Director of Philanthropy, The Nature Conservancy

Posted by Nature Conservancy on May 21, 2018

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit http://www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

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.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC
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.

Essential Functions
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

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years related experience.
• 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.

Additional Job Information

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at http://www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

To apply to this position, please visit http://www.nature.org/careers and click on Current Job Opportunities. Please submit your resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.

https://careers.nature.org/psp/tnccareers/APPLICANT/APPL/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_APP_SCHJOB.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1