Senior Associate Director of Development

USA The Nature Conservancy; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Chicago seeks a Senior Associate Director of Development to lead multi-year fundraising strategies for corporate, foundation and individual donors. You will manage a 60–100 donor portfolio and guide major gift opportunities.

This hybrid role reports to the Chicago Field Office and requires a Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of fundraising experience, plus a track record of closing six-figure gifts and cultivating durable donor relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 6+ years of fundraising experience.
• Proven track record of securing gifts of $50,000+.
• Experience managing multiple prospects and donors.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams in a nonprofit setting.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Act independently and exercise judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Manage budget, deadlines, and multiple projects; may negotiate complex agreements.
• Demonstrate discretion with confidential information and ensure compliance with policies.
• Travel frequently and work long/flexible hours as needed.
• Manage a portfolio of 60–100 donors and target $1.5M+ annual fundraising goals.
• Engage and coordinate with the field office and Worldwide Office; build donor proposals.

Skills

Relationship building

Donor solicitation

Prospect management

Cross-functional teamwork

Fundraising principles

Planned giving knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

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

The Senior Associate Director of Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of qualified donors and building strong relationships, focusing on the Chicagoland area. They understand and apply complex principles of developing donor strategies. They will be responsible for direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs. They can discuss assets and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. The Senior ADoD provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve and engage appropriate partners in the field and at the Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues and/or concerns, and address questions as needed. They are capable of featuring the programs of the Conservancy in detailed terms and can confidently discuss legacy giving opportunities. The Senior ADoD understands project budgets and may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge. They will develop a referral network as needed and may manage formal and/or informal networks of volunteers. They will be required to use the Conservancy's donor database and may develop proposals.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Act independently and in supervisor's stead as needed, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Decisions may have program-wide impact and 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 recommending and meeting fundraising goals.
• Manage and implement multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, and setting deadlines.
• May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
• May supervise support or administrative staff.
• Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to various groups who are important to the organization's overall prosperity.
• Travel frequently and on short notice, work long and flexible hours as needed.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Manage a portfolio of 60 - 100 donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $250,000, once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for 60 - 100 visits and 180 - 300 moves annually. Annual fundraising goal of $1,500,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications.
• This is a hybrid position that reports to the Chicago Field Office.

We're Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Senior Associate Director of Development who's passionate about fundraising and business development to help convey TNC's mission to various groups. You would be part of a team of philanthropy and development professionals cultivating relationships and gifts with our amazing donors. Come join us! The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation leader and one of the top fundraising charities in the United States.

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.
• 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:

• Ability to design and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation, and recognition plans.
• Ability to determine an individual's interests, capacity, and potential for helping the Conservancy meet its goals, and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancy's work.
• Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.
• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
• Working knowledge of charitable gift planning.

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 the Auto Safety