Director, Western Region - African Parks Foundation of America

Overview

ORGANIZATION: African Parks Foundation of America (APFA)

POSITION: Director, Western Region

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

LOCATION: Remote;
Western Region (Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, or Seattle, WA preferred; approximately 40-60% domestic and international travel required)

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume as one PDF to  with title format “Last Name First Name – Letter Resume”

BACKGROUND

African Parks Foundation of America (APFA) is a nonprofit 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. With its partners, APFA manages 24 parks in 13 countries, covering over 20 million hectares, making African Parks the largest and most ecologically diverse conservation network on the continent.

POSITION

The Director, Western Region will play a critical role in advancing APFA’s fundraising efforts in the areas west of the Rockies. A proven frontline fundraiser with extensive experience soliciting six- and seven-figure gifts, the Director will be responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding an annual portfolio of donors and will play a key role in the African Parks Foundation’s $1B global fundraising campaign which launched in January 2026.

Working closely with the US-based Executive Director and global development colleagues, the Director will develop a portfolio of donor prospects, build strong relationships, and generate appropriate proposals and asks that result in new and increased restricted and unrestricted support. The ideal candidate will be a self-directed, entrepreneurial fundraiser with an ambitious, no-fail attitude. They will bring creativity, energy, and passion to the role and have an obvious ability to generate enthusiasm for conservation and Africa’s future and make a compelling case for philanthropic support.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively develop, grow, and maintain a portfolio of ~100-125 major donors and prospects in the Western region at the six- and seven-figure level.
• As a key frontline fundraiser, serve as a compelling, energetic, and professional representative of APFA.
• Manage relationships with potential donors and prospects to increase giving, moving them in an appropriate and timely fashion toward solicitation and closure.
• Partner with the Executive Director and Director of Development Operations to identify and qualify new prospects aligned with APFA’s mission.
• Create and deliver compelling proposals, presentations, and reports that communicate African Parks’ global impact and priorities.
• Collaborate with African Parks’ Global Fundraising and Communications teams to advance fundraising goals and ensure strategic alignment and coordinated donor outreach.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions and progress in CRM systems (Salesforce).
• Regularly travel to meet donors, attend events, and represent APFA at regional and national gatherings.
• Contribute to the development of US fundraising strategies and provide insights on trends among West Coast philanthropists and networks.
• Participate in weekly team meetings, cross-functional planning sessions, and staff retreats.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience – Required

• 10+ years of frontline fundraising experience
• A proven, successful track record in soliciting and closing six- and seven-figure gifts; experience with corporate sponsor ships a plus
• Expertise in working with high-net-worth individuals, including Board members
• Strong understanding of donor cultivation and stewardship best practices
• Goal oriented and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment across different time zones, carry out projects independently, manage multiple deadlines, and take initiative
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a history of growing revenue through successful and meaningful prospecting efforts
• Skilled in thinking creatively and entrepreneurially about ways to fundraise for APFA’s mission
• Sound judgment in maintaining confidential donor information and ability…