The Associate Director of Philanthropy (ADoP) for The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee works closely with the philanthropy and conservation teams to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a robust and strategic major donor portfolio to support annual operations, special projects, and regular conservation campaigns. The donor portfolio includes corporate, foundation, and/or individual donors.
The ADoP is a seasoned member of the philanthropy team who employs a strategic sense of fundraising acumen. The position reports to the Director of Philanthropy and will be part of multi-disciplinary team.
The Associate Director of Philanthropy is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships essential to each step in the process. This position understands and applies the key principles of creating loyal and generous donors and focuses the bulk of their energies on this work. The Associate Director of Philanthropy will be responsible for direct solicitations to support both local and global priorities, while listening for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. The ADoP will provide opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. The Associate Director of Philanthropy engages appropriate partners in the prospects’ networks, in the field, and at the Conservancy’s Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and addresses questions as appropriate. She/he is a passionate advocate and spokesperson for the Conservancy’s work and can communicate the programs of the Conservancy in detailed terms and can confidently discuss legacy giving opportunities. The Associate Director of Philanthropy will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database, to participate in the development of proposals, and will lead or assist in donor events. The ADoP understands and complies with all TNC gift-related policies and procedures and ensures ethical compliance, as defined by the organization and the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND 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 may 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 meeting fundraising objectives.
- Manage assigned projects, coordinating the work of peers and setting deadlines.
- May manage or participate in complex or sensitive negotiations.
- 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.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Manage a portfolio of 75 – 125 donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $100,000, once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for 75 – 125 visits and 225 – 375 moves annually. Annual fundraising goal of $500,000 or more once portfolio under full management, along with a goal for bequest notifications.
- Experience in the development of donor-centric strategies, building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
- Experience in actively soliciting and closing gifts of $25,000 or more.
- Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
- Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, preferably in a national and/or global nonprofit organization.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in donor-centric fundraising principles and practices.
- A valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to determine an individual’s interests, capacity and potential for helping the Conservancy meet its goals, and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancy’s work.
- Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.
- Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.
- Knowledge of current trends in the charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.
- Proven ability to negotiate high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Working knowledge of the basics of charitable gift planning.
- Experience with capital or multi-year fundraising campaigns.
- Experience working with volunteers, including volunteer leaders (board members)
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.