The RI Assistant Director of Philanthropy directs multiple activities and functions within the Rhode Island Chapter’s philanthropy team. They assist the Director of Philanthropy in planning, implementing and coordinating fundraising strategies and metrics to secure significant financial resources to support Chapter goals. Activities and functions include oversight of the overall chapter development program and/or more specifically, the individual giving, planned giving, foundation relations, and/or corporate giving programs. Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy, they will serve as a strong “number two” to the DOP and will provide strategic inspired leadership to the fundraising staff in addition to managing a targeted portfolio of donors and prospects.
RI Assistant Director of Philanthropy works under the supervision of the Director of Philanthropy and in close partnership with the State Director and senior staff. The RI Assistant Director of Philanthropy has management responsibility of administrative and professional philanthropy staff.
The RI Assistant Director of Philanthropy is charged with:
Philanthropy Leadership
Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, the RI Assistant Director of Philanthropy assists in the planning and implementation of the strategic priorities of the philanthropy program and will:
- Manage a team of administrative and fundraising staff who are responsible for raising outright, complex and deferred gifts from individual donors and prospects.
- Foster productivity, accountability and job satisfaction for direct and in-direct reports through coaching, mentoring, the regular use of performance metrics, and tactics such as portfolio reviews, and donor strategy sessions.
- Promote collaboration of philanthropy staff with other chapters and with philanthropy staff at the World Office.
- Reinforce consistency in the Chapter’s fundraising policies and procedures.
- Assist the DOP in establishing fundraising goals and projections, assessing effectiveness strategies; recommending and implementing solutions to improve effectiveness.
Major & Principal Gifts Fundraising
- Manage a portfolio of 50 individuals consisting of major gift donors and prospects. These relationships will often require complex donor strategies to include involvement of other Conservancy employees, including philanthropy, finance, science, and conservation professionals at the regional and global levels. They will be responsible for the solicitation of gifts for both global and local priorities to meet funding needs.
- Discuss assets proficiently and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands.
- Understand project budgets; capable of discussing the priorities of the Conservancy, developing proposals and understanding organizational budget.
- Works in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff, donors, Trustees, vendors, public agencies, financial institutions and legal and accounting professionals.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve complex problems.
- Decisions may have program-wide impact and bind the organization financially or legally.
- Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
- Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
- Financial responsibility for setting and meeting fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies.
- Manage and implement multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, and setting deadlines.
- Manage team accountability for strategic goals related to functional area.
- Supervise fundraising staff, responsibility includes training and professional development
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 50 donors, including donors with the capacity to give major gifts, once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for approximately 50 visits and 150 moves annually. Annual fundraising goal will incorporate stretch gifts and a goal for bequest notifications.
- 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.
- Work checked through consultation and agreement with others rather than by directives of superiors.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience leading and implementing multiple projects.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Experience with current and evolving technology in relevant field.
- Experience working with teams across organization.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.
- Supervisory experience including setting objectives and managing performance, including conflict resolution.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
- Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $50,000 or more.
- Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, preferably in a large non-profit.
- Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
- Ability to work in partnership with others in a collaborative or advisory role.
- Demonstrated ability to conceive and write creatively for various audiences.
- Experience developing, managing, and implementing goals, plans, and complex processes.
- Expert in current and evolving technology related to field of experience.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline, preferably in a non-profit environment.
- Proficient in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data.
- Successful experience managing and implementing strategic program goals.
- Superior planning and problem-solving skills.
- Understanding of accounting practices.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.