The Associate Director of Development (ADoD) works closely with the Africa development team and with colleagues across The Nature Conservancy to plan, implement, and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and/or individual donors to the Africa Region.
The Associate Director of Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of qualified donors and building strong relationships with key supporters who can donate major and principal-level gifts. S/he understands and applies complex principles of developing donor strategies. S/he will be responsible for direct asks to meet funding needs in Africa and for global priorities. S/he can discuss assets and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts. The ADoD provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. S/he involves and engages appropriate partners in the field and leadership staff across the organization, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues and/or concerns, and addresses questions as needed. S/he is capable of featuring the programs of the Conservancy in detailed terms and can confidently discuss legacy giving opportunities. The ADoD understands project budgets and may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge. S/he will develop a referral network as needed and may manage formal and/or informal networks of volunteers. S/he will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may develop written proposals, reports and other communications
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 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 recommending and meeting fundraising goals.
- Manage and implement multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, and setting deadlines.
- May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- 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 60 – 100 donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $250,000, once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for developing relationships and meaningful interactions with donor prospects in the US, Europe and Africa. Annual fundraising goal of $1,000,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
- Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $100,000 or more.
- Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, preferably in a large non-profit.
- Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to design and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.
- 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.
- Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
- Proven ability to negotiate complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Working knowledge of charitable gift planning.
- Basic understanding of and passion for conservation work in Africa and developing countries.
- Excellent communication skills,
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.