The Associate Director of Development Operations will oversee and manage strategic operations and stewardship functions of The Nature Conservancy’s successful donor-centric fundraising program. They will work toward meeting development team goals and elevating team functions by managing, tracking and reporting on key data related to the team’s scope and priorities. They also will lead the development team’s donor communications and stewardship efforts. The Associate Director of Development Operations supervises two positions on the development team, the Donor Information Manager and the Development Coordinator. The salary range for the position starts at $62,500 and is dependent on experience.
The Associate Director of Development Operations leads the development operations team, which supports the out-the-door fundraising activity of four fundraisers and the State Director. They are responsible for collaborating with the Deputy Director of Development to develop and manage the development team’s annual plan, budget, reports and projections and helping to advance The Nature Conservancy’s current $48 million campaign. They understand the principles of successful donor stewardship, such as how to express gratitude and help create enduring philanthropic partnerships. They are responsible for the development of written communication pieces for major donor audiences including proposals, renewal letters and stewardship reports. They are familiar with the work of The Nature Conservancy in Wisconsin and are also capable of highlighting the programs of the Conservancy in broad terms. They are resourceful and work collaboratively with colleagues across the organization. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation of best practice fundraising knowledge, a track record of devising and implementing successful development operations functions, excellent communication skills and a commitment to coaching and leadership.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Direct the planning, development, implementation, budgeting, maintenance, and support of all of development operations functions including but not limited to prospect management, research, database management, and gift processing and acknowledgement.
- Utilize data to develop metrics for success, track progress, recommend benchmarks, and develop fundraising reports for the Development and Campaign Leadership teams.
- Collaborate with fundraisers to advance projects related to The Nature Conservancy’s current major fundraising campaign.
- Develop proposals, draft annual renewals and create stewardship reports for individual, foundation and corporate givers.
- Research and implement best practices and procedures to ensure the greatest efficiency within the team, as well as to provide donors with superior customer service.
- Provide support, as needed, for all fundraising activity including cultivation, solicitation, donor events, stewardship, and campaign fundraising.
- Oversee work of the Development Information Manager, ensuring all data entry and reporting is accurate.
- Oversee work of the Development Coordinator, ensuring execution of a special events campaign strategy and that donor correspondence and renewals are promptly issued.
- Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups who are important to the organization’s overall prosperity.
- Work long and flexible hours as needed.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Experience managing multiple projects, to set and adjust priorities, and work under pressure while maintaining composure and a sense of humor
- Experience taking initiative and lead teams to success
- Experience generating reports and interpreting the data
- Supervisory experience
- Experience with fundraising software programs and Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel
- Experience working with cross-functional teams
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of fundraising
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and a multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated
- Understanding and recognition of the role of quality data and systems management to support development efforts and the ability to synthesize and analyze data to increase efficiency and efficacy
- Superior planning and problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills
- Experience in an academic or non-profit fundraising environment
- Successful experience managing and implementing strategic program goals
- Experience in significant and/or successful fundraising campaigns
- Experience managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors
- The ability to explain technical issues in a non-technical manner
- Knowledge of The Nature Conservancy’s work and a belief in our mission