Founded in 1997, Appalachian Voices brings communities together to work for environmental and economic justice for Central and Southern Appalachia and, ultimately, for the United States. For more than a century, Appalachian communities have powered the growth of America’s industrial might—and have endured the resulting pollution, damaged lands, and poverty.
Appalachian Voices seeks a Director of Individual Gifts to play a critical role in the growth of the organization and its fundraising efforts. The Director will work with a high-performing fundraising team to develop and implement an effective individual-focused philanthropy program that will support Appalachian Voices’ strategic plan. The successful candidate will serve as the principal major gift fundraiser, managing a nationwide portfolio of major donors and prospects with four-, five-, six-, and seven-figure philanthropic capacity. This position oversees the Advancement Manager and works closely with the Advancement Operations and Data Specialist, as well as the foundation and grants team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the primary relationship manager for individual major gift donors: identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors and prospects. Benefactors with annual gifts exceeding $1,000 are considered major donors.
- Manage a portfolio of 150 donors, including those with the capacity to make 5-figure gifts; work closely with leadership to develop 6-figure gifts.
- Develop tailored donor strategies and cultivation plans for each donor in the portfolio, with thoughtful consideration to the donor’s interests, motivations, and preferences.
- Travel extensively in the Southeast and regularly throughout the U.S. to broaden engagement of donors with Appalachian Voices’ work.
- Manage and implement strategies designed to acquire, qualify, and cultivate new major gift opportunities, with a focus on growing the pool of donors capable of making 5- and 6-figure gifts.
Ideal Candidate:
- Minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience managing a nationwide portfolio of major donors and prospects with four, five, six, and seven-figure philanthropic capacity.
- Experience in non-profit development, preference for experience working with high net-worth donors.
- Preference may be given to candidates with prior experience in environmental or economic justice, social justice advocacy, or policy advocacy.
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of Appalachian Voices.
