Associate Director of Philanthropy

USA The Nature Conservancy; Kentucky; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Kentucky is seeking an Associate Director of Philanthropy to lead donor relationships and multi-year fundraising strategies. You will manage a significant donor portfolio, craft compelling proposals, and work closely with regional teams to advance conservation priorities.

Travel within Kentucky is required as you engage corporate, foundation, and individual prospects, steward gifts, and contribute to the organization’s ambitious 2030 goals.

Qualifications

• Experience in fundraising or business development.
• Relationship-based fundraising approach and donor psychology.
• Ability to develop and implement donor engagement strategies across corporate, foundation, and individual prospects.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 75-100 donors with major gift potential.
• Raise an annual fundraising goal of $500,000 or more and manage bequest/legacy efforts.
• Conduct 400 donor moves/interactions yearly to cultivate new prospects.
• Develop personalized written proposals and submit grant proposals as needed.
• Coordinate and implement strategic events and donor engagement opportunities.
• Travel within Kentucky and collaborate with Kentucky colleagues and leadership to advance priorities.

Skills

Donor stewardship

Relationship building

Fundraising strategy

Grant writing

Event planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit, business, or related field

Tools

Blackbaud CRM

Job description

We’re Looking for You

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 Kentucky 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.

What We Can Achieve Together

The Associate Director of Philanthropy (ADOP) works closely with the philanthropy team to implement and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and individual donors. TNC is embarking on its largest fundraising campaign to date in support of our 2030 goals. From reforestation, land protection, and fire management in eastern Kentucky to regenerative agriculture and wetland restoration in western Kentucky, The Nature Conservancy is building a brighter future and boosting resiliency for nature and people in the Commonwealth. The ADOP is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships. Relationship-based fundraising is our approach, and they will positively connect and engage with their teammates, prospects, donors, and stakeholders. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor strategies. They will focus on providing the best-in-class donor stewardship and thrive on connecting and qualifying discovery prospects. They will be responsible for direct asks in support of global, regional, and local priorities to meet funding needs. They listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts. They are energetic and focus on the daily work habits that are the foundations for success. They involve their Kentucky colleagues, Development Committee, Board of Trustees, and other natural partners, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and direct questions as appropriate. They can communicate the TNC programs in broad and compelling terms. The ADOP will be required to use TNC's Blackbaud donor database and participate in developing proposals. This position would require regular travel in Kentucky, focusing on particular geographies for donor meetings.

Responsibilities and Scope

• Manage a portfolio of 75-100 donors, including donors who can give over $100,000 once the portfolio is developed.
• Raise an annual fundraising goal of $500,000 or more, in addition to a goal for bequest notifications and legacy gifts.
• Conduct 400 moves and interactions during a Fiscal Year (based on the assumption of a portfolio of 100 donors), with special attention to cultivating relationships with new prospects to the organization.
• Manage and implement strategic and highly curated events and/or donor engagement opportunities.
• Develop personalized written proposals and submit grant proposals, as needed.
• Act independently and in the supervisor’s stead as needed, and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Decisions may have a 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.
• Convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups essential to the organization's overall prosperity.
• Travel (mostly within Kentucky) and work flexible hours as needed.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.