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Iowa Director of Philanthropy

This job is no longer available

Des Moines, IA, USA
Full-time

The Director of Philanthropy for The Nature Conservancy in Iowa leads an ambitious development program that secures significant philanthropic resources from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support conservation goals in Iowa, in North America and around the world. They must be an inspiring leader, a successful major and principal gifts fundraiser with skill in designing and executing complex donor strategies and experienced in program management. This position serves as a member of the Iowa’s senior staff which helps set the strategic direction for the chapter, works closely with the Iowa Board of Trustees, and reports to the State Director. This position will have an opportunity to build up from a successful capital campaign, where we engaged many new donors and have built a solid reputation with community leaders and foundations.   The Nature Conservancy in Iowa is an active member of TNC’s Mississippi River Basin team, collaborating to address the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, which provides opportunity for the Director of Philanthropy to work with colleagues from throughout the 31-state basin.

Areas of Responsibility: 

The Director of Philanthropy oversees all major gifts functions, including major- and principal- gift fundraising, managing multi-year fundraising campaigns, planned giving, donor prospecting and research, and stewardship. They will directly manage a select portfolio of principal and major donor prospects and manage select trustee relationships. They understand and comply with all Conservancy gift-related policies and procedures and ensure ethical compliance, as defined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

The Director of Philanthropy works collaboratively to advance strategic relationships across the organization, including Worldwide Office, other Conservancy programs, and with trustees and donors, to achieve Conservancy goals. This position manages and empowers a staff of high-performing philanthropy professionals to meet fundraising objectives and nurture effective team collaboration. They leverage constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people and conservation experts and work closely with the State Director and management team to strengthen and engage the Board of Trustees in fundraising and trustee recruitment.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE 

  • Accountable for fundraising goals of over $3 million annually, including outright gifts and pledges in support of Iowa, regional, and global conservation priorities.
  • Broad management responsibility for philanthropy team, including training, professional development, establishing clear directions, setting objectives, and overseeing the execution of day-to-day work.
  • Strategic decisions may affect public image, impact multiple programs, and bind the organization financially or legally.
  • Develop and administer a fundraising strategic plan, and budget and fundraising objectives.
  • Establish measures, evaluate results and develop corrective strategies as needed.
  • Ensure that programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for ethical compliance.
  • As team leader, understand and engage with TNC philanthropy systems, software, practices, and ensure staff compliance.
  • Maintain record keeping and confidentiality of frequently sensitive information.
  • Maximum opportunity to act independently, resolving complex issues within program area.
  • May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
  • Travel frequently and on short notice. Can require extended and/or varied work hours including weekends.
  • Work is generally in office environments, with visits to preserves and other field sites and involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
Educational Background: 
Bachelor’s degree and 7 years related experience.
Skills/Experience: 
  • Experience cultivating and closing major gifts (6-7 figures).
  • Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations and corporations.
  • Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.
  • Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
  • Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Understanding of and passion for conservation.
  • Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation. Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification desirable.
  • Experience supervising a major and principal gifts program.
  • Experience recruiting, training and engaging board members and other volunteer leaders and ensuring that they are well prepared to engage in effective fundraising efforts.
  • Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate colleagues, donors and volunteers.
  • Eloquently communicate and inspire via presentations, conversations, and documents.
  • Knowledge of advanced gift planning concepts.
  • Experience designing and implementing complex donor strategies.
  • Successful staff supervision and team development experience.
  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Compensation/Benefits: 

 

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401K matching for eligible employees, healthcare and other excellent benefits, a collaborative work environment, professional development opportunities, and career growth. Our culture supports employees and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, within the workplace and beyond.

Organization Info

Nature Conservancy

Overview
Headquarters: 
Arlington, VA, United States
Annual Budget : 
More than $500M
Founded: 
1954
About Us
Mission: 

The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

How do we achieve this mission and vision?

Through the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, including more than 600 scientists, all of whom impact conservation in 69 countries.

With the help of our many partners, from individuals and governments to local nonprofits and corporations.

By using a non-confrontational, collaborative approach and staying true to our five unique core values.

That's how The Nature Conservancy has done more than anyone else to advance conservation around the world since our founding in 1951.

Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Jun 25 2019
Active Until: 
Jul 25 2019
Hiring Organization: 
Nature Conservancy
industry: 
Nonprofit