The Director of Philanthropy leads a comprehensive, ambitious development program that secures significant philanthropic resources from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals in Iowa, in North America and around the world. They must be a proven strong and inspiring leader, a successful major and principal gifts fundraiser with skill in designing and executing complex donor strategies and experienced in program management. This position serves as a member of the Iowa Chapter’s senior staff which helps set the strategic direction for the chapter, works closely with the Iowa Board of Trustees, and will report to the State Director.
The Director of Philanthropy oversees all major gifts functions, including major- and principal- gift fundraising, managing multi-year fundraising campaigns, planned giving, donor prospecting and research, and stewardship. They will supervise philanthropy staff members and will be responsible for a select group of prospects and donors. They will be responsible for volunteer engagement and managing selected trustee relationships.
The Director of Philanthropy will meet the strategic priorities of the Iowa Chapter by developing and managing plans and strategies, working collaboratively across the organization, coordinating with program staff on needs and budget, and engaging with donors/partners. They will lead diverse philanthropy activities, develop and document complex processes, and constantly seek to improve results. The Director of Philanthropy must work constructively with all levels of staff, trustees, donors, volunteers, public and private sector colleagues, and partners including financial/legal advisors.
The Director of Philanthropy oversees marketing efforts for the Iowa chapter to increase awareness and engagement for our work to create a broad constituency for conservation. They will collaborate with team members to develop and shape the messaging of conservation activities to donors and the public. They will work in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy’s global marketing department to oversee the implementation of marketing and membership initiatives within Iowa.
The ideal candidate will be relationship focused and build authentic and meaningful connections with both donors and staff with clear follow through. They will be strategic and ensure that fundraising plans help meet not only the immediate needs of the chapter but help ensure sustainability for the future. In addition, they will develop their team and empower other staff to actively participate in the philanthropic process. We seek a team player with strong communication skills. They will understand and comply with all TNC gift-related policies and procedures and ensure ethical compliance, as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Accountable for Iowa Chapter’s fundraising goals.
- Broad management responsibility for philanthropy, including training, professional development, establishing clear directions, setting objectives, and overseeing the execution of day-to-day work.
- Extensive management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance of a multi-disciplinary team. Ability to foster an environment of creativity and professional growth.
- Commit actions and resources in a way that affects public image and binds the organization financially or legally.
- Develop and administer a fundraising strategic plan, and budget and fundraising objectives. Establish measures, evaluate results and develop corrective strategies as needed.
- Ensure that programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for ethical compliance.
- Lead new programs/initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved.
- Implement and direct multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability.
- Maintain record keeping and 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 frequently and on short notice, work long hours and weekends.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Experience asking for and closing major gifts.
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations and corporations.
- Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.
- Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Understanding of and passion for conservation.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation.
- Knowledge and experience with messaging and marketing.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Effective training skills.
- Effectively communicates via presentations, conversations, and documents.
- 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.