AFRICAN PARKS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA · 1 month ago
Director, Development Operations And Donor Experience
Washington, DC
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expAfrican Parks Foundation of America is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and sustainable management of Africa’s national parks and protected areas. The Development Operations & Donor Experience Director oversees the infrastructure, systems, and donor-facing experiences that fuel the fundraising strategy, ensuring operational excellence in donor data management and engagement.
Non-profit Organization Management
Responsibilities
Oversee and optimize all development systems, platforms, and processes
Serve as primary Salesforce administrator for the US team
Ensure timely and accurate gift entry, donor coding, and database maintenance
Maintain strong data hygiene practices and develop reporting dashboards
Produce regular analytics and insights to support leadership and fundraisers
Partner with Finance to reconcile contributions and support audits
Evaluate and improve digital tools, integrations, and workflows to enhance efficiency
Design and implement donor stewardship practices and recognition plans
Lead planning and execution of donor events, including small private gatherings, cultivation events, annual galas, and special fundraising initiatives
Manage event logistics end-to-end: venue sourcing, contracts, run-of-show, vendor management, guest lists, invitations, RSVPs, and onsite coordination
Oversee donor trips, site visits, and immersive experiences with African Parks teams
Work with communications colleagues to ensure donor-facing materials are compelling and on-brand
Translate conservation impact into meaningful donor engagement opportunities and storytelling moments
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for development workflows
Implement process improvements to support a growing U.S. fundraising operation
Collaborate with global colleagues to ensure alignment with African Parks’ broader fundraising systems
Provide operational and strategic support to major gifts, annual giving, capital campaign, and institutional fundraising efforts
Support the Executive Director as thought partner on all major donors and campaign strategy
Support fundraisers & Development Associate with prospect research, portfolio management, and moves management tracking
Contribute to annual planning, forecasting, and budgeting through strong data analysis
Participate in all weekly team meetings and support team with retreat planning and facilitation
Qualification
Required
8+ years of experience in development operations, event planning, donor relations, or nonprofit fundraising
Experience leading or supporting events (donor events preferred)
Strong Salesforce proficiency
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to manage complex logistics with a high degree of professionalism
Collaborative approach, with comfort working across cultures and time zones
High attention to detail and commitment to donor service
Preferred
Experience in conservation, international development, or environmental nonprofits
Familiarity with major gifts pipelines and donor stewardship best practices
Experience with event management software or digital engagement tools
Benefits
Health insurance
Retirement plan
Generous paid time off
Company
AFRICAN PARKS FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
African Parks Foundation of America is the US operation of African Parks, a non-profit conservation organization that takes on the complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks and protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase