Associate Director of Development

USA The Nature Conservancy; United States; Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks an Associate Director of Development to lead major donor cultivation and solicitations, manage a high-potential portfolio, and collaborate across chapters to advance conservation funding.

Based in our Brunswick, ME office, the ADoD will tell compelling stories of Conservancy work, build relationships with diverse donors, and drive strategic fundraising initiatives while meeting annual targets and donor engagement metrics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 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 $50,000 or more.
• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors simultaneously.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, preferably in a large non-profit.
• Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 80–120 individual and corporate/foundation donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $250,000.
• Meet annual fundraising goals and discovery-based metrics.
• Complete 60–100 visits and 180–300 moves annually.
• Work independently and with the team to develop donor strategies and proposals.
• Ensure compliance with donor, legal, and organizational policies.
• Collaborate across chapters and programs to promote a ‘One Conservancy’ approach.

Skills

Relationship building

Donor cultivation

Major gifts experience

Portfolio management

Storytelling

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Donor database

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together: The Associate Director of Development (ADoD) is an experienced “out the door” fundraiser and self-starter with excellent writing skills who excels as a collaborative team member who brings leadership to their portfolio and fundraising strategies. The ADoD develops, implements, and plans for the cultivation and solicitation of gift prospects, primarily individual donors and potential corporate, foundation, and institutional funders. This person will be part of a team that is driven, strategic and thoughtful. This role is ideal for a strategic fundraiser who enjoys identifying, qualifying, and building relationships with new major donor prospects while also managing a portfolio of established donors to contribute to the ongoing mission of our global conservation work.

We’re Looking for You: The Associate Director of Development for The Nature Conservancy in Maine is based out of our Brunswick, Maine office and is responsible for managing a portfolio of qualified donors and for building strong relationships. The ADoD promotes a culture of philanthropy among their peers and volunteers and works closely with the development team, Advisory Board of Trustees, natural partners, and other Conservancy staff to determine effective strategies for engaging identified donors and prospects and deepening their relationships with The Nature Conservancy. This person inspires by telling stories about the Conservancy’s work and ably connects donors to their values. The ADoD understands and applies complex principles of developing donor strategies and builds strong relationships with a portfolio of prospects, as well as new and current donors. They are an experienced, creative and strategic fundraiser driven by donor interest and energized by pipeline discovery and qualification. The successful candidate will be highly collaborative and bring a track record of delivering results. As part of a 9-person team, this role focuses largely on discovery and qualification towards building a high-value portfolio. They are responsible for direct asks for both global and local Conservancy priorities to meet funding needs. They discuss assets proficiently and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and gifts of real estate or trade lands. They incorporate blended gifts and gifts of assets in proposals to donors. They understand organizational budgets and are proficient in utilizing this knowledge to build proposal budgets. They will work collaboratively across chapters and programs with a spirit of “One Conservancy” and leverage institutional knowledge and networks for successful and sophisticated donor strategies. They work closely with chapter leadership (including the State Director and Director of Conservation) and manage assigned trustee relationships and/or volunteer engagement. They are required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and collaborate with team members who plan events, donor stewardship, and written communications.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Manage a portfolio of 80 – 120 individual and corporate/foundation donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $250,000, once the portfolio is developed (composition of portfolio to include 30-40%+ in discovery and 10%+ in loyal donor outreach). Once the portfolio has fully matured, meet an annual fundraising goal of $1,000,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications. Meet discovery-based metrics such as annual qualifications, quarterly outreach goals, and other discovery and performance metrics, as assigned. Complete 60 – 100 visits and 180 – 300 moves annually. Act independently and in supervisor’s stead as needed, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems. Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to various groups important to the organization’s overall prosperity. Exercise sound judgment in donor strategy, relationship management, and fundraising activities, considering implications across programs, departments, and organizational priorities. Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high-profile or sensitive agreements. Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; be alert to ethical compliance issues. Set and meet fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies. Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and sometimes emotionally charged information. Work independently, exercise sound judgment, and resolve complex donor, project, or relationship-management issues while appropriately escalating matters that require additional review or approval. Understand and comply with all TNC gift-related policies and procedures, including taking all required trainings and partnering with the operations team to ensure data integrity. Manage and implement multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, and setting deadlines. Engage in learning and practice principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, using these principles as a lens in communication and decision‑making.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 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 $50,000 or more.
• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors simultaneously.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, preferably in a large non-profit.
• Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success building and maintaining long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals, donors, and key stakeholders.
• Proven ability to develop, grow, and manage a portfolio of supporters and donors.
• Experience designing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, recognition, and gift planning.
• Advanced knowledge of charitable giving vehicles and complex gift planning strategies.
• Ability to identify donor interests, capacity, and philanthropic motivations and align them with organizational priorities and opportunities.
• Experience collaborating effectively with fundraising colleagues, senior leaders, and cross-functional teams within a complex, matrixed organization.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, persuasive proposals, reports, and donor-facing materials.
• Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to inspire, influence, and motivate donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex, high-profile, or sensitive agreements with diplomacy, tact, and sound judgment.
• Strategic, self-motivated, and results-oriented professional who is persistent, personable, collaborative, and driven to achieve ambitious goals.
• Demonstrated creativity and willingness to explore innovative approaches to fundraising and donor engagement.
• Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.

Salary Information: The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $87,760-$93,245 annually. 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.

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. Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role.

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. The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.