The Organization
The Nature Conservancy
POSITION PROFILE
Iowa Director of Philanthropy
Since its founding in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has become the leading conservation organization by protecting more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide in 72 countries, all 50 Unites States, and in your backyard. With the support of more than one million members, the Conservancy addresses the most pressing threats to our natural world. Through important and strategic partnerships, we are expanding the impact of our work, finding creative ways to fund that bigger vision and building long-term relationships with communities, government agencies and commercial businesses to conserve natural resources at a new scale. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity therefore we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce.
Our mission is to conserve the land and waters on which all life depends.
Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.
Position Overview
Become a force for nature and a healthy planet by joining the Iowa team!
In Iowa our goal is to ensure our beautiful prairies, woodlands, wetlands, lakes and rivers are conserved for the enjoyment and health of future generations. We are working to address important water and land challenges with common sense solutions. We work with a diverse set of partners including key agribusinesses, community leaders, government agencies and Iowa landowners to implement solutions that benefit the people, waters, and lands of Iowa. Our top conservation priorities address water quality, soil loss, flooding and natural habitat conservation. Visit www.nature.org/iowa or follow @nature_IA on Twitter for more info.
The position is located in Des Moines, which in 2019 ranked as the 5th best US city to live in by US News and World Report and is one of the fastest growing metro areas in the Midwest/Great Plains. The city has more than 4,000 acres of parkland, 81 miles of trails, boasts the nationally renowned Des Moines Farmers Market, the Iowa Cubs baseball team, is a center for the finance and insurance industries, ranks high in affordability, has a growing airport that is easy to fly in and out of, and offers so much more.
The Director of Philanthropy in Iowa is part of a leadership team working to honor the deep roots of Iowa’s conservation and agricultural heritage and pursue healthy lands and waters to enrich and inspire the people of Iowa. This position manages the development & philanthropic processes for the Iowa Chapter and is part of a powerful network of global fundraising professionals working to raise resources for conservation.
We are looking for an inspiring leader and problem solver with excellent people skills and experience managing a fundraising program. This position helps set the strategic direction for the Iowa chapter, works closely with the Iowa Board of Trustees, and will report to the State Director. This position is full time with benefits.
The ideal candidate will be relationship focused and build meaningful connections with donors and staff. They will ensure that fundraising plans meet the immediate needs of the chapter and will help ensure sustainability for the future. The candidate will develop their team and empower other staff to participate in the philanthropic process. We appreciate collaborative approaches and seek a team player with strong communication skills.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 7 years related experience or equivalent combination, including cultivating and closing major gifts (6-7 figures).
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with major donors, foundations and corporations.
- Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.
- Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
Understanding of and passion for conservation with expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation.
- CFRE certification.
- Experience supervising a major and principal gifts program.
- Experience recruiting, training and engaging board members and other volunteer leaders and ensuring that they are prepared for effective fundraising efforts.
- Eloquently communicate and inspire via presentations, conversations, and documents.
- Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate colleagues, donors and volunteers.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
How To Apply
If you have a personal passion for conserving and protecting the natural world with a belief in the mission, principles, and values of The Nature Conservancy’s approach to conservation, and want to receive great benefits, then please visit http://www.nature.org/careers to learn more and view the full position description. Submit your cover letter, resume, and writing sample for position # 47782 by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on August 19, 2019.