Strategic Partnerships and Development Director, HECHO

Strategic Partnerships And Development Director, HECHO

From southwestern deserts to northern forestland, Hispanics throughout America have strong connections to our nation's public lands and waters. Founded in 2013, Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) has worked diligently to safeguard these lands and watersheds so that future generations can enjoy fishing, hiking, hunting, camping and other outdoor activities for generations to come.

As a fiscally-sponsored partner and program with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) since 2017, HECHO plays a key role in both uniting all Americans to ensure wildlife and people thrive in our rapidly changing world and connecting and convening Hispanic leaders and communities to conserve our public land, water, and outdoor traditions. Through our engagement of Hispanic local and elected leaders from Southwestern states and elevating their perspectives at the national level, we are an effective conduit for connecting local voices to federal conservation policy decision-making opportunities. While our focus is on the protection of public lands and waters in the American Southwest, our work has a national scope and impact.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing, high-impact team and lead one of its three core priorities. Reporting to the HECHO Executive Director, the Strategic Partnerships and Development Director will be responsible for designing and executing a strategy to expand HECHO's funding base and build a network of relationships that strengthens the organization's influence, visibility, and long-term sustainability.

This full-time position will serve as a key member of HECHO's leadership team, working closely with the Executive Director to engage prospective funders, cultivate donors, and develop strategic partnerships including with those from different sectors or viewpoints who offer opportunities for meaningful collaboration. The Director will both lead and support external engagement efforts that advance shared goals, broaden HECHO's reach, and contribute to a positive, collaborative, and effective team culture.

Principle Duties (major areas of responsibility) :

• Design and execute strategies to diversify HECHO's funding base by cultivating new foundation, corporate, and individual donors.
• Lead all grant writing, donor communications, and fundraising material development including a compelling case for support, annual report, and proposals ensuring alignment with HECHO's strategic roadmap, voice, and HECHO's unique approach.
• Support the ED in stewarding relationships with existing funders and advancing major donor engagement.
• Develop and implement new, creative ideas for strategic partnerships that can enhance HECHO visibility and resources including possible business, corporate, or outdoor industry partnerships.
• Build an ecosystem of relationships across sectors (public, private, nonprofit, philanthropic), including with those who may bring different perspectives but share common goals, to advance HECHO's mission and influence.
• Develop and implement a "roadshow" strategy, in partnership with the ED, to elevate HECHO's visibility and deepen understanding of its value among prospective funders and cross-sector partners.
• Identify and pursue opportunities such as conferences, convenings, or speaking engagementsthat help elevate HECHO's profile and position the organization as a leading voice in conservation.
• Partner with the Communications Director to ensure consistent, strategic branding and messaging of HECHO across all platforms and audiences.
• Serve as a member of HECHO's leadership team, contributing to the organizational strategy and cross-program collaboration.
• Work closely with program leads to ensure fundraising and partnership efforts reflect and reinforce HECHO's mission, goals, and work in conservation and advocacy.
• Help foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.

Qualifications :

Preferred Attributes & Skills :

Compensation and Benefits :

The salary range for this position is $82,000-87,000.

Travel Requirements :

This role will require occasional travel, approximately 1-2 trips per quarter.

Location and Work Mode :

This position will be based out of the Rocky Mountain Regional Center, in Denver, CO, but we welcome remote candidates. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work in office, hybrid, or remote to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process.

Physical Requirements of the Job :

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note :

This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Application :

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and lead HECHO's strategic partnerships and development efforts at a pivotal moment in the organization's growth. If this opportunity aligns with your experience and passion for building meaningful relationships and advancing impactful conservation work, please submit your up-to-date resume along with a cover letter responding to the following questions, in PDF format :

The National Wildlife Federation is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment with regard to any classes or characteristics protected by law.