Director of Development

Director Of Development

Connectly Recruiting has been exclusively engaged by the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Foundation (LAWFF) to identify their inaugural Director of Development. This is a first-of-its-kind role at a 20-year-old conservation foundation — and a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up.

LAWFF is the private fundraising arm of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Its programs connect people to Louisiana's natural resources through youth archery, hunter education, whooping crane reintroduction, habitat conservation, and more. The Foundation is now at an inflection point — actively building its strategic vision, rebranding, and ready to unlock a level of corporate and major-gift fundraising it has never pursued at scale.

Louisiana's energy, industrial, and corporate communities represent an enormous, largely untapped pool of conservation-minded sponsors. The right person can unlock that potential — and put LAWFF on the map in a way it has never been before.

The ideal candidate will reside in Louisiana, or a neighboring state (MS, TX, AR) with ability to travel extensively meeting with donors and prospects statewide and regionally.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Build LAWFF's development function from the ground up — strategy, structure, and execution
• Cultivate and close major gifts and corporate sponsorships across Louisiana and beyond
• Serve as LAWFF's chief ambassador, representing the Foundation to donors, partners, and the public
• Partner with board members on donor cultivation, introductions, and asks
• Expand LAWFF's visibility across Louisiana's conservation, corporate, and philanthropic communities
• Travel extensively (50-75%) to build relationships statewide and regionally

WHAT YOU BRING

• 4+ years in fundraising or development with demonstrated major gifts or corporate sponsorship success
• A proven ability to build donor relationships from scratch and close significant asks
• A self-starter mindset — you own your pipeline, your calendar, and your results
• Genuine connection to hunting, fishing, conservation, or outdoor recreation culture
• Executive presence and strong communication skills, written and verbal
• Louisiana market knowledge preferred; willingness to be based in or travel regularly to Louisiana required

WHY THIS ROLE

• High autonomy — the board is engaged and supportive, not micromanaging
• Real access — board members with direct corporate relationships ready to open doors
• Meaningful mission — LAWFF's work touches every corner of Louisiana's natural heritage
• Growth trajectory — as the Foundation grows, this role grows with it

This is an overview drafted by Connectly Recruiting. Official job description will be provided.