Associate Director of Development

The Nature Conservancy (All); Brentwood (TN); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee is seeking an Associate Director of Development to lead multi-year donor strategies, manage a 75–100 donor portfolio, and advance gifts over $100,000. The role partners with leadership to secure $500k+ annually and expands fundraising for state conservation initiatives.

Based in East Tennessee or the greater Nashville area, the ADoD travels to engage wealth markets, manages relationships, and develops tailored proposals while aligning with conservation

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience.
• 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 training in fundraising principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Increase and manage the major and principal gift donor pipeline so it is adequately populated with quality donor prospects.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 75 - 100 individual/corporate/foundation donors with the capacity to give over $100,000.
• Responsible for approximately 225-300 qualified moves annually.
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goal of $500,000 and continue to grow from there.
• Meet or exceed fundraising goals for TNC in TN and additional TNC priority projects/programs.
• Understand project budgets; may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge.
• Develop personalized written proposals and submit grant proposals as needed.

Skills

Donor relationship building

Portfolio management

Fundraising strategy

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Donor database (CRM)

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

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

The Associate Director of Development is responsible for increasing the major and principal gift donor pipeline and managing a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor strategies that fulfil the donor’s interests and align with the organization’s conservation funding needs. They are knowledgeable and can navigate conversations regarding gifts of assets and other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and real estate. The ADoD provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They are extraordinarily collaborative involving appropriate partners in the field and Global Development staff, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and direct questions as appropriate. They may be responsible for volunteer engagement within formal and/or informal networks. The ADoD will be required to use TNC’s donor database and will participate in the development of proposals. Given the geographic size of Tennessee, they will travel frequently and on short notice, work long and flexible hours as needed. The work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

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We’re Looking for You:

The ADoD will work closely with the Development Team, State Director, Board of Trustees, and Conservation program leaders to plan, implement, and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including individual donors, foundations and corporations to support the conservation goals of the Nature Conservancy’s Tennessee Business Unit.

The ADoD is responsible for building and maintaining a portfolio of qualified donors and developing donor relationships. They will:

• Increase and manage the major and principal gift donor pipeline so it is adequately populated with quality donor prospects.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 75 - 100 individual/corporate/foundation donors with the capacity to give over $100,000.
• Responsible for approximately 225-300 qualified moves annually.
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goal of $500,000 and continue to grow from there.
• Meet or exceed fundraising goals for TNC in TN and additional TNC priority projects/programs.
• Understand project budgets; may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge.
• Develop personalized written proposals and submit grant proposals as needed.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?”, but you don’t know where to go or have the time to do it? Welcome to The Nature Conservancy.

You have found the solution and now you can pointedly make a difference every day! By joining our Tennessee team, you will become part of a group that is a force for nature and people. Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together. We’re looking for an individual with fundraising or business development experience who wants to make a difference. The Conservancy is a global conservation leader and one of the top fundraising charities in the United States.

This role will be based in East Tennessee or the greater Nashville area for access to wealth markets in those geographies.

What You’ll Bring:

• 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.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’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.\" To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit Auto Safety information page. 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $80,000 – $90,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.