San Antonio, TX and Houston, TX

The Organization
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

Position Overview
SUMMARY
The Development Program Specialist will work as part of a functional team of organizational priority within a development program. The team will be responsible for providing resources such as research, gift processing, prospect tracking, stewardship, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Development Program Specialist will be responsible for various departmental activities such as meeting and event logistics, assisting donors with gift-making and asset transfer, providing information to donors and prospects, donor research, processing gifts, and drafting correspondence and acknowledgments. May assist with drafting philanthropy publications and proposals. The Development Program Specialist will also be responsible for office management and administrative roles within their home office and across the chapter. The Specialist uses the available fundraising management system to maintain records, and track progress with prospects and donors. The Specialist will apply established processes and practices in order to improve effectiveness. The Specialist may have substantial contact with staff, donors, legal and financial professionals. The Specialist must maintain advanced skills with the systems and resources utilized by the team in order to execute tasks and provide direction to programs they are assigned to work with. They will implement processes and practices in order to improve effectiveness based on their in-depth understanding of related policies and procedures. The Specialist will effectively communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow. They may be asked to take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
• Act independently on assigned tasks and exercise independent judgment based on analysis and experience.
• Coordinate projects with several variables, work within a defined timeline and budget.
• Does not supervise any staff, but may supervise interns, volunteers, and/or temporary staff.
• Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
• Financial responsibility includes working within a budget, processing invoices and transfers, and contracting with vendors.
• If required to provide centralized support to chapters or programs, will work with a minimum of three chapters or programs.
• Provide input through project teams for the improvement of existing programs.
• Refer difficult questions and unusual problems to supervisor.
• Travel and work flexible hours.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience building relationships with staff, customers or similar.
• Experience generating reports and interpreting data.
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Experience working across teams.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience are appreciated.
• Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems.
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
• Ability to work under pressure and perform repetitive data entry tasks.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Experience with databases and spreadsheet software.
• Knowledge of current trends in the specific field.
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.