Director of Philanthropy

The Nature Conservancy•Durham, NC

1d•$155,000 - $175,000•null

About The Position

The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) is responsible for leading all aspects of a comprehensive development program that secures significant financial resources to support The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals. This role leads one or more fundraising functions, including major gifts, principal gifts, planned giving, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, donor prospecting and research, and special fundraising initiatives and campaigns. The DOP serves on the Chapter’s Management Team, and helps inform decision-making based on their experience and expertise. The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) leads all aspects of a comprehensive Philanthropy program that secures significant financial resources to support The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals. They focus on long-range strategic priorities, advance the Conservancy’s goals, and communicate a broad vision to others. They establish and monitor activity level benchmarks and measures of success. They oversee the development and implementation of a strategic, integrated, and collaborative approach to maximize fundraising success, including all aspects of the philanthropic continuum, from operations to donor cultivation and engagement through solicitation strategies, proposals and gift stewardship. They facilitate strategic dialogues with donors and senior-level stakeholders, probing to identify key issues and requirements, negotiating and developing solutions, and synthesizing a plan of action tailored to key constituencies. They will direct diverse activities, develop complex practices and processes, project outcomes, and initiate changes in order to improve effectiveness. They manage priority vendor relationships. The DOP works closely with and manages relations with key partners including senior management, internal teams, donors, trustees and volunteers to achieve program goals. The DOP will be responsible for a select group of principal and major gift prospects and donors; the size of the portfolio will be determined in part with consideration for the scope of supervisory responsibility. They are responsible for developing and presenting analyses and recommendations to the Board of Trustees and its committees and for managing select Trustee relationships. The DOP reports to the Executive Director and is a member of the North Carolina Business Unit Management Team.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience, including experience working at a senior level.
Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.
Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations, corporations, trustees, and other philanthropic stakeholders.
Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.
Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
Experience working in a large, complex, not-for-profit environment.
Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of fundraising.
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Successful completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

Proven ability to develop and communicate a compelling vision that inspires action and philanthropy.
Advanced understanding of nonprofit management and development operations.
Effectively communicate via presentations, conversations, and documents.
Experience managing a geographically dispersed team.
Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation.
Experience leading capital campaigns, comprehensive campaigns, or large-scale fundraising initiatives.
Knowledge of advanced gift planning concepts.
Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management skills.
Proficiency in synthesizing materials from multiple sources into a coherent and accurate summary.
Knowledge of North Carolina’s landscapes, people and culture.
Passion for conservation and The Nature Conservancy’s mission.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.

Responsibilities

Accountable for fundraising goals of $7 million to $15 million a year through a fundraising department or philanthropy program.
Broad management responsibility for a department and professional and administrative staff, including recruitment, retention, and professional development; for establishing goals and clear directions; and for setting “stretch” objectives.
Design and direct complex and diversified projects, coordinating the work of other professionals.
Develop and administer the fundraising program budget and fundraising objectives, evaluate program results, and develop corrective strategies as needed.
Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
Ensure that programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for ethical compliance.
Lead strategic initiatives through collaboration with senior-level internal and external stakeholders in order to enhance overall performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.
Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.
Make strategic decisions; decisions made may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.
Plan and lead new programs/initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals are achieved.
Responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.
Travel frequently and on short notice, potentially working long hours and weekends as needed.