Associate Director of Philanthropy

The Nature Conservancy•Lexington, KY

9d•$77,000 - $87,000

About The Position

The Associate Director of Philanthropy works with The Nature Conservancy’s philanthropy team to implement and coordinate multi-year strategies for corporate, foundation, and individual gift prospects. The role builds and manages a portfolio of qualified donors, cultivates donor relationships, provides donor stewardship, qualifies prospects, and makes direct asks in support of global, regional, and local priorities. The position also listens for opportunities involving gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, helps develop proposals, uses TNC’s Blackbaud donor database, and engages colleagues and other organizational partners in fundraising efforts. Regular travel within Kentucky is required, with a focus on donor meetings in assigned geographies. The position manages a portfolio of 75–100 donors, including prospective donors capable of giving more than $100,000 once the portfolio is developed. It carries an annual fundraising goal of $500,000 or more, as well as goals for bequest notifications and legacy gifts, and involves conducting 400 donor moves and interactions per fiscal year based on a 100-donor portfolio. The role may act independently in the supervisor’s stead, make decisions with program-wide or financial or legal implications, manage projects and coordinate peers, and participate in complex or sensitive negotiations. It requires discretion with confidential information, compliance with organizational and external requirements, and work within a budget while meeting fundraising objectives. The role requires a bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination. A valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program are required. The position involves travel, mostly within Kentucky, and flexible hours as needed. The work environment involves infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion or strain. The starting pay range for U.S.-based candidates is $77,000–$87,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination.
Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents, such as major donors, foundations, and corporations.
Experience asking for and closing gifts of $25,000 or more.
Experience managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles and practices.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program, including completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement; driving on behalf of TNC is prohibited for individuals considered high-risk drivers.
Ability to travel regularly within Kentucky and work flexible hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

Ability to assess an individual’s interests, capacity, and potential to help TNC meet its goals and connect those interests with TNC’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 stewardship plans.
Track record and experience securing annual gifts, corporate philanthropy, campaign gifts, major gifts, and planned gifts.
Experience planning events and curated donor stewardship events.
Demonstrated listening, diplomacy, and tact in building strong relationships and motivating donors.
Strong grant-writing and personalized proposal-development skills.
Proven ability to negotiate sensitive philanthropic agreements.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of 75–100 donors and develop relationships with qualified prospects.
Meet an annual fundraising goal of $500,000 or more, as well as goals for bequest notifications and legacy gifts.
Conduct 400 donor moves and interactions during each fiscal year, based on a portfolio of 100 donors, with emphasis on cultivating new prospects.
Develop and implement multi-year donor strategies and individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
Make direct asks for gifts supporting global, regional, and local priorities, and identify opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts.
Provide donor stewardship and qualify discovery prospects.
Manage and implement strategic, curated events and donor engagement opportunities.
Develop personalized written proposals and submit grant proposals as needed.
Use TNC’s Blackbaud donor database and participate in proposal development.
Engage Kentucky colleagues, the Development Committee, the Board of Trustees, and other partners; keep them informed about interactions, issues, and concerns, and direct questions as appropriate.
Communicate TNC’s mission and programs to diverse groups.
Act independently and in the supervisor’s stead as needed, using independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
Manage assigned projects, coordinate peers’ work, and set deadlines.
Participate in complex or sensitive negotiations as needed.
Handle confidential information sensitively and comply with TNC policies, procedures, and external donor, legal, and IRS requirements.
Work within a budget and meet fundraising objectives.
Travel, mostly within Kentucky, and work flexible hours as needed.