The Associate Director of Strategy & Planning leads strategic planning, goal setting, data management and analysis, meeting planning and facilitation and other critical functions for the Gift Planning Department.
The Associate Director of Strategy & Planning, Gift Planning, leads the planning function within the 80+ person Gift Planning department. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, Gift Planning, they work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the Department by developing and coordinating tactics for informed decision making, organizational and departmental goal setting, and data analysis that supports deferred and complex gift fundraising. They also oversee project planning across the department and ensure an integrated approach among departmental teams and between Gift Planning and the organization writ large. The Associate Director will act as a resource to other project managers to provide project management guidance and expertise.
The Associate Director maintains expert knowledge of the systems and resources utilized by the team and applies knowledge to managing organization support and planning communications related to the resources. They ensure project goals, success factors, project plans, budgets and schedules are established with input and buy-in from key stakeholders and team members and provides proactive advice and analyses on project progress.
The Associate Director of Strategy & Planning will lead strategic planning efforts for the Gift Planning Department and ensure coordination across teams. They will manage guidelines and analyze information to achieve results, improve workflow, and solve problems. The Associate Director must be an expert in the systems and resources utilized by the team; will apply knowledge to managing support of the fundraising function and designing communications related to the resources. They will develop documentation, modify processes, and participate in the enhancement of systems and tools used by the team. The Associate Director will keep up-to-date on market trends and best practices in order to improve services.
The Associate Director will also work closely with the Executive Director, Gift Planning, and other department leadership to organize and facilitate meetings and retreats and will be responsible for the reporting of fundraising activity to leadership. They will be a member of the Gift Planning Leadership Team and will supervise a Project Manager. The Associate Director works in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff, donors, Trustees, vendors, public agencies, financial institutions and legal and accounting professionals.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve complex problems.
- Decisions may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
- Design and manage multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability.
- Design and plan new initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved.
- Ensure programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, and financial standards are met and managed for compliance.
- Financial responsibilities include budget planning and assisting with monitoring and administration of a budget.
- Manage team accountability for strategic goals related to functional area.
- May direct or participate in negotiations for complex or sensitive agreements.
- Minimize legal risk to the Conservancy and ensure legal compliance with applicable state and local regulation.
- Supervise one or more administrative or professional staff, responsibility includes training and professional development.
- Travel occasionally, work long and flexible hours as needed.
- Work checked through consultation and agreement with others rather than by directives of superiors.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Experience leading and implementing multiple projects.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Experience with current and evolving technology in relevant field.
- Experience working with teams across organization.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.
- Supervisory experience including setting objectives and managing performance, including conflict resolution.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to work in partnership with others in a collaborative or advisory role.
- Demonstrated ability to conceive and write creatively for various audiences.
- Experience developing, managing, and implementing goals, plans, and complex processes.
- Expert in current and evolving technology related to field of experience.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline, preferably in a non-profit environment.
- Proficient in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data.
- Successful experience managing and implementing strategic program goals.
- Superior planning and problem-solving skills.
- Understanding of accounting practices.
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.