The Associate Director of Development (ADoD) is an experienced “out the door” fundraiser with excellent writing skills who excels as a team member and leader. The ADoD contributes to the creation and implementation of strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of 80-120 major gift donors and prospects, including corporate, foundation, and individual donors. This person works closely with the development team to plan, implement, and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects.
The Associate Director of Development is based out of our Brunswick, Maine office and is responsible for managing a portfolio of qualified donors and for building strong relationships. The ADoD promotes a culture of philanthropy among his/her peers and volunteers and works closely with the development team, Board of Directors, natural partners, and other Conservancy staff to determine effective strategies for engaging identified donors and prospects and deepening their relationships with The Nature Conservancy. This person inspires by telling stories about the Conservancy’s work and ably connects donors to their values. This person discusses assets proficiently and listens for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands.
The ADoD involves and engages appropriate partners in the field and staff at the Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns. The ADoD understands project budgets and may present proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manage a portfolio of 80 – 120 individual and corporate/foundation 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.
- Act independently and in supervisor’s stead as needed, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
- Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups who are important to the organization’s overall prosperity.
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
- Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements, including ethical compliance, as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals
- Financial responsibility includes working within a budget, and recommending and meeting fundraising goals.
- Understand and comply with all TNC gift-related policies and procedures, including taking all required trainings and partnering with the operations team to ensure data integrity.
- 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.
- 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.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 6 years related experience or an equivalent combination.
- 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 and/or planned giving.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Self-starting strategic thinker whose hallmark qualities include being persistent, personable, team-oriented, and possessing a desire to succeed.
- Proven ability to expand and grow a portfolio of supporters/businesses.
- Ability to design and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.
- Ability to write concise, logical, analytical reports and proposals to convey complex issues.
- 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.
- Strong presentation skills and ability to develop dynamic presentations.
- Ability to communicate a compelling and inspired vision and sense of core purpose. Ability to inspire, motivate, and marshal resources throughout the entire organization. Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to positively influence and persuade.
- Experiments to find creative solutions.
- 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.