The Associate Director of Development (ADOD) for The Nature Conservancy’s Kentucky Chapter works closely with the development team to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a robust and strategic major donor portfolio to support annual operations, special projects, and regular capital/conservation campaigns. The donor portfolio includes corporate, foundation, and/or individual donors.
The Associate Director of Development is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships essential to each step in the process. This position understands and applies the key principles of creating loyal and generous donors and focuses the bulk of their energies on this work. The Associate Director of Development will be responsible for direct asks to support both local and global priorities, while listening for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. The ADOD will provide opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. The Associate Director of Development engages appropriate partners in the prospects’ networks, in the field, and at the Conservancy’s Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and addresses questions as appropriate. She/he is a passionate advocate and spokesperson for the Conservancy’s work and can feature the programs of the Conservancy in detailed terms and can confidently discuss legacy giving opportunities. The Associate Director of Development will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database, may participate in the development of proposals, and will lead or assist in donor events. The ADOD understands and complies with all TNC gift-related policies and procedures and ensures ethical compliance, as defined by the organization and the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- 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, coordinating the work of peers and setting deadlines.
- 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.
- 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 once portfolio under full management, along with a goal for bequest notifications.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 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 using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles and practices.
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 and inform 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 the charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.
- Proven ability to negotiate high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Working knowledge of the basics of charitable gift planning.
- Experience with capital or multi-year fundraising campaigns.
- Experience working with volunteers, including volunteer leaders (board members)