Head of Development & Fundraising

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 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.

Build LAWFF's development function from the ground up — strategy, structure, and execution

Serve as LAWFF's chief ambassador, representing the Foundation to donors, partners, and the public

Expand LAWFF's visibility across Louisiana's conservation, corporate, and philanthropic communities

Travel extensively (50-75%) to build relationships statewide and regionally

4+ years in fundraising or development with demonstrated major gifts or corporate sponsorship success

A self-starter mindset — you own your pipeline, your calendar, and your results

Genuine connection to hunting, fishing, conservation, or outdoor recreation culture

willingness to be based in or travel regularly to Louisiana required

Growth trajectory — as the Foundation grows, this role grows with it

This is an overview drafted by Connectly Recruiting.