Associate Director of Philanthropy

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.

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YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Associate Director of Philanthropy (ADOP) works closely with the development team to implement and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and/or individual donors.

The preferred location for this position is the Twin Cities metro area in Minnesota, working from our downtown Minneapolis office. The salary range for this position is $80,000-$95,000 annually in addition to a robust benefits package. Submit your cover letter and resume via nature.com/careers website to be considered for this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The ADOP is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor strategies. They will be responsible for direct asks for both local and global priorities to meet funding needs. They listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. The ADOP provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve appropriate partners in the chapter, other chapters 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 ADOP will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and will develop donor proposals and reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• 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.
• Manage a portfolio of up to 90 individual, corporate and foundation donors and prospects, including donors with the capacity to give over $100,000 once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for 75-125 visits and 225-375 moves annually.
• Annual fundraising goal of $500,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience or an equivalent combination.
• 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.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 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.