The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) is responsible for directing all aspects of one or more development functions, which will secure significant financial resources to support conservation goals. Development functions may be a chapter development program or an individual giving, planned giving, foundation relations, and/or corporate giving program.
The Director of Philanthropy will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program by developing and managing plans and strategies. The DOP is responsible for ensuring the programmatic work is a collaborative and well-integrated effort within philanthropy and across the organization, including organizing internal communications. The DOP focuses on long-range strategic priorities, advances the Conservancy’s goals, and communicates a broad vision to others. The DOP works with teams to establish and track measures and lead indicators of progress and success. The DOP will lead diverse activities, develop complex processes, project outcomes, and initiate solutions in order to improve effectiveness. The DOP leverages constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people, including senior management, donors, volunteers, public and private sector colleagues, and partners including financial/legal advisors. The DOP will be responsible for a select group of prospects and donors, the size of the portfolio will be determined in part with consideration for the scope of supervisory responsibility. The DOP may be responsible for volunteer engagement and managing selected trustee relationships.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Accountable for fundraising goals of $1.5 million to $3.5 million a year through a fundraising department or development program.
- Broad management responsibility for administrative and professional staff, including training, professional development, establishing clear directions, sets “stretch” objectives, and overseeing the execution of day-to-day work.
- Commit actions and resources in a way that affects public image, and binds the organization financially or legally.
- Develops and administers budget and fundraising objectives, evaluates results and develops corrective strategies as needed.
- Ensure that programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for ethical compliance.
- Lead new programs/initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved.
- Implement and direct multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability.
- Maintains confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.
- Manage strategic initiatives through collaboration with stakeholders in order to enhance performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.
- Maximum opportunity to act independently, resolves complex issues within program area.
- May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
- Travel frequently and on short notice, work long hours and occasional weekends.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience developing and implementing a strategic plan and corresponding program to increase major-donor giving (five and six figure gifts).
- Experience asking for and closing five and six figure gifts.
- Experience “getting out the door” and building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations and corporations.
- Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.
- Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.
- Demonstrated ability to produce strong written materials on a short timeline.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A passion for nature, wildlife and the outdoors.
- Knowledge of and experience working in Delaware’s philanthropic communities – northern Delaware, the beaches or both.
- Proven experience developing and executing
- Proficiency working with sophisticated philanthropy/donor management systems
- Effective communication skills via presentations, conversations, and writing.
- Experience in managing a geographically dispersed team.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation.
- Knowledge of advanced gift planning concepts.
- Proficiency in synthesizing materials from multiple sources into a coherent and accurate summary.
- Understanding of best practices in non-profit management.
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.