Job Description

National Director of Advancement

Department/Division: Development
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Status: Full-Time

Location

Location: Memphis, Tennessee

Work Arrangement: On-site

Reporting Office: Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters, Memphis, Tennessee

Position Summary

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent's leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a National Director of Advancement to provide strategic leadership and direction for the organization's advancement program. This position oversees donor engagement, gift processing and fulfillment, direct marketing, constituent data management, analytics, and departmental operations while supporting Ducks Unlimited's fundraising and conservation mission.

The National Director of Advancement is responsible for leading a high-performing team and driving a comprehensive, donor-centered development strategy that supports annual fundraising, major gifts, planned giving, corporate relations, stewardship, and comprehensive campaign initiatives. The successful candidate will partner closely with development leadership, conservation staff, executive leadership, and volunteers to advance organizational priorities and maximize philanthropic support for Ducks Unlimited.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Advancement Leadership & Donor Engagement

• Direct and enhance all aspects of an integrated donor engagement program.
• Oversee major donor annual giving programs, donor recognition opportunities, stewardship initiatives, and gift fulfillment processes.
• Develop strategies to improve donor retention, engagement, and overall donor experience.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and meaningful acknowledgment of donor contributions.
• Foster a donor-centric culture across the advancement program.

Direct Marketing & Membership Programs

• Supervise direct marketing activities designed to acquire, renew, and steward Ducks Unlimited members.
• Oversee multichannel fundraising and membership campaigns, including direct mail and digital marketing initiatives.
• Monitor campaign performance metrics and implement strategies to improve response rates and revenue generation.

Data Management & Analytics

• Lead the team responsible for constituent information systems, data governance, reporting, analytics, and database administration.
• Enhance organizational data integration and business intelligence capabilities.
• Oversee development of reports, dashboards, and performance metrics to support fundraising decision-making.
• Promote data-driven strategies to optimize fundraising outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Provide leadership for the organization's customer relationship management (CRM) systems and data integrity standards.

Gift Processing & Advancement Services

• Oversee gift and pledge processing activities for major gifts, planned giving, corporate relations, direct marketing, and specialized gift programs.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, accounting standards, and donor requirements.
• Maintain efficient systems for gift receipting, tracking, acknowledgments, and reporting.

Department Operations & Strategic Planning

• Assist the Chief Development Officer with strategic planning, business operations, budget development, staff development, and human resources activities.
• Partner with National Directors and development leadership to implement strategic fundraising priorities.
• Participate in planning and execution of comprehensive fundraising campaigns and special fundraising initiatives.
• Support organizational objectives through participation on leadership teams, committees, and work groups.

Relationship Management & Collaboration

• Build and maintain strong relationships with conservation staff, accounting, communications, executive leadership, and volunteer leadership.
• Collaborate across departments to advance Ducks Unlimited's fundraising and conservation objectives.
• Serve as a member of the Development Management Team and Leadership Prospect Management Team.
• Represent Ducks Unlimited at meetings, events, conferences, and fundraising activities as assigned.

Talent Leadership

• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing advancement team of approximately 35 employees.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, coaching, performance management, succession planning, and employee development.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented work environment.
• Promote professional development opportunities and leadership growth.

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required.

Experience:

• Minimum of ten (10) years of advancement, development, fundraising, or related experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership and management experience.
• Experience leading large teams and managing complex fundraising operations.
• Experience with comprehensive fundraising campaigns and advancement services.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid driver's license preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within nonprofit fundraising and conservation organizations.
• Knowledge of comprehensive campaign planning and execution.
• Familiarity with philanthropic communities and major donor engagement strategies.
• Experience with budget management and financial analysis.
• Interest in outdoor conservation, wetlands, wildlife, and natural resource stewardship.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional leadership, organizational, and strategic planning skills.
• Outstanding verbal, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively articulate and promote Ducks Unlimited's mission and fundraising priorities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Power BI.
• Experience with customer relationship management systems; Blackbaud CRM experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success building, mentoring, and retaining high-performing teams.
• Strong relationship-building skills with donors, volunteers, staff, and organizational leadership.
• Commitment to donor-centered customer service and stewardship.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic environment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a professional office environment.
• Ability to sit, stand, and operate standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to travel and attend meetings, fundraising events, conferences, and donor activities.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Travel Requirements

Estimated Percentage of Travel: 20–30%

Type of Travel: Domestic travel including overnight travel.

Valid Driver's License Required: Preferred

Candidates must be willing to work hours that extend beyond a traditional workday and workweek as necessary to support fundraising activities, strategic initiatives, and organizational priorities.

Salary

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience and education.

DU offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance; spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation; paid sick leave; ten paid holidays; a 401(k) plan with employer match; and tuition reimbursement.

Misc Data

Job Location: Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters, Memphis, Tennessee

To Apply: Please complete all application materials and attach:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

Candidates should include information outlining their qualifications and interest in the position.

Closing Date: 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.