The Organization
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in 79 countries and territories, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, our mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
Position Overview
Become a force for nature and a healthy planet by joining the Maryland/DC Chapter’s Fundraising Team! Our work is focused on two areas where our outcomes can have the greatest impact for the residents of Maryland/DC: protecting clean water and tackling climate change. Our efforts span the region, from western Maryland’s Central Appalachian forests to our nation’s capital and beyond to the Chesapeake Bay. The Fundraising Director leads the fundraising team and develops, implements, and manages effective multi-year strategies and plans for the cultivation and solicitation of gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, institutions, and/or individual donors. The Fundraising Director will be a part of the Chapter’s Executive Team indirectly leads a team of six staff and has one direct report, the Fundraising Program Director, who is responsible for all operational matters related to the team. The Fundraising Director is responsible for all team deliverables and fundraising activities and reports directly to the Executive Director. The position is located in Bethesda, MD, although it might be possible to base the position in Arlington, VA.
Responsibilities and scope include managing a portfolio of 40 – 75 donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $750,000, once that portfolio is developed, as well as conducting 40 – 75 visits and 120 – 225 moves annually. The annual fundraising goal for the person in this position is $2,000,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications. The Fundraising Director has the financial responsibility for setting and meeting fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies; to persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups important to the organization’s overall prosperity; and to ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; be alert to ethical compliance issues. Besides implementing and leading multiple collaborative and complex projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability, the Fundraising Director maintains confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information, makes decisions that may have program-wide impact, affect staff in non-program areas, and bind the organization financially or legally. This position provides maximum opportunity to act independently; resolves complex issues within scope; directs or participates in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements; serves as main point of contact for the fundraising team at board meetings and high-profile trustee engagements, and it requires travel frequently and on short notice, work long hours/days and weekends, as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years related experience.
• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with constituents such as major donors and corporations.
• Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $75,000 or more, including planned gifts.
• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
• Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in current and evolving trends in charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.
With the support of more than one million members, the Conservancy addresses the most pressing threats to people and nature, working in wild places and in human settled areas including cities. Since its founding in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide. Through important and strategic partnerships, we are expanding the impact of our work, finding creative ways to pursue our vision of a world where people and nature thrive together, and building long-term relationships with communities and community organizations, government agencies, and commercial businesses. We create partnerships to apply nature-based solutions to both climate change and the meeting of human needs while conserving natural resources at a new scale.
How To Apply
If you are interested in working to save the planet, want to work in a collaborative environment, and like a great benefits package, please submit your cover letter and resume for position number 48461 by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time by February 23rd, 2020. Please see the full position description and apply at www.nature.org/careers.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all genders with diverse backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.