The Colorado Associate Director of Philanthropy (ADOP) works with staff in the Colorado Chapter and across The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to raise critical funding for TNC’s high-priority conservation projects in Colorado and around the world. The ADOP is responsible for managing a portfolio of qualified donors and building strong relationships. This position is responsible for prospect identification and qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. The ADOP understands and applies complex principles of developing donor strategies. The ADOP will be responsible for direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs. The ADOP can discuss assets and listens for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. The ADOP provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. This position involves and engages appropriate partners in the field and at the Worldwide Office in Arlington, Virginia, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues and/or concerns, and addresses questions as needed. The ADOP can discuss TNC’s conservation programs in detailed terms and can confidently discuss legacy giving opportunities. The ADOP understands project budgets and may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge. This position will develop a referral network as needed and may manage formal and/or informal networks of volunteers. The ADOP will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may develop proposals.
- 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 60 – 100 visits and 180 – 300 moves annually. Annual fundraising goal of $1,000,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications.
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
- Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $50,000 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.
- A valid driver’s license.
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.
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.