The Emerald Edge ADoP contributes in the creation and implementation of strategies for the cultivation and solicitation of a portfolio of major gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, institutions, and/or individual donors. In partnership with the Emerald Edge Philanthropy Team, identifies new donor prospects for Emerald Edge and Alaska and builds relationships with prospects directly through relationship management and/or as a team member working with other fundraisers within The Nature Conservancy. The ability to positively manage peer relationships is a critical aspect of this position. Essential functions include:
Donor Pipeline Development and Stewardship (75%):
- Works closely with Emerald Edge Steering Committee (Directors or Washington, Canada, and Alaska) and Emerald Edge Philanthropy Team to build a pipeline of donors, determine effective strategies for identified donors and prospects.
- As a key member of the Alaska Chapter Team located in the Lower 48, works closely with the Alaska Chapter philanthropy team to build donor pipeline for programs in Alaska outside of the Emerald Edge.
- Serves as a relationship manager for key number of prospects capable of making a major gift to the Emerald Edge or Alaska program.
- Travel and personal contact with managed donors are a priority; position is directly engaged with prospects and volunteers to cultivate and solicit gifts, as well as tailored and group stewardship functions.
- Uses the Conservancy’s donor database and participate in the development of proposals and reports.
- Direct the development of the case for support and materials developed in support of Emerald Edge philanthropy including stewardship reports, PowerPoints and first-contact materials for Emerald Edge Director and Steering Committee.
- Provides quality content and compelling written information for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship materials.
- Listens for and actively cultivates opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts.
- Provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving, including trips to see conservation projects first-hand.
Collaborating with Partners (25%):
- Involves appropriate staff in the field and staff at the Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and directs questions as appropriate.
- Capable of featuring the programs of the Conservancy in broad terms.
- Responsible for stewardship and management of Emerald Edge volunteer Advisory Board.
Level of Position:
- The Emerald Edge ADoP is a senior member of the Emerald Edge team and works collaboratively with all levels of staff and volunteer leaders to develop and implement fundraising strategies.
- They may supervise one or more administrative and/or professional staff, interns or volunteers, with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
Within the scope of the position, the Emerald Edge Associate Director of Philanthropy will:
- Manage a portfolio of 60 – 100 donors to the Emerald Edge and/or Alaska, including donors with the capacity to give over $250,000, once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for 60 – 100 visits and 180 – 300 moves annually. Annual fundraising goal of $1,000,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications.
- Serve as the Emerald Edge resource hub, providing Relationship Managers throughout The Nature Conservancy with the resources needed to cultivate and steward Emerald Edge and Alaska donors and prospects.
- Serve as partner to Emerald Edge Marketing team in development of messaging and promote Emerald Edge internally through a variety of media (newsletters, monthly development calls, presentations to staff, etc.), and as an advisor to the Alaska Team on messaging and promotions in the Lower 48
- Ensure that Operating Units are promoting Emerald Edge and Alaska to their staff, boards and fundraising committees
- Work with Emerald Edge Philanthropy Team and the Alaska Philanthropy Team to build a pipeline of donors for Emerald Edge, identify prospects and bring suspects to meetings for strategy discussion and management decisions.
- Work with Emerald Edge Director to engage Steering Committee (Operating Unit Directors for WA, AK and Canada) and volunteer Advisory Board in fundraising and keep goals and progress in front of them.
- Serve as a team member to agreed upon prospects/major donors, assists in implementation of donor strategies as needed/requested.
- Keep team and Emerald Edge Operating Unit fundraising staff informed in quarterly meetings of fundraising needs and goals.
- Organize and lead team meetings to assure prospects are being qualified, cultivated and solicited in a timely manner.
- Implement the needed events and trips to successfully cultivate current and potential donors; utilizing contract support as needed.
- Financial responsibility includes working within a budget, and recommending and meeting fundraising goals.
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
- Requires travel to Alaska and other sites within the Emerald Edge at least 4 times per year.
- Work long and/or flexible hours as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 6 years related experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
- Experience in cultivating, asking for, closing and stewarding 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 setting (>200 employees).
- Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated, with experience working with indigenous communities strongly preferred.
- Experience managing a significant donor relationship over multiple years.
- Experience creating custom donor experiences that bring the donor closer to the organization and mission.
- Ability to communicate effectively via presentations, conversations, and documents.
- Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles, including working knowledge of the basics of charitable gift planning.
- Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.
- Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
- Strong organization skills and attention to detail; project management experience preferred.
SALARY INFORMATION: Estimated starting salary range is $82,000 - $92,000 per year, dependent on qualifications, experience and location.