The Donor Communications Officer is primarily responsible for leading the development and production of communications materials for The Nature Conservancy’s principal gifts donors and writing and editing materials in support of the organization’s global conservation priorities. The position reports to the Associate Director of Donor Communications.
The Donor Communications Officer is primarily responsible for leading development and production of communications materials to engage, solicit and steward individual and institutional donors with the capacity to give at the $5 million+ level. Additionally, they will support the donor communications and donor messaging needs of TNC’s global conservation leads as requested by the Director and Associate Director of Donor Communications.
The Donor Communications Officer helps achieve the strategic priorities of the Donor Communications Team by collaborating closely with other team members. They support the Director and Associate Director as needed regarding strategy, project management and team outreach. They play a leadership role in developing and disseminating key organizational messages among other teams and program staff. The Donor Communications Officer works in close cooperation with any or all of the following: members of the Donor Communications and Stewardship Team, Principal Gifts and other fundraisers, Global Conservation program staff, Executive Team members, Legal and Finance staff, individual donors and foundation program officers, contract writers and designers, vendors and others as needed. They provide advice, guidance and training related to donor communications and stewardship.
The Donor Communications Officer maintains up-to-date, expert knowledge of donor communications tools and practices; applies that knowledge to the organization’s fundraising goals and acts as a resource for colleagues on the Donor Communications Team, within Global Conservation Teams and in the field. They are responsible for maintaining close relationships with leadership of closely aligned teams in Marketing, Communications and Conservation to ensure consistency of organizational messaging and materials and to foster greater organizational collaboration. They may support Executive Team fundraising by maintaining close relationships with Global Conservation Leadership as assigned and ensuring these individuals and their teams have the necessary materials, training and support as they engage with the organization’s top donors.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Responsible for writing and editing proposals and other materials for donors giving at the $5 million+ level.
- Act independently and in supervisor’s stead as needed, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
- Decisions may have program-wide impact and affect staff in non-program areas.
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
- Does not supervise any staff but may take a leadership role in interdepartmental teams to coordinate the work of peers.
- Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
- Financial responsibility includes working within a budget, processing invoices and transfers, and negotiating and contracting with vendors.
- Implement Donor Communications Team’s strategic goals.
- Lead project teams as assigned for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs.
- Manage a complex account or client relationship
- Manage and implement multiple projects, including managing budget, setting deadlines and ensuring accountability.
- May manage or participate in complex negotiations.
- Provide oversight for one or more key functions of the team.
- Travel occasionally, work long and flexible hours as needed.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
- 5 years related experience or equivalent combination.
- Experience generating reports, and analyzing and interpreting the data.
- Experience negotiating agreements.
- Experience with current technology relevant to donor communications.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of donor communications.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
- Ability to work in partnership with others in a collaborative or advisory role.
- Demonstrated ability to conceive and write creatively for a wide variety of audiences.
- Experience translating scientific concepts into donor-friendly language.
- Experience developing, managing, and implementing goals, plans, and complex processes.
- Expert in current and evolving technology related to donor communications.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving communications trends, preferably in a nonprofit 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.
- Familiarity with visual storytelling and/or design best practices.
- 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.