Managing Director of Development - Great Lakes Atlantic Region

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent’s leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Managing Director of Development to provide strategic direction and leadership for the development of major gift efforts in the Great Lakes Atlantic Region, including the states of Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Kentucky. In addition, the Managing Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support Ducks Unlimited's conservation mission.

• Maintain a personal portfolio of high-net-worth major gift prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward.
• Partner with the National Director to move assigned leadership prospects to philanthropic commitment.
• Guide Directors of Development in strategy development for cultivating and soliciting major donor prospects.
• Delegate assignments and evaluate staff performance in all areas, including prospect management, solicitation, and follow-up activities.
• Promote a cohesive fundraising team of staff and volunteers within the region to implement a comprehensive major gift program and support other fundraising activities.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with conservation and event staff within the region to further the development program and the mission of DU.
• Work with staff and volunteers to develop state campaign and DOD work plans to foster growth and improvement in the development program.
• Partner with the Managing Director of Gift Planning to ensure teams identify and pursue blended gifts.
• Represent development on the Regional Leadership Team.
• Serve as a member of the development management and leadership prospect management teams.
• Oversee the recruitment, onboarding/training, coaching, performance, and retention of a cohesive team.

Experience and Education: Applicants must have a four-year degree from an accredited university and six years of fundraising experience, which includes at least four years of development/major gift experience. Experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns, relationships in the region’s philanthropic community, and an interest in outdoor conservation activities are also desired.

Communication Skills: Superb communication, writing, and presentation skills, and the ability to persuasively convey the mission of DU.

Technological Proficiency: Computer literacy with a proficiency in Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI; experience with complex customer relationship management software.

Interpersonal Skills: Proven success in building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents and in soliciting and securing major gifts.

Salary and Benefits Package: Salary commensurate with experience. DU offers an exceptional benefits package that includes comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; a minimum of three weeks paid vacation to start; paid sick leave and 10 paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.

Application Instructions: To apply, please complete all application materials by September 15, 2026, and submit a cover letter indicating why you are interested in the position and a resume highlighting your qualifications. For internal candidates, log into ADP with your employee credentials, click MYSELF, TALENT, CAREER CENTER, and follow the prompts to APPLY. Applications will be considered as received, and the position will remain open until 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.