Director Of Development – North Dakota And South Dakota

Ducks Unlimited is seeking a Director of Development for North Dakota and South Dakota, responsible for fundraising through major gifts to support conservation efforts. The role includes collaborating with various departments, guiding volunteers, and achieving fundraising goals. Candidates should have at least four years of related experience, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to conservation. The position requires extensive travel within the region and residency in a mutually agreed location.
Director of Development

North Dakota and South Dakota – Region 2

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Director of Development in North Dakota and South Dakota 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 North Dakota and South Dakota State Campaign Committee.
• 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
• Must have a valid driver’s license and provide proof of insurability

The successful candidate will be a self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively. Familiarity with planned giving, experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns, relationships in the region’s philanthropic community, and an interest in outdoor conservation 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.

The target start date is May 1, 2026, or as soon as possible.

To apply, please attach a cover letter, resume, and references. Resume review will begin as applications are received and continue until the position is filled.

DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, military status, disability, age, or genetic information, except where age or gender is a bona fide occupational qualification as allowed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It is the policy of Ducks Unlimited, Inc. to afford equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 or over), disability (physical, mental or visual), genetic information, marital status (including registered domestic partnership status), military and veteran status, immigration status, or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.