The NRT Head of Grants Management will be employed by TNC but will report to NRT CEO on a daily basis. She/he works closely with the NRT development team, the CEO and the Programs Coordinator at NRT to implement and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and bilateral donors.
The NRT Head of Grants Management is responsible for building and maintaining a portfolio of qualified bilateral and multi-lateral donors (and potentially some private donors as time allows), running the stewardship (reporting and relationship management) for existing awards and identifying and crafting proposals for new opportunities. The Head of Grants Management understands and applies the principles of developing donor strategies following relationship management protocols. They will be responsible for direct asks for NRT annual budget needs inclusive of NRT Programs and Conservancy funding needs. They actively explore opportunities for grants with bilateral agencies (and potentially private gifts, as time allows). The NRT Head of Grants Management provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve appropriate partners in the field and staff at TNC, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and direct questions to key colleagues as appropriate. They are capable of featuring the programs of NRT in broad terms and they are capable of really learning and understanding the technical work and the impact of NRT. The Head of Grants Management may be called upon to engage in meetings with funders/prospective funders in Nairobi, representing the NRT CEO when needed/appropriate.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manage a portfolio of bilateral and multi-lateral donors (and secondarily private donors as time allows). Responsible for 5 – 10 letters of intent or proposals annually. Annual fundraising goal of $5,000,000 or more.
- 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 NRT and 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.
- Will supervise and coach the NRT Grants Management Team.
- Persuasively convey the mission of TNC and NRT 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.
- Any other duties that may be assigned by the CEO from time to time.
- 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 bilateral awards of $1,000,000 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.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience working abroad desired.
- Ability to determine an individual’s interests, capacity and potential for helping the Conservancy and NRT meet its goals, and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancy’s and NRT’s work.
- Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about the needs of northern Kenya and NRT.
- Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including customized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.
- Knowledge of current trends in charitable 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.
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.