Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Associate Director of Development (ADoD) reports to the Indiana Director of Development and works with a top-in-class development program of six fundraising staff. This position works closely with the Indiana Chapter leadership team and Indiana Board of Trustees to cultivate authentic and lasting relationships with The Conservancy’s donors. With a 60-year history, an energized and passionate staff, and 11,000 committed members, the Indiana Chapter of the Nature Conservancy is a hub of innovation, using science and collaboration to drive conservation success that is relevant around the world. Our conservation work in Indiana contributes significantly to the Conservancy’s global initiatives. We have protected over 100,000 acres of prairies, wetlands, forests and other natural areas across the state that help mitigate the effects of a changing climate. We collaborate with the agricultural industry to ensure crops are grown sustainably without harmful impacts on rivers and lakes. The work and expertise of the Indiana Development Team is integral to these efforts.
The Associate Director of Development is a key position within the Indiana Development Team. They implement and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and/or individual donors. The ADoD will build a portfolio of qualified donors, develop strong donor strategies, and build lasting donor relationships. They will effectively communicate the programs of the Conservancy in broad terms and will engage donors through a variety of methods, such as meetings, presentations, events, and field trips. The ADoD will be responsible for direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet the funding needs of the Indiana Chapter and other Conservancy programs; and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. They will use the Conservancy’s donor database, develop donor proposals, and involve appropriate partners and staff, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues, or concerns, as appropriate.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manage a portfolio of 75 – 125 donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $100,000, once the portfolio is developed.
- Responsible for 75 – 125 visits and 225 – 375 moves annually.
- Annual fundraising goal of $500,000 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.
- Decisions may have program-wide impact and may 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 meeting fundraising objectives.
- Manage assigned projects, including coordinating proposals and deadlines with program and development staff.
- May manage or participate in complex or sensitive negotiations.
- 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.
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
- Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $25,000 or more.
- Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles and practices.
- Must have a valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 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, inform, and inspire prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.
- Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation, and recognition plans.
- Knowledge of current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts, or planned giving.
- Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
- Proven ability to negotiate high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Working knowledge of the basics 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.