Based in Indianapolis, IN the Director of Development (DOD) plays a leading role for the Indiana Chapter of The Nature Conservancy to preserve, strengthen and grow the culture of philanthropy within the Chapter. The DOD leads a comprehensive, top-in-class development program that secures significant philanthropic resources from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support The Nature Conservancy’s priorities in Indiana and around the world. They manage all major gifts functions, which may include multi-year fundraising campaigns, planned giving, major (6-figure) gift fundraising, donor prospecting and research, and stewardship. The DOD reports to the Indiana State Director and works closely with the Indiana Board of Trustees to coordinate board recruitment and development.
The DOD will work towards meeting the priorities of The Nature Conservancy by expanding a strategic, comprehensive development program that taps into the entire range of development tactics and opportunities for all donors and prospects in Indiana. They are a key leader within the Chapter and serve on the Indiana Management Team. They are responsible for developing and communicating fundraising goals for the Chapter and integrating their efforts with the overall conservation strategy and direction of the Chapter.
The DOD works in collaboration and advances strategic relationships across the organization, including Worldwide Office, other Conservancy programs, and with trustees and donors, to achieve Conservancy goals. They leverage constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people and conservation experts and work closely with the State Director and Management Team to strengthen and engage the Board of Trustees in fundraising, trustee recruitment, and board management. The DOD recruits, develops, and manages a staff of high-performing philanthropy professionals to set and meet fundraising objectives, evaluate results, develop effective strategies, and nurture effective team collaboration.
The DOD will be responsible for managing a select portfolio of principal and major donor prospects and managing selected trustee relationships. They understand and comply with all Conservancy gift-related policies and procedures and ensure ethical compliance, as defined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Accountable for fundraising goals of over $3 million annually through a fundraising program, including outright gifts and pledges in support of the Indiana Chapter as well as regional and global conservation priorities
- Lead, inspire and develop a team of six or more fundraising staff, including recruitment, retention, training, professional development, establishing a clear direction and inspiring “stretch” objectives.
- Implement and direct multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability.
- Strategic decisions may affect the public image, impact multiple programs, and bind the organization financially or legally.
- May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Ensure functional program meets commitments and is managed for ethical compliance with TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements.
- Exercise leadership in strategic and tactical manners, work with fellow leaders to establish and evaluate policies and/or long-term programs.
- Oversee financial management of program; set budget and fundraising objectives, analyze and report results, and take corrective actions.
- Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive information.
- 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 principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience recruiting, training and engaging board members and other volunteer leaders and ensuring that they are well prepared to engage in effective fundraising efforts.
- Effectively communicate via presentations, conversations, and documents.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in charitable giving, particularly in the areas of campaigns, major gifts and planned giving. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification desirable.
- Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate colleagues, donors and volunteers.
- Experience supervising a major and principal gifts program
- Experience designing and implementing complex donor strategies
- Experience developing, implementing, and leading a philanthropic campaign with an overall goal greater than $10 million.
- Expert understanding of best practices in non-profit management.
- Experience in managing a geographically dispersed team.
Work Environment and Schedule
- Travel as needed (up to 20%) and occasionally on short notice. May require working extended and/or varied work hours, including weekends.
- Work is generally performed in a professional office environment and involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
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.