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 ADoD provides donor recognition opportunities and collaborates with field partners and Global Development staff, keeping them informed of interactions and issues. They may engage volunteers within formal or informal networks and use TNC’s donor database to develop proposals. Due to Tennessee’s geographic size, frequent travel on short notice and flexible hours are required. The role may involve minor physical exertion or exposure to disagreeable elements.

Responsibilities

• Increase and manage the major and principal gift donor pipeline 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 225–300 qualified donor moves annually.
• Meet or exceed an annual fundraising goal of $500,000 and continue growing.
• 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.
• Coursework or training in fundraising principles and practices.
• 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 if considered "high risk drivers").

Employment 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 in the USA, based on location, qualifications, skills, and experience. International candidates will receive a locally adjusted range.

Benefits

• Competitive, comprehensive health care benefits.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match.
• Parental leave.
• Accrued paid time off.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program.
• Additional well-being benefits.

The Nature Conservancy offers a flexible work environment supporting employee health and well-being.