Executive Director

AWC USA is a US-based non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the conservation of Australia’s unique wildlife and wild places. Through philanthropy and partnerships, AWC USA advances the work of leading Australian conservation organisations, including Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC), which delivers practical, on-ground conservation guided by science and focused on measurable outcomes. AWC USA has maintained a continuous presence in the United States for over 15 years and has built a growing base of committed supporters and partners. Following a period of renewal and strategic investment, AWC USA is entering a new phase of growth. In 2025, AWC USA generated approximately USD $400,000 in philanthropic revenue, with a strategic ambition to build a sustained annual fundraising program reaching USD $1 million within the next 2–3 years. AWC USA is independently governed by its Board of Directors and is registered as a 501(c)(3) charitable organisation, with donations tax-deductible in the United States.

About the Role

The Executive Director, Philanthropy plays a critical leadership role in building AWC USA’s philanthropic footprint and driving growth in major and transformational giving across the United States. Working as part of AWC’s Global Philanthropy Team, reporting to the AWC USA Board Chair and in close collaboration with the AWC USA Board, the role will design and deliver a strategic fundraising program tailored to the US market. Based in the United States, this is a senior and independent leadership position, offering significant autonomy and breadth of responsibility. The Executive Director will enjoy the opportunity to build momentum, shape strategy, and lead execution, while working in close partnership with AWC’s established global philanthropy, marketing, and conservation teams. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of AWC USA, steward a growing philanthropic community, and secure long‑term, values‑aligned partnerships that deliver conservation impact for generations to come. The role focuses on major gifts, individual philanthropists, and trusts and foundations, with a strong emphasis on high‑quality relationships, tailored donor journeys, and clear, compelling philanthropic propositions.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive major and transformational gift fundraising for AWC USA, growing philanthropic revenue through high‑value donors and partners across the US.
• Build, manage, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects, delivering tailored philanthropic propositions aligned with AWC’s strategic priorities.
• Lead donor cultivation, engagement and stewardship, ensuring strong, long‑term relationships and exceptional donor experience.
• Work closely with the AWC USA Board, Chief Philanthropy Officer and global leaders to deliver a US‑focused fundraising strategy aligned to AWC’s 10‑year plan.
• Represent AWC USA with donors and partners at meetings, events and national and international engagements.
• Collaborate across AWC’s global philanthropy team and with communications and marketing colleagues to adapt messaging for US audiences.
• Ensure strong governance, compliance, reporting and data management, including Board reporting and use of Salesforce.
• Design and deliver high‑impact donor engagement events in partnership with the AWC USA Board.
• Significant experience (7+ years) in major gift and philanthropic fundraising within the US market, with experience in international or conservation‑focused organisations highly regarded.
• Proven success securing five‑, six‑, and seven‑figure gifts from US donors, trusts and foundations.
• Strong understanding of US philanthropic culture and relationship‑based fundraising.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex conservation science into compelling donor propositions.
• Highly self‑directed, with strong judgement, initiative and disciplined work practices.
• Demonstrated strategic and planning capability, with experience designing and delivering growth‑focused fundraising strategies.
• Ability to work effectively within a distributed global team across time zones.
• Genuine passion for conservation, with a strong interest in Australian wildlife and landscapes.
• Experience with international nonprofits and cross‑border fundraising.
• Knowledge of conservation, environmental science or climate‑related philanthropy.
• Experience using Salesforce or similar CRM systems.
• 10+ years fundraising experience.

To view the detailed position description for this role, click here: Executive Director

Join our Journey!

Take the leap and start your next adventure with the AWC!

For more information, request for a confidential conversation or to apply for this role, please send a resume and covering letter to:

Your application must include CV and covering letter, briefly addressing the critical competencies listed in the detailed job description attachment.

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