Summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, high-impact team and lead one of its three core priorities. Reporting to the HECHO Executive Director, the Strategic Partnerships and Development Director will be responsible for designing and executing a strategy to expand HECHO’s funding base and build a network of relationships that strengthens the organization’s influence, visibility, and long-term sustainability.

Description

From southwestern deserts to northern forestland, Hispanics throughout America have strong connections to our nation's public lands and waters. Founded in 2013, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) has worked diligently to safeguard these lands and watersheds so that future generations can enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, camping and other outdoor activities for generations to come.

As a fiscally-sponsored partner and program with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) since 2017, HECHO plays a key role in both uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife and people thrive in our rapidly changing world and connecting and convening Hispanic leaders and communities to conserve our public land, water, and outdoor traditions. Through our engagement of Hispanic local and elected leaders from Southwestern states and elevating their perspectives at the national level, we are an effective conduit for connecting local voices to federal conservation policy decision-making opportunities. While our focus is on the protection of public lands and waters in the American Southwest, our work has a national scope and impact.

This full-time position will serve as a key member of HECHO’s leadership team, working closely with the Executive Director to engage prospective funders, cultivate donors, and develop strategic partnerships – including with those from different sectors or viewpoints who offer opportunities for meaningful collaboration. The Director will both lead and support external engagement efforts that advance shared goals, broaden HECHO’s reach, and contribute to a positive, collaborative, and effective team culture.

Principle Duties (major areas of responsibility):

Fundraising & Donor Strategy

Design and execute strategies to diversify HECHO’s funding base by cultivating new foundation, corporate, and individual donors.
Lead all grant writing, donor communications, and fundraising material development – including a compelling case for support, annual report, and proposals – ensuring alignment with HECHO’s strategic roadmap, voice, and HECHO’s unique approach.
Support the ED in stewarding relationships with existing funders and advancing major donor engagement.

Strategic Partnerships & Network Building

Develop and implement new, creative ideas for strategic partnerships that can enhance HECHO visibility and resources including possible business, corporate, or outdoor industry partnerships.
Build an ecosystem of relationships across sectors (public, private, nonprofit, philanthropic), including with those who may bring different perspectives but share common goals, to advance HECHO’s mission and influence.

Visibility & Reach

Develop and implement a “roadshow” strategy, in partnership with the ED, to elevate HECHO’s visibility and deepen understanding of its value among prospective funders and cross-sector partners.
Identify and pursue opportunities – such as conferences, convenings, or speaking engagements—that help elevate HECHO’s profile and position the organization as a leading voice in conservation.
Partner with the Communications Director to ensure consistent, strategic branding and messaging of HECHO across all platforms and audiences.

Leadership & Organizational Alignment

Serve as a member of HECHO’s leadership team, contributing to the organizational strategy and cross-program collaboration.
Work closely with program leads to ensure fundraising and partnership efforts reflect and reinforce HECHO’s mission, goals, and work in conservation and advocacy.
Help foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.

Qualifications:

Fundraising, Partnerships & Strategy

Minimum of 10 years of experience in donor relations and strategy, fundraising, marketing, communications, business/corporate partnerships, or other relationship/partnership building roles.
Demonstrated success in cultivating and deepening relationships and effectively engaging individual or institutional donors or business partners.
Experience designing and implementing effective outreach and relationship-building strategies to support organizational growth and visibility.

Leadership & Strategic Execution

Proven ability to set priorities and manage concurrent deliverables using collaborative workflows and organizational systems.
Track record of creative problem-solving and ability to lead effectively in a collaborative team environment.
Experience supporting a principal (e.g., Executive Director or CEO) with external engagement, strategic relationship development, and brand positioning.

Communication & Relationship-Building

Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with experience tailoring messaging for a variety of audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills and a professional presence, with the ability to build trust and align people around common priorities.

Preferred Attributes & Skills:

Experience creating or managing the design of visually compelling donor materials (e.g., case for support, annual report), either independently or in collaboration with a designer.
Proficiency in digital tools and platforms, including social media strategy, email marketing, and website CMS.
Experience managing or supervising people, consultants, or cross-functional teams.
Familiarity with Southwestern culture and/or public land and water conservation in the American West.
Location in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, or Utah is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $82,000-87,000.

Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s required equity competencies at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

Travel Requirements:

This role will require occasional travel, approximately 1-2 trips per quarter.

Location and Work Mode:

This position will be based out of the Rocky Mountain Regional Center, in Denver, CO, but we welcome remote candidates. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work in office, hybrid, or remote to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers

Physical Requirements of the Job:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and lead HECHO’s strategic partnerships and development efforts at a pivotal moment in the organization’s growth. If this opportunity aligns with your experience and passion for building meaningful relationships and advancing impactful conservation work, please submit your up-to-date resume along with a cover letter responding to the following questions, in PDF format:

How have you approached building and managing a network of funders and partners to support an organization’s mission and long-term growth?
Can you share an example of a successful fundraising or partnership initiative you led? What was your strategy, and what were the outcomes?
Please list the types of donors and partners you’ve worked with most closely (e.g., foundations, individuals, corporations, outdoor industry, etc.).

The National Wildlife Federation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment with regard to any classes or characteristics protected by law.

For more information on our recruiting process, please review our Careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers

We recognize that people come with a wealth of knowledge and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid work, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. Whether you’re new to the field, returning to work after a gap in your employment, or are taking the next step in your career path, if you believe you could excel in this role we encourage you to apply! Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. To be eligible for this role you must be a U.S. citizen or have valid work authorization to work in the U.S.

Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application or interview process by reaching us at hrhelp@nwf.org or 703-438-6244.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.