Associate Director of Development

The Nature Conservancy • New York, NY

2d • $100,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Associate Director of Development I (ADoD I) works closely with the development team to implement and coordinate effective discovery strategies with individual prospects and foundations across the greater NY area. The Associate Director of Development I is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor discovery strategies. They will be responsible for working through a portfolio of prospects with varying degrees of inclination and capacity. They will qualify prospects and be responsible for direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs. They listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. The ADoD I provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve appropriate partners in the field and staff at the Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and direct questions as appropriate. They are able to feature the programs of the Conservancy in broad terms. They may be responsible for volunteer engagement within formal and/or informal networks. The ADoD I will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may participate in the development of 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 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. Independently manage assigned projects, coordinating with the work of peers and setting deadlines. Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to groups who are important to the organization’s overall prosperity. Manage a growth portfolio of 100 – 125 donors focused on discovery. Once developed, the portfolio will include donors with the capacity to give over $100,000. Responsible for 75 – 100 visits in year 1, with a progressive goal in following years. Qualify 8-10% of meetings. Fundraising goal in year 1 of $200,000 or more, with an aggressive growth to $500,000 in year 2. Support and actively participate in the planning, coordination, and execution of strategic events to advance organizational goals and enhance stakeholder engagement. 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. 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 NY 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience or an equivalent combination.
• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
• Entrepreneurial and creative in donor discovery and outreach.
• 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.
• Facility with donor databases.

Nice To Haves

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 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.
• Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.
• Knowledge of current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.
• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
• Proven ability to negotiate high profile or sensitive agreements.
• Working knowledge of the basics of charitable gift planning.

Responsibilities

• Act independently and in supervisor’s stead as needed, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Decisions may have 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.
• Independently manage assigned projects, coordinating with the work of peers and setting deadlines.
• Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to groups who are important to the organization’s overall prosperity.
• Manage a growth portfolio of 100 – 125 donors focused on discovery.
• Once developed, the portfolio will include donors with the capacity to give over $100,000.
• Responsible for 75 – 100 visits in year 1, with a progressive goal in following years.
• Qualify 8-10% of meetings.
• Fundraising goal in year 1 of $200,000 or more, with an aggressive growth to $500,000 in year 2.
• Support and actively participate in the planning, coordination, and execution of strategic events to advance organizational goals and enhance stakeholder engagement.
• Travel frequently and on short notice, work long and flexible hours as needed.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level