The Director of Development I (DoD I) is responsible for directing all aspects of one or more development functions, which will secure significant financial resources to support conservation goals. Development functions may be a chapter development program or an individual giving, planned giving, foundation relations, and/or corporate giving program for the Nevada Chapter and is a leadership position.
The Director of Development I will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the Nevada Chapter by developing and managing fundraising plans and strategies and overseeing the Nevada Chapter’s outreach and marketing initiatives. They are responsible for ensuring the programmatic work is collaborative and well-integrated within philanthropy and across the Nevada Chapter and broader TNC organization, including organizing internal communications. They focus on long-range strategic priorities, advance the Conservancy’s goals, and communicate a broad vision to others. They manage vendor relationships, as needed. They work with teams to establish and track measures and lead indicators of progress and success for philanthropy, outreach and marketing. They will lead diverse activities, develop complex processes, develop fundraising proposals and materials, project outcomes, and initiate solutions to achieve maximum effectiveness. They are a key leaders in motivating and coordinating senior staff, conservation experts and volunteer leaders toward the highest-return fundraising efforts, including major gift donor strategy development, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. The DoD I leverages constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people, including other senior leaders, donors, volunteers, public and private sector colleagues, and partners including financial/legal advisors.
The DoD I will be responsible for a select group of prospects and donors and trustee relationships across a dispersed and complex organization. They are responsible for managing the Chapter’s volunteer engagement, marketing and outreach functions.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Lead philanthropy efforts and strategic fundraising initiatives; accountable for an annual outright fundraising goal of $ 800K - $ 1 million to support NV operations and conservation programs as well as support for the Conservancy’s global efforts and for building a strong deferred giving program; develops, plans and delivers on a strategic fundraising plan to support chapter, regional and global priorities.
- Broad management responsibility for philanthropy staff (Associate Director of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Operations Manager), marketing staff, and volunteer/outreach contractor. Duties include building a cohesive team, training, professional development, establishing clear objectives, contract management (engagement and outreach) and overseeing the execution of deliverables.
- Is a member of the Nevada Management Team; contributes to the formulation of yearly budgets and execution; contributes to the development of key Chapter strategies and solving Chapter issues; and develops fundraising plans and goals for which they are accountable.
- Supervises the philanthropy, marketing and outreach/engagement programs.
- Develop private grant proposals as needed to invite support for conservation objectives and completes grant reporting requirements.
- Develop and administers budget and fundraising objectives, evaluates results and develops corrective strategies as needed.
- Work closely with the State Director, the Nevada Management Team, and with the Nevada board of trustees to strengthen and engage the board in fundraising and manages a personal portfolio of approximately 100 donors.
- Work with TNC global teams to raise funds for global programs, and with regional staff to support collaborative conservation initiatives with other chapters and partners.
- Implement and directs multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, setting deadlines and ensuring accountability.
- Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.
- Manage strategic initiatives through collaboration with stakeholders to enhance performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.
- Maximum opportunity to act independently, resolves complex issues within program area.
- May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
- Travel up to 20% of the time, possibly on short notice; may involve long hours and some weekends.
- Experience asking for and closing major gifts.
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents including individuals, foundations and corporations.
- Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.
- Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Track record of raising five-to-seven figure gifts.
- Experience working for The Nature Conservancy or another conservation organization is highly desirable.
- Excellent communication and writing skills via presentations, conversations, and documents.
- Experience in working with a geographically dispersed team.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation.
- Knowledge of advanced gift planning concepts.
- Proficiency in synthesizing materials from multiple sources into a coherent and accurate summary.
- Understanding of best practices in non-profit management.
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.