AFRICAN PARKS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
Director, Development Operations And Donor Experience
AFRICAN PARKS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Director, Development Operations And Donor Experience
Job Title:
Director, Development Operations & Donor Experience
Organization:
African Parks Foundation of America
Location:
Washington, DC
Report To:
Executive Director, US
Position Type:
Full-Time
About African Parks Foundation of America:
African Parks Foundation of America (APFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and sustainable management of Africa’s national parks and protected areas. By partnering with African governments and local communities, APFA supports the work of African Parks, ensuring the long-term protection of wildlife, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Together, we manage 24 parks in 13 countries, covering over 20 million hectares, making African Parks the largest and most ecologically diverse conservation network on the continent.
Job Summary The Development Operations & Donor Experience Director oversees the infrastructure, systems, and donor-facing experiences that fuel the fundraising strategy of African Parks Foundation of America. This role ensures operational excellence in donor data management, gift processing, stewardship, and donor engagement, and additionally provides leadership for all development-related events. The ideal candidate excels in both systems and relationship-building, ensuring donors receive meaningful, seamless, and high-quality experiences.
Responsibilities Development Operations & Data Management o
Oversee and optimize all development systems, platforms, and processes.
o
Serve as primary Salesforce administrator for the US team.
o
Ensure timely and accurate gift entry, donor coding, and database maintenance.
o
Maintain strong data hygiene practices and develop reporting dashboards.
o
Produce regular analytics and insights to support leadership and fundraisers.
o
Partner with Finance to reconcile contributions and support audits.
o
Evaluate and improve digital tools, integrations, and workflows to enhance efficiency.
Donor Stewardship, Experiences & Lead Event Support o
Design and implement donor stewardship practices and recognition plans.
o
Lead planning and execution of donor events, including small private gatherings, cultivation events, annual galas, and special fundraising initiatives.
o
Manage event logistics end-to-end: venue sourcing, contracts, run‑of‑show, vendor management, guest lists, invitations, RSVPs, and onsite coordination.
o
Oversee donor trips, site visits, and immersive experiences with African Parks teams.
o
Work with communications colleagues to ensure donor‑facing materials are compelling and on‑brand.
o
Translate conservation impact into meaningful donor engagement opportunities and storytelling moments.
Project & Process Management o
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for development workflows.
o
Implement process improvements to support a growing U.S. fundraising operation.
o
Collaborate with global colleagues to ensure alignment with African Parks’ broader fundraising systems.
Support for Fundraising Strategy o
Provide operational and strategic support to major gifts, annual giving, capital campaign, and institutional fundraising efforts.
o
Support the Executive Director as thought partner on all major donors and campaign strategy.
o
Support fundraisers & Development Associate with prospect research, portfolio management, and moves management tracking.
o
Contribute to annual planning, forecasting, and budgeting through strong data analysis.
o
Participate in all weekly team meetings and support team with retreat planning and facilitation.
Qualifications o
8+ years of experience in development operations, event planning, donor relations, or nonprofit fundraising.
o
Experience leading or supporting events (donor events preferred).
o
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
o
Ability to manage complex logistics with a high degree of professionalism.
o
Collaborative approach, with comfort working across cultures and time zones.
o
High attention to detail and commitment to donor service.
o
Experience in conservation, international development, or environmental nonprofits.
o
Familiarity with major gifts pipelines and donor stewardship best practices.
o
Experience with event management software or digital engagement tools.
Compensation and Benefits
African Parks Foundation of America offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, and generous paid time off.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position remains open until filled.
African Parks Foundation of America is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director, Development Operations & Donor Experience
Organization:
African Parks Foundation of America
Location:
Washington, DC
Report To:
Executive Director, US
Position Type:
Full-Time
About African Parks Foundation of America:
African Parks Foundation of America (APFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and sustainable management of Africa’s national parks and protected areas. By partnering with African governments and local communities, APFA supports the work of African Parks, ensuring the long-term protection of wildlife, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Together, we manage 24 parks in 13 countries, covering over 20 million hectares, making African Parks the largest and most ecologically diverse conservation network on the continent.
Job Summary The Development Operations & Donor Experience Director oversees the infrastructure, systems, and donor-facing experiences that fuel the fundraising strategy of African Parks Foundation of America. This role ensures operational excellence in donor data management, gift processing, stewardship, and donor engagement, and additionally provides leadership for all development-related events. The ideal candidate excels in both systems and relationship-building, ensuring donors receive meaningful, seamless, and high-quality experiences.
Responsibilities Development Operations & Data Management o
Oversee and optimize all development systems, platforms, and processes.
o
Serve as primary Salesforce administrator for the US team.
o
Ensure timely and accurate gift entry, donor coding, and database maintenance.
o
Maintain strong data hygiene practices and develop reporting dashboards.
o
Produce regular analytics and insights to support leadership and fundraisers.
o
Partner with Finance to reconcile contributions and support audits.
o
Evaluate and improve digital tools, integrations, and workflows to enhance efficiency.
Donor Stewardship, Experiences & Lead Event Support o
Design and implement donor stewardship practices and recognition plans.
o
Lead planning and execution of donor events, including small private gatherings, cultivation events, annual galas, and special fundraising initiatives.
o
Manage event logistics end-to-end: venue sourcing, contracts, run‑of‑show, vendor management, guest lists, invitations, RSVPs, and onsite coordination.
o
Oversee donor trips, site visits, and immersive experiences with African Parks teams.
o
Work with communications colleagues to ensure donor‑facing materials are compelling and on‑brand.
o
Translate conservation impact into meaningful donor engagement opportunities and storytelling moments.
Project & Process Management o
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for development workflows.
o
Implement process improvements to support a growing U.S. fundraising operation.
o
Collaborate with global colleagues to ensure alignment with African Parks’ broader fundraising systems.
Support for Fundraising Strategy o
Provide operational and strategic support to major gifts, annual giving, capital campaign, and institutional fundraising efforts.
o
Support the Executive Director as thought partner on all major donors and campaign strategy.
o
Support fundraisers & Development Associate with prospect research, portfolio management, and moves management tracking.
o
Contribute to annual planning, forecasting, and budgeting through strong data analysis.
o
Participate in all weekly team meetings and support team with retreat planning and facilitation.
Qualifications o
8+ years of experience in development operations, event planning, donor relations, or nonprofit fundraising.
o
Experience leading or supporting events (donor events preferred).
o
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
o
Ability to manage complex logistics with a high degree of professionalism.
o
Collaborative approach, with comfort working across cultures and time zones.
o
High attention to detail and commitment to donor service.
o
Experience in conservation, international development, or environmental nonprofits.
o
Familiarity with major gifts pipelines and donor stewardship best practices.
o
Experience with event management software or digital engagement tools.
Compensation and Benefits
African Parks Foundation of America offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan, and generous paid time off.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Position remains open until filled.
African Parks Foundation of America is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr