Overview
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Nature Conservancy is seeking an Associate Director of Development who’s passionate about fundraising and business development to help convey TNC’s mission to diverse groups. You would be part of a team of philanthropy and development professionals cultivating relationships and gifts with our amazing donors. Come join us! The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation leader and one of the top fundraising charities in the United States.
Budgeted Salary: $85,100 – $125,000
We’re Looking for You:
Based out of our Phoenix, AZ office, the Associate Director of Development (ADoD) works closely with the State Director, Director of Development, development team and program leaders to plan, implement, and coordinate effective multi-year strategies to generate support for the critical conservation priorities of The Nature Conservancy from primarily individuals. This position also serves as a key fundraising partner for the State Director and Trustees in the Phoenix Metro Area and statewide. Responsibilities include major donor identification through natural partners and existing donor base in preparation for an upcoming comprehensive campaign. The position is also expected to provide strategic advice and support to enhance the functioning of the development program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Associate Director of Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of qualified major donors, prospecting for new major donors, and building strong relationships to facilitate revenue and goodwill. They understand and apply complex principles of developing donor strategies. They will be responsible for direct asks for global, regional, divisional, and local priorities to meet funding needs. They can discuss assets and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and gifts of real estate. The ADoD provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve and engage appropriate partners across the Conservancy, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues and/or concerns, and address questions as needed. They are capable of featuring the programs of the Conservancy in detailed terms and can confidently discuss planned giving opportunities. The ADoD understands project budgets and may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge. They will develop a referral network as needed and may manage formal and/or informal networks of volunteers. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may develop proposals.
Essential functions include:
85% (approx.)
1. Build and manage a portfolio of 60 – 100 individual donors with the capacity to give over $250,000, creating, managing and executing a plan for all donors within the managed portfolio.
2. Responsible for 160 – 220 qualified moves annually.
3. Meet or exceed annual fundraising goal of $1M in first 18 months and continue to grow from there with an annual fundraising goal.
4. Meet or exceed any additional fundraising goals defined for the fiscal year.
5. Make direct asks to support priorities and meet funding needs.
6. Collaborate with the Arizona State Director, Board of Trustees, staff, and natural partners to secure major gifts; provide direction in fundraising strategy.
7. Partner with State Director specifically on top tier donors, providing fundraising expertise and support.
8. Understand and apply complex principles of developing donor strategies.
9. Listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands and utilize Conservancy resources to maximize giving.
10. Work across our State and World Office teams to involve and engage appropriate subject matter experts and other conservation partners in outreach and proposal development, and to keep them apprised of interactions, issues and/or concerns, while addressing questions as needed.
11. Communicate the programs of the Conservancy in detailed terms and confidently discusses all opportunities to connect to our work through philanthropy.
12. Arrange and attend various donor meetings and events, including pre-event strategy and post-event follow up with current and prospective major donors.
13. Understand project budgets; may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge.
14. Uses the Conservancy’s donor database to track and prompt donor interactions, strategy, and other metrics.
15. Participate in the development of proposals.
16. Develop a referral network as needed.
15% (approx.):
1. May manage formal and/or informal networks of volunteers, especially in working with natural partners to cultivate donors, event hosts, and others who further the Conservancy’s mission.
2. Administrative functions: Generates misc. reports as required; accurate and timely submittal of items such as timecards, expense reports, performance review objectives and self-review.
3. Oher duties as required.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Act independently and in supervisor’s stead as needed, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
Decisions may have program-wide impact and bind the organization financially or legally.
Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
Financial responsibility includes working within a budget and recommending and meeting fundraising goals.
Manage and implement multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, and setting deadlines.
May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
May supervise support or administrative staff.
Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups who are important to the organization’s overall prosperity.
Travel frequently and on short notice, work long and flexible hours as needed. Travel within Arizona and occasional travel to other U.S. locations for retreats, donor visits, training, etc.
Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree and 4 years’ experience in a functional field, which may include, community development, sustainability, urban planning, economics, public health, or other related fields – or equivalent combination.
Fluency in English.
Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
Communications experience including preparing and presenting project proposals and developing written communications.
Experience negotiating with project partners such as, stakeholders, government agencies, and other non-governmental organizations.
Experience using Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
Experience working with cross-functional teams or in a cross-functional environment.
Valid driver’s license.
Occasionally lift, carry, and move 25 pounds.
Youth certified (internal training completed within initial 30 days; annually thereafter).
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of current trends in relevant discipline; specifically in sustainability, climate mitigation, and climate equity issues.
Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.
Understanding of and relevant experience in the culture and politics of the southwest.
Experience using project management techniques and software.
Experience working in a metrics-driven culture.
Proficiency in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data.
Master’s degree preferred.
Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
Ability to make sound decisions based on analysis, consultation with others, experience, and judgment.
Supervisory experience.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
Next Steps
To apply for this position, Job ID 55081, submit your current resume and cover letter online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.
Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.
About The Nature Conservancy
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.
We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.
Although you’ll see requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.
