Associate Director of Development

About the Role

The Associate Director of Development (ADoD) works closely with the development team to implement and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including individual, corporate, and/or foundation donors. The ADoD is responsible for increasing the major and principal gift donor pipeline and managing a portfolio of qualified donors while developing relationships. They apply principles of donor strategy to align donor interests with the organization’s conservation funding needs and navigate conversations about gifts of assets, planned gifts, and real estate. The role involves providing donor recognition opportunities, collaborating with field and Global Development staff, and engaging volunteers within formal or informal networks.

The ADoD will use TNC’s donor database, participate in proposal development, and travel frequently—sometimes on short notice—across Tennessee. The role may require long or flexible hours and occasional exposure to disagreeable elements or minor physical exertion.

Responsibilities

• Increase and manage the major and principal gift donor pipeline to ensure it is populated with quality prospects.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 75–100 individual, corporate, or foundation donors with the capacity to give over $100,000.
• Complete approximately 225–300 qualified donor moves annually.
• Meet or exceed an annual fundraising goal of $500,000 and contribute to growth in subsequent years.
• Support fundraising goals for TNC in Tennessee and additional priority projects/programs.
• Understand project budgets and develop proposal budgets as needed.
• Create personalized written proposals and submit grant proposals.
• Collaborate with the Development Team, State Director, Board of Trustees, and Conservation program leaders to align strategies with conservation goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
• 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 training in fundraising principles and practices.

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." Employment is contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Pay

The starting pay range for this position is $80,000–$90,000 for candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Actual pay within this range will depend on factors such as location, qualifications, skills, and experience. For countries outside the USA, pay will be based on the local labor market and not tied to the USA range.

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 and disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program.
• Additional life and work well-being benefits.

The organization supports a flexible work environment to promote health and well-being.