The Conservation Funding Associate provides funding guidance to conservation program and science staff, and is directly responsible for development and submittal of competitive proposals for government grants, loans, impact investments, and other funding types.
Proposal Development (75%):
- Serve as project manager for proposal/application development from start to finish, setting realistic deadlines, managing a process to define project scope and driving creation of a competitive proposal in collaboration with conservation, science, and operations staff.
- Facilitate internal networks, coordinate meetings, develop agendas and presentations
- Write initial draft proposals based on funding criteria and existing information. Solicit and incorporate feedback from project teams.
- Ensure proposals comply with standard operating procedures, internal approval processes and funding source requirements.
- Provide quality control and content editing for proposals.
- Secure internal approvals.
Funding Strategy and Research (15%):
- Research and communicate funding opportunities to advance the Conservancy’s priority programs and projects.
- Provide strategic guidance to programs in the areas of funding opportunity fit and competitiveness of projects.
- Track and report results of fundraising efforts. Clearly convey progress and challenges to leadership.
- Collaborate with conservation, transactions and government relations teams to identify and evaluate traditional government grant opportunities, as well as non-traditional funding opportunities.
Relationship Management (10%):
- Monitor agency initiatives and programs which may provide opportunities for partnerships and/or financial support.
- Serve as a liaison and informational contact between the Conservancy and staff at federal, state, county, and local municipal agencies.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Level of Position:
This position collaborates with staff throughout the Conservancy to accomplish program and fundraising objectives.
- May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
- Financial responsibility may include developing and working within a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development.
Within the scope of this position, the Conservation Funding Associate will:
- Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Build and maintain productive relationships and open communications colleagues and key federal, state, and local agency staff.
- Aid with preparation of program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
- Work independently, working with supervisor on complex matters as needed.
- Make independent decisions within the scope of work assignments.
Work Environment & Schedule:
- May be required to travel occasionally to visit Washington projects and attend training sessions.
- May require working extended and/or varied work hours during peak periods of activity.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
- 2 years related experience OR Associate’s degree and 4 years related experience OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience researching, analyzing, interpreting and compiling technical information from divergent sources.
- Experience developing, coordinating, and managing multiple projects in collaboration with others.
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
- Proficiency with document management, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.
- Experience coordinating complex projects, including working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
- Experience presenting to and communicating with internal and external audiences.
- Experience preparing proposals for government grant, impact investments, or program-related investments.
- Experience working with non-profit partners and/or government agencies.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations, business, or sustainability.
- Knowledge of current trends in government grant programs and/or other types of conservation funding
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.