Senior Director, Leadership Engagement

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Conservation International

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Arlington, VA, United States

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Senior Director, Leadership Engagement

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Arlington, VA

The Senior Director, Leadership Engagement is responsible for developing comprehensive programmatic strategy and execution plans for Conservation International’s global volunteer Leadership Council. This position partners with CI’s Executive Team and Development Leadership Team to grow this important group’s engagement and connection to the mission and increase flexible funding generated through their philanthropic giving.

The position develops and produces exceptional meetings, programs, and communications for the Leadership Council that align with organizational strategy. The Senior Director builds strong relationships with Council leaders, members, and prospects and works with the major gifts team to develop and implement their overall engagement strategies. They are responsible for encouraging Council members to build community connections, make introductions to potential partners and donors, and serve as ambassadors for CI’s global mission.

They also provide an internal framework and manage a Community of Practice for other council managers to ensure cohesive programming, donor communications, and operational best practices that drive towards an increase in flexible revenue goals globally.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership Council Program Management

  • Build engagement strategies that contribute to motivating this cohort of Council members to be strong champions, spokespeople, advocates, and supporters of Conservation International.
  • Execute three annual Leadership Council meetings and at least two additional engagement opportunities that align with CI’s strategic priorities. Partner and coach CI leaders and program staff through presentation development and Council engagement opportunities.
  • Develop and manage an annual communications plan for Council members, including the distribution of Quarterly newsletters, monthly program updates, and all other CI materials (Ex. Annual report, Impact report). Work with the Donor Experience and Communications team to ensure all messaging is aligned with CI’s strategic plan. Ensure meeting materials are developed and distributed in a timely manner.
  • Work closely with the Office of the CEO and Events team to lead seamless execution of Council sessions held during Board meetings and all communications are aligned and consistent between the Board of Directors and the other regional and programmatic councils.

Leadership Council Strategic Engagement and Growth

  • Create effective donor strategies for Leadership Council members in partnership with Relationship Managers and teams to secure more than $3M annually in unrestricted and lightly restricted gifts from Council members, including an annual match campaign to leverage an additional $1M in giving from annual giving donors. Support all cultivation efforts to secure additional restricted gifts from members.
  • Develop and manage strategy to ensure Council ambitions and governance expectations are met and a strong pipeline of new Council prospects is in place. Ensure the Council Charter is reviewed and updated regularly.
  • Work closely with the Development Leadership Team and other key stakeholders to ensure Council cultivation and stewardship opportunities are fully maximized and aligned with existing programs and events. (Ex. NY Climate Week, Galas)
  • Build strong relationships with CI leadership and programmatic leads across the organization, interacting with them frequently to align opportunities to engage Council members more deeply with the organization.

Global Council Development

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive plan for all of Conservation International’s regional (Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Americas Councils) and programmatic councils (Science Council).
  • Create and lead a global Community of Practice of Council managers to share information, experiences, and a forum for feedback and continuous improvement.

This position does not supervise staff but may direct the work of vendors, interns, or temporary staff. Other duties as assigned by supervisor. All members of the Development team regularly serve as back-up to colleagues who are away from the office for short periods of time or on projects with tight deadlines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Typical office environment.
  • Flexibility in work schedule to accommodate time differences with HQ and field programs may be necessary.
  • Regular local travel to meet with donors is required as well as occasional trips to other parts of the country for Board/Leadership Council meetings and other events. Some international travel may be required.
  • This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or up to four years of college-level work.
  • 10 or more years of related work experience in directly soliciting major gifts and/or managing programs that engage major donors.
  • Success in this position requires a person who is a self-starter and can work independently and has impeccable professional integrity and confidence.
  • Successful experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
  • Knowledge of current trends and metrics in philanthropic giving.
  • This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment
  • Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to listen, use diplomacy and tact, and build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
  • Well-developed written and oral communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.
  • Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar fundraising database software.

Preferred

  • Experience and/or demonstrated interest in conservation, environmental studies, global development, or related topics.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.