across the American West and/or nationally.
• Superior interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Experience with planned giving and/or endowments.
• Ability and willingness to travel, and work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Familiarity with environmental law issues a strong plus. 

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter and resume or CV.
• This position will remain open until filled, with preferred hiring date by October 2016.

~ Advocates for the West does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability in any of its policies or programs. An equal opportunity employer. ~