Lead Development Director — Major Gifts & Donor Strategy

The Nature Conversancy; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) match

Parental leave

Flexible schedules

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking an Associate Director of Development to implement multi-year donor strategies and build a robust portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual donors in Northeast Ohio. The role involves direct asks, donor stewardship, and coordinating with the Worldwide Office to advance conservation priorities.

Ideal candidates bring fundraising or business development experience, the ability to build long-term relationships, and proficient donor or database management.

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.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a donor portfolio aligned to annual and multi-year strategies.
• Develop relationships and donor strategies to meet funding needs.
• Lead asks to global and local priorities and explore gifts of assets or planned giving.
• Coordinate with field staff and Worldwide Office; report on interactions and issues.
• Travel frequently; engage volunteers and donors; use donor database and support proposals.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related

Relationship building

Gift solicitation

Prospect management

Cross-functional teamwork

Fundraising principles and practices

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The Nature Conservancy is seeking an Associate Director of Development to implement multi-year donor strategies and build a robust portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual donors in Northeast Ohio. The role involves direct asks, donor stewardship, and coordinating with the Worldwide Office to advance conservation priorities.

Ideal candidates bring fundraising or business development experience, the ability to build long-term relationships, and proficient donor or database management.