Careers at NCWF

COMPENSATION: Salary is commensurate with experience and is in the $75-95K range.
LOCATION: Raleigh, NC or Charlotte, NC
REPORTS TO: Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications

Job Summary

The North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) seeks two collaborative, relationship-driven fundraisers to serve as Philanthropy Managers. The ideal candidates will bring strong donor relationship management, communication, and organizational skills to advance NCWF’s mission to protect, conserve, and restore North Carolina’s wildlife and habitat for all.

Reporting Structure: The Philanthropy Managers report to the Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications and collaborates with team members across the organization, including programs, operations, and communications.

Total Staff and Budget: 25 staff members and an annual operating budget of $3.7 million.

Working Environment/Location: NCWF is seeking two (2) Philanthropy Managers. One will be based out of the Raleigh office and cultivate relationships with donors in the Northern Piedmont and Eastern part of the state while the other will do the same out of the Charlotte office in the Southern Piedmont and Western part of the state.

Key Responsibilities

The Philanthropy Manager will execute the following responsibilities:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 100 major donors and prospects with the capacity to make major gifts.
• Develop tailored solicitation strategies that align donor passions with NCWF’s conservation priorities and to secure gifts of $10,000 and up.
• Research donors and conduct personal outreach to engage and qualify potential major donors.
• Conduct at least 10 donors visits per month to build deep, lasting relationships that lead to increased philanthropic investment over time.
• Steward donors through regular phone calls, emails, and personalized engagement.
• Invite donors to special events, gatherings, and conservation field visits to enhance engagement.
• Write donor visit reports that further inform the philanthropic ability and intent of donors.
• Partner with leadership, board members, and program staff to advance donor relationships and connections.
• Maintain accurate donor records and track progress using NCWF’s CRM system, Donor Perfect.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in major gift fundraising, securing significant gifts from individual donors.
• Strong relationship-building skills with a track record of engaging and securing high-net-worth donors.
• Willingness to conduct cold calls and proactive donor outreach.
• Experience in face-to-face donor engagement, stewardship, and solicitation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proposal writing and donor presentations.
• Understanding of planned giving vehicles and how to engage in conversation with donors about their legacy and wishes.
• Experience conducting research on individual donors using wealth screening tools and online resources.
• Understanding of organizational budgets and revenue allocations
• Passion for wildlife conservation and the outdoors.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and results driven.
• Experience with donor databases and CRM systems.
• Certified Fundraising Executive accreditation is a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent listener with the ability to lead meaningful conversation by asking engaging questions.
• Good writing and storytelling skills.
• Strategic thinking to align NCWF’s mission with funder priorities.
• Proficiency in CRM systems. Experience with DonorPerfect a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster productive relationships with donors and volunteers.

Education & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., nonprofit management or marketing and communications).
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel statewide as needed.

Benefits

NCWF offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 100% employer-paid medical insurance
• Optional dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid 401k with employee investment option
• Employee-paid health and flexible spending accounts
• Paid vacation
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Flexible work schedule

How To Apply

Join NCWF and play a critical role in shaping its future while driving impactful change in our state. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of NCWF as well as the stated responsibilities and qualifications.

Apply to the position

Please provide all requested information to be considered. In case of any technical problems, contact talent@armstrongmcguire.com. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.

About NCWF

For 80 years, North Carolina Wildlife Federation has united people who love the outdoors — hunters and anglers, gardeners and hikers, scientists and conservationists — to protect the wildlife and wild places that make our state extraordinary.

From policy advocacy in the General Assembly to hands-on habitat restoration through local chapters, NCWF’s work combines science-based conservation with grassroots engagement. We champion a nonpartisan approach that brings diverse stakeholders together around common-sense conservation solutions for wildlife, habitat, and people.