Director of Philanthropy

Summary of Organization

Tall Pines Conservancy is a nationally accredited land trust dedicated to conserving and caring for the lands and waters that shape the past, present, and future of Southeast Wisconsin. Since 1999, we have worked with landowners, donors, public agencies, and community partners to protect more than 3,300 acres of farmland, natural areas, and open space across our five-county service area. Our work sustains working farms, protects water resources and wildlife habitat, and preserves the landscapes that make our region special.

We are a collaborative, mission-driven organization with an ambitious vision for land conservation and a commitment to building lasting relationships that make this work possible.

Summary of Position

Tall Pines Conservancy seeks a strategic, relationship-oriented Director of Philanthropy to lead and grow our fundraising program. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position will strengthen the relationships, resources, and systems that support our land conservation mission, including an expanding capital campaign.

The Director of Philanthropy will lead fundraising strategy and implementation across major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, donor cultivation and stewardship, and other philanthropic opportunities. Working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Development Committee, staff, and volunteers, the Director will build meaningful donor relationships, identify new sources of support, and translate conservation priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

This is an opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional to shape a growing program, deepen donor engagement, and help secure the resources needed to protect more land and water in Southeast Wisconsin.

The position offers a flexible work arrangement within Tall Pines Conservancy’s service area, combining remote work with regular in-person engagement with donors, partners, board members, and colleagues. Occasional work at our Delafield office is expected.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising strategy and leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising program aligned with organizational priorities, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, grants, and other philanthropic opportunities.

• Capital campaign: Help lead campaign strategy, prospect development, donor engagement, solicitation, and follow-through to advance significant land conservation and organizational funding goals.

• Donor relationships: Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, prospective supporters, foundations, and other funding partners, with a particular focus on growing major gifts.

• Prospect development: Research and qualify prospective donors, develop engagement strategies, and build a sustainable pipeline of philanthropic support.

• Board and volunteer engagement: Partner with the Executive Director, Board, Development Committee, and volunteers to strengthen fundraising participation, relationships, and results.

• Donor communications and stewardship: Develop compelling fundraising messages, proposals, reports, and donor recognition that demonstrate the impact of philanthropic support.

• Systems and evaluation: Maintain effective donor records and relationship-management systems, monitor fundraising performance, and use data and reporting to guide strategy and decision-making.

• Cross-organizational collaboration: Work with land protection and stewardship staff to communicate conservation priorities, opportunities, and results in ways that inspire philanthropic investment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising, philanthropy, or development, including success building donor relationships and securing individual gifts.

• Strong relationship-building, communication, writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to connect diverse audiences to an organization’s mission and impact.

• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate organizational priorities into practical fundraising plans and measurable results.

• Experience with major gifts, donor cultivation and solicitation, prospect research, and fundraising systems; capital campaign experience is particularly valuable.

• Strong organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and follow through on commitments.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with organizational leadership, board members, volunteers, colleagues, and external partners.

• An interest in land conservation, agriculture, natural resources, or environmental stewardship. Direct conservation experience is welcome but not required.

• A bachelor’s degree may be helpful but is not required. Relevant professional experience and demonstrated results are valued.

Salary

The annual salary range is $80,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Tall Pines Conservancy offers paid time off, a healthcare contribution, retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and a flexible work arrangement within our service area. The position also offers the opportunity to contribute directly to meaningful, lasting conservation outcomes in Southeast Wisconsin.

Tall Pines Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates whose experiences and perspectives will strengthen our organization and mission.