The Director of Development (DoD) is responsible for directing all aspects of one or more development functions, which will secure significant financial resources to support conservation goals. Development functions may be a chapter development program or an individual giving, planned giving, foundation relations, and/or corporate giving program.
The Director of Development will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program by developing and managing plans and strategies. They are responsible for ensuring the programmatic work is a collaborative and well-integrated effort within development and across the organization, including organizing internal communications. They focus on long-range strategic priorities, advance the Conservancy’s goals, and communicate a broad vision to others. They manage vendor relationships, as needed. They work with teams to establish and track measures and lead indicators of progress and success. They will lead diverse activities, develop complex processes, project outcomes, and initiate solutions in order to improve effectiveness. The DoD leverages constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people, including senior management, donors, volunteers, public and private sector colleagues, and partners including financial/legal advisors.
The DoD will be responsible for a select group of prospects and donors the size of the portfolio will be determined in part with consideration for the scope of supervisory responsibility. They may be responsible for volunteer engagement and managing selected trustee relationships.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Accountable for fundraising goals of $1 million to $3.5 million a year through a fundraising department or development program.
- Broad management responsibility for administrative and professional staff, including training, professional development, establishing clear directions, sets “stretch” objectives, and overseeing the execution of day-to-day work.
- Commit actions and resources in a way that affects public image and binds the organization financially or legally.
- Develop and administer budget and fundraising objectives, evaluates results and develops corrective strategies as needed.
- Ensure that programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for ethical compliance.
- Lead new programs/initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved.
- Implement and direct multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability.
- Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.
- Manage strategic initiatives through collaboration with stakeholders in order to enhance performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.
- Maximum opportunity to act independently, resolves complex issues within program area.
- May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
- Travel frequently and on short notice, work long hours and weekends.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Experience asking for and closing major gifts.
- 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 principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree and 7 years related experience.
- Experience asking for and closing major gifts.
- 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 principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.
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.