Director of Development

Ducks Unlimited

About Ducks Unlimited:

DU got its start in 1937 during the Dust Bowl when North America's drought-plagued waterfowl populations had plunged to unprecedented lows. Determined not to sit idly by as the continent's waterfowl dwindled beyond recovery, a small group of sportsmen joined together to form an organization that became known as Ducks Unlimited. Its mission: habitat conservation.

Thanks to decades of abiding by that single mission, Ducks Unlimited is now the world's largest and most effective private waterfowl and wetlands conservation organization. DU is able to multilaterally deliver its work through a series of partnerships with private individuals, landowners, agencies, scientific communities and other entities.

https://www.ducks.org/

Position Details

Director of Development
Job
Full-time
Office/WFH
100% remote
8/20/2025
Twin Cities Metro
Minneapolis, MN

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Director of Development in Minnesota with the following primary fundraising responsibilities:

  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit major and planned gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations that are part of an identified prospect portfolio to support the conservation mission of Ducks Unlimited (DU).
  • Coordinate with conservation and development departments to develop proposals and secure funding for DU’s habitat conservation priorities as defined in DU’s Strategic Plan, to include support for operations, conservation in key landscapes, educational programs, and DU’s endowment.
  • Partner with the event fundraising staff and volunteers to raise awareness of DU’s major gift program and increase major gift revenue in the region.
  • Work with volunteer leadership to motivate and guide DU volunteers to assist with major gift fundraising.
  • Serve as a staff liaison for the Minnesota State Campaign Committees.
  • Achieve goals established in the Annual Work Plan.

The ideal candidates will have a minimum of four years of fundraising or related experience with an emphasis on personal major gift solicitation and a strong conservation ethic.

Additional qualifications include:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Excellent interpersonal, relationship, and team-building skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Commitment to and experience with prospect moves management
  • Ability to provide leadership and guidance to other fundraising professionals and volunteers
  • Goal-oriented and performance results-driven
  • Computer literacy with proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, and database management programs

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can work independently as well as part of a team and is driven to succeed. Familiarity with planned giving, experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns, relationships in the region's philanthropic community, and an interest in outdoor conservation activities are also desired.

The selected candidate should have the desire and ability to travel extensively within the region and will be expected to reside in a mutually agreed-upon location within the assigned work area, with preference given to the Greater Minneapolis Metro. 

The target start date is October 1, 2025, or as soon as possible.

Salary Range: $75,000.00 To $100,000.00 Annually


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