The Philanthropy Operations Manager is a key partner to the Director of Philanthropy in ensuring the successful operation of The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee’s philanthropy team. This role is responsible for the overall operations of the philanthropy team, including gift coding, gift acknowledgement, pipeline development, portfolio management to support out-the-door fundraisers, fundraising progress reports, prospect research, stewardship, and event support.
The Philanthropy Operations Manager is a seasoned member of the philanthropy team who employs a strategic sense of fundraising acumen. The position reports to the Director of Philanthropy and will be part of multi-disciplinary team. The Philanthropy Operations Manager may supervise volunteers.
The Philanthropy Operations Manager will work toward meeting the strategic priorities of the team by taking primary responsibility for the day to day operations of the philanthropy team. S/he will be responsible for providing organizational resources such as gift processing, research and stewardship as well as the maintenance, analysis, tracking, and reporting of key data related to the team scope and priorities. S/he will participate in the development of organizational best practices and will provide advice, recommendations, support and targeted training related to the team’s work. S/he must maintain advanced knowledge of the systems and resources used by the team and will apply that knowledge to developing documentation, adapting processes, and participating in the enhancement of systems and tools.
The Manager will keep up to date on market trends and best practices to improve services. S/he works in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff, donors, volunteers, vendors, public agencies, financial institutions, and legal and accounting professionals. S/he will organize and coordinate diverse activities, projecting outcomes, and implementing solutions in consultation with leadership. S/he may be asked to take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team. S/he may manage volunteers for the execution of special projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
- Coordinate projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, and manage a timeline.
- Serve as the team’s “expert” in the capabilities and functions of the Conservancy’s donor database, BBCRM and on the Conservancy’s policies and procedures on gift recording.
- Take a lead role in building out-the-door donor pipeline through the identification of high-potential major gift prospects ($100,000+ over three years). Assigns prospects to gift officers for cultivation and solicitation.
- Monitor fundraiser progress to goals by managing projections, opportunities and giving pyramids (for individuals and team) while meeting regularly with relationship managers to ensure accountability and to provide strategic plan consultation.
- Provide regular updates to the Director of Philanthropy regarding fundraising portfolio reviews noting strengths and offering suggestions on how to address any issues.
- Project outcomes to goal at appropriate intervals.
- Create and improves complex reports to communicate fundraising progress to internal and external constituents.
- Provide prospect research and data management to assist in portfolio management.
- Serve as the main liaison to Worldwide Office Development Operations, ensuring all required reporting and CRM updates are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
- Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
- Travel occasionally, work long and flexible hours as needed.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- At least three years related experience or an equivalent combination.
- Experience coordinating projects.
- Experience generating reports, and analyzing and interpreting data.
- Experience with current technology in relevant field.
- 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 implement complex processes.
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
- Experience with database management.
- Strong organization skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
- Understanding of basic accounting principles.
- Experience working with volunteers, including volunteer leaders (board members)
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.