Philanthropy Operations Manager

Together SC; North Charleston, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Philanthropy Operations Manager at The Nature Conservancy leads the planning, execution, and evaluation of donor experiences and revenue operations in South Carolina. You will coordinate gift processing, reporting, data management, and stewardship, while driving 10–12 annual events with partners to engage donors and supporters.

You will work with the philanthropy team to improve processes, train staff, and ensure compliance across budgets, systems, and donor communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Experience working across departments.
• Experience with current technology in relevant field.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Code gifts and manage/track revenue, including data entry and revenue coding.
• Oversee donor pledges and ensure audit compliance and accuracy.
• Manage gift acknowledgements, mailings, and donor inquiries.
• Plan and organize donor field trips and events across the state.
• Provide independent analysis and recommendations to improve processes and systems.
• Travel and work long hours as needed.

Skills

Donor relations

Event planning

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget management

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Blackbaud donor database

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Philanthropy Operations Manager reports to the Deputy Director of Philanthropy for the South Carolina chapter and will apply their skills to gift processing and event management in South Carolina. They will be responsible for revenue coding and entry, gift acknowledgements, and pledge management. The position is also responsible for the production and delivery of compelling events and other experiences that bring our donors and prospects closer to the work we do at The Nature Conservancy and the people who do it.

In the events capacity, this role leads the planning, coordination, and execution of a portfolio of donor and prospect experiences. In parallel, the role supports critical revenue operations functions, including gift processing, revenue tracking and reporting, data management, and stewardship support. By leveraging systems, analytics, and process improvements, the Philanthropy Operations Manager ensures accuracy, efficiency, and informed decision-making across the philanthropy team. This position requires strong project management, attention to detail, and cross-functional collaboration to successfully drive both engagement and revenue outcomes.

We’re Looking for You:

The Philanthropy Operations Manager (POM) will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the team by developing and implementing tactics for approved plans and completing and organizing multiple tasks and activities. They will identify individual priorities based on the needs of the program. They will manage, track, and report on key data related to the team scope and priorities. The POM will perform independent analysis of key program data, which will include donor or gift information. They will be responsible for the timely processing (coding and recording) of gifts/constituent revenue for the program. They will oversee the booking and management of donor pledges, ensuring audit compliance and accuracy. They will provide recommendations and targeted training related to the functional area of the team.

The POM will also develop, create, and implement events that align with the strategic priorities of the South Carolina chapter, and will be responsible for the logistics, project management, and execution of 10-12 events and trips annually of varying scope and complexity. They will have substantial contact with stakeholders and may serve as the lead liaison with partners. They will manage event budgets, technology support, create printed materials, including the run of show and executive briefing. The POM must have advanced knowledge of the systems and resources utilized by the team to provide programmatic support and coordinate communications related to the resources. They are responsible for event-related data in the donor database, including RSVPs and attendance records, and running mailing lists.

The POM will take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team, such duties may include, but are not limited to, a more significant role in training, developing documentation, and/or enhancing the systems and tools used by the team. The POM will keep up-to-date on market trends and best practices in order to improve services. They will adapt processes and implement recommended practices in order to improve effectiveness based on their in-depth understanding of related policies and procedures.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Code gifts and manage/track revenue, including but not limited to: (1) analyze gift related documentation (agreements, pledge forms, donor interactions) thoroughly to determine and create codes based on type of revenue and donor requirements; (2) follow SOPs/established guidelines and best practices; (3) work with Global Development teams to ensure all revenue is accurately and timely entered in the constituent management system; (4) Data entry in constituent management system; (5) Process adjustments to revenue on an as-needed basis; (6) Monitor conditional gifts/pledges and work with Conservation and Finance to adjust as conditions are met.
• Become an expert user of our fundraising systems including our Blackbaud donor database. The POM will be experienced with data entry, running reports, analyzing and interpreting data and will learn and adhere to TNC’s policies and procedures.
• Manage gift acknowledgements, coordinate mailings and field donor gift inquiries – supporting the important act of saying “thank you” to our donors.
• Plan and organize donor 10-12 field trips and events annually in varying locations across the state, ensuring compliance with The Nature Conservancy SOPs.
• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Does not supervise any staff but may manage work of peers on departmental project teams.
• Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
• Financial responsibility includes working within a budget, processing invoices and transfers, and negotiating and contracting with vendors.
• Manage an account or client relationship.
• Manage projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability.
• May provide oversight for a key function of the team.
• Provide input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs.
• Travel and work long hours as needed.
• Work will be performed in a general office and outdoor settings with some exposure to disagreeable elements; work may require some physical exertion and/or physical strain.
• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting data.
• Experience working across departments.
• Experience with current technology in relevant field.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to implement complex processes.
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
• Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff.
• Experience coordinating projects.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Experience with database management.
• Knowledge of current trends in the specific field.
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
• Understanding of basic accounting practices.
• Experience writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Experience planning and producing live and/or virtual events.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.

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 from $60,000 – $65,000.

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. 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 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. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. 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.