In Arizona, the Conservancy has helped protect more than 1.5 million acres and is forging new alliances and developing innovative tools to help communities achieve both a healthy environment and a healthy economy. In seven Colorado River Basin states and in Mexico the Colorado River Program collaborates to develop innovative ways to manage water in the Basin for both nature and 36 million people. This Associate Director of Development (ADoD) will work closely with staff to plan, implement and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and/or individual donors to support conservation goals of both the Conservancy’s Arizona Business Unit and the Colorado River Program.
Co-Reporting to the Colorado River Program Director and the Director of Development in Arizona, the ADoD is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships to support fundraising goals of both the Arizona Business Unit and Colorado River Program. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor strategies. They will be responsible for direct asks to support both local and global priorities to meet funding needs. They seek opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. The ADoD provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve appropriate partners in the field and staff at the Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and direct questions as appropriate. They are capable of featuring the programs of the Conservancy in broad terms. They may be responsible for volunteer engagement within formal and/or informal networks. The ADoD will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and will participate in or lead the development of proposals. They will work collaboratively with other fundraisers in the seven Basin states and the World Office.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Manage a portfolio of 45 – 50 individuals/corporate/foundation donors – divided roughly 30 – 40 Arizona and 15- 20 Colorado River Program donors & prospects. Responsible for 60 – 100 visits and 225 – 375 moves annually. Meet or exceed annual fundraising goal of $1 Million between the two programs.
- 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 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.
- May supervise support or administrative staff.
- 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.
- 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 gifts of $25,000 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.
Valid driver’s license.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Demonstrated collaborative work style.
- 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.
- Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.
- Knowledge of current trends in the charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned 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.
- Working knowledge of the basics of charitable gift planning.
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.