This position is responsible for growing and managing a portfolio of major gift donors/prospects. They develop effective multi-year strategies for these corporate, foundation and individual supporters. They are responsible for raising dollars to support key conservation in Pennsylvania; North America and global priorities; as well as securing new bequests. This position will serve as the chapter fundraising lead for the Philadelphia Urban Conservation Program and will work closely with the urban team. The Urban Conservation Program works to improve the quality of life for residents in Philadelphia using nature-based solutions by reducing storm water runoff, reducing heat island effect, improving air quality and increasing access to nature for all residents in the city. Our work is done with environmental justice and social justice in mind.
- Grow the prospect pipeline as well as their portfolio with donors capable of making 6-7 figure gifts.
- Develop working relationships with key colleagues including the Director of Development, Executive Director, Director of Conservation, Urban Program Director, Global Priorities team, Principal Gifts team, TNC trustees, and fellow fundraisers from PA and around the country/world to build the best and most robust donor strategies and solicitations.
- Strong dotted line to the Urban Team.
- Motivate the efforts of a multi-disciplinary team of staff and volunteers (trustees) in activities related to donor identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
- Work with the Director of Development to ensure fundraising goals for the urban program are met annually.
- Working with conservation and communications staff, serve as the lead for the Urban Fundraising Committee.
- Raise the profile of the Urban Conservation Program to fundraisers and key leaders throughout the organization.
- Engage in networking in Philadelphia to uncover new donor prospects.
- Prepare complex proposals.
- Understand project budgets and build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge.
- Discuss assets and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Manage a portfolio of 60 – 100 donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $250,000, once the portfolio is developed.
- Annual fundraising goal of $2,000,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications.
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
- Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
- Persuasively convey the mission of TNC 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.
- May supervise support/administrative staff and may manage volunteers.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with funding constituents.
- Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $50,000 or more.
- Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams, preferably in a large non-profit.
- Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Knowledge of the Philadelphia charitable giving market.
- Ability to determine an individual’s interests, capacity and potential for helping the Conservancy meet its goals, and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancy’s work.
- Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.
- Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
- Experience building a major gift portfolio.
- Proven ability to negotiate complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Working knowledge of charitable gift planning.
- CFRE or ACFRE accreditation.
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.