Director of Development

The Director of Development in West Virginia is responsible for the major gift fundraising operations for the West Virginia business unit (WVBU), as well as the Central Appalachians Whole System program. The business unit has an annual budget of approximately $2 million to support operational and program functions of the WVBU, and has significant capital project goals of approximately $30 million to achieve conservation at scale.  This position is a member of the WVBU Leadership Team, as well as, a member of the Central Appalachians Whole System program’s Leadership Team, and will work closely with Directors of Philanthropy and Associate Directors of Philanthropy across the Mid-Atlantic/Central Appalachians Division as well as major gifts fundraisers in North America and Global business units. 

The DOD is responsible for the oversight, planning and implementation of a comprehensive development program that secures significant financial resources from foundations, corporations, and individuals to support conservation goals in West Virginia, North America, and around the world.  In addition to the management of the development program, this position will plan and implement a capital campaign as part of the organization’s global campaign. The DoD is also responsible for developing formal and informal relationships with the adjacent business units (PA, MD, VA) with large numbers of donors who support West Virginia work, as well as developing strong relations with North America and Global business units of the Conservancy to build a constituency of supporters from individuals outside of West Virginia to further support the conservation goals the Conservancy can achieve in West Virginia. 

The DoD manages all major gift functions, which include major gift identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship; planned giving; principal gift solicitation; donor prospecting and research; and special multi-year fundraising campaigns.  The DoD establishes Global, North American, Whole System and WVBU-based fundraising goals and is accountable for these goals. 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 I 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, managing selected trustee relationships, as well as board committees established to support philanthropy. The DoD will also work with the state director and finance staff to ensure an integrated approach and tracking of philanthropy and finance performance and goal setting.

The DoD will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program by developing and managing plans and strategies.

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, and setting “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, 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.
• Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups including major donors, corporate executives, board members and others who are critical to the organization’s overall prosperity.
• Communicate effectively with influential people.  Commands attention. Can change tactics midstream and manage group processes during presentations or discussions.
• Leverages constructive and effective relationships with development team and leaders within the organization.
• Ability to diffuse high-tension situations comfortably and maintains composure under pressure.
• 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.