Development Officer (USA, West Coast)

APPLICATION PROCESS

This job is only open to applicants who live on the West Coast in the U.S. Please email your resume and cover letter to: careers@akashinga.org.

THE ORGANISATION

Founded in 2009, Akashinga’s (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation) mission is to: deliver resilient nature conservation programs of global significance through community-driven partnerships.

Akashinga partners directly with communities in holistic wildlife protection, working closely with all levels of society to move away from the adversarial, exclusively male-led models of protection and rehabilitation. The model brings a more effective, just, and sustainable concept of conservation which is highly adaptable to varying landscapes. Akashinga has evolved from an organization primarily focused on environmental law enforcement to one that is elevating local women and communities to drive conservation across ecosystems.

Since 2019 Akashinga has grown significantly with the annual budget moving from $1M to $6.1M, with a portfolio of 13M acres being protected across east Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia. While the majority of the 400+ employees work in Africa, there is a development, administrative, and accounting team in the USA.

THE POSITION AND DESIRED PROFILE

The Development Officer plays a critical role in securing transformational funding to sustain and scale Akashinga’s impact. This position is responsible for developing and managing relationships with high-net-worth individuals, family foundations, and philanthropic partners to drive significant support for our conservation programs. The Development Officer will be a key strategist and relationship-builder, ensuring best-practice donor stewardship and engagement. Please note: We are specifically seeking candidates based on the U.S. West Coast for this role.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Donor Strategy & Relationship Management

• Develop and manage a portfolio of major donors ($10,000+), nurturing long-term engagement.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit new prospects, ensuring alignment with Akashinga’s funding model.
• Craft and execute personalized stewardship plans, deepening donor commitment to our mission.
• Work closely with leadership, program staff, and ambassadors to facilitate impactful donor interactions.

Gift Solicitation & Fundraising Execution

• Develop tailored proposals, donor reports, and pitch decks for major donors.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development to craft compelling narratives and cases for support.
• Organize and/or support exclusive donor experiences, including site visits, virtual briefings, and special events.
• Work in tandem with the Communications team to align donor messaging with Akashinga’s brand voice.
• Occasional support in grant proposal development, including application, budget development, and submission.

Portfolio Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, pledges, stewardship and cultivation plans using SalesForce.
• Track and analyze donor engagement metrics, ensuring continuous improvement in fundraising strategies.
• Prepare detailed reports on major gift progress for Director of Development and key leadership.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES

• 5+ years of experience in major gifts fundraising, high-net-worth philanthropy, or related roles.
• Proven success in cultivating, soliciting, and closing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Experience developing and producing successful proposals and pitch decks.
• Strong relationship-building skills with high-level donors and stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, storytelling, and proposal-writing abilities.
• Strategic mindset with experience in donor portfolio management.

Preferred:

• Background in wildlife conservation, climate sustainability, gender equity, or international development.
• Familiarity with African conservation landscapes and global philanthropic networks.
• Experience working with CRM and donor database tools (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $100,000–$120,000 based on experience.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision (employer-sponsored), FSA.
• PTO: Paid personal/sick leave, unlimited vacation time.

LOCATION & TRAVEL

This is a remote working position based on the West Coast of the United States. Travel is anticipated to be 30-40% with one trip to field programs annually.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please email your resume and cover letter to: careers@akashinga.org

This job description is not a contract. Akashinga reserves the right to change its contents at any time. Akashinga complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran. Akashinga is an Equal Opportunity Employer.