Director of Philanthropy

What We Can Achieve Together

The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) is responsible for leading all aspects of a comprehensive development program that secures significant financial resources to support The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals. This role leads one or more fundraising functions, including major gifts, principal gifts, planned giving, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, donor prospecting and research, and special fundraising initiatives and campaigns. The DOP serves on the Chapter’s Management Team, and helps inform decision-making based on their experience and expertise.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) leads all aspects of a comprehensive Philanthropy program that secures significant financial resources to support The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals. They focus on long-range strategic priorities, advance the Conservancy’s goals, and communicate a broad vision to others. They establish and monitor activity level benchmarks and measures of success. They oversee the development and implementation of a strategic, integrated, and collaborative approach to maximize fundraising success, including all aspects of the philanthropic continuum, from operations to donor cultivation and engagement through solicitation strategies, proposals and gift stewardship. They facilitate strategic dialogues with donors and senior-level stakeholders, probing to identify key issues and requirements, negotiating and developing solutions, and synthesizing a plan of action tailored to key constituencies. They will direct diverse activities, develop complex practices and processes, project outcomes, and initiate changes in order to improve effectiveness. They manage priority vendor relationships. The DOP works closely with and manages relations with key partners including senior management, internal teams, donors, trustees and volunteers to achieve program goals.

The DOP will be responsible for a select group of principal and major gift prospects and donors; the size of the portfolio will be determined in part with consideration for the scope of supervisory responsibility. They are responsible for developing and presenting analyses and recommendations to the Board of Trustees and its committees and for managing select Trustee relationships. The DOP reports to the Executive Director and is a member of the North Carolina Business Unit Management Team.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Accountable for fundraising goals of $7 million to $15 million a year through a fundraising department or philanthropy program.

• Broad management responsibility for a department and professional and administrative staff, including recruitment, retention, and professional development; for establishing goals and clear directions; and for setting “stretch” objectives.

• Design and direct complex and diversified projects, coordinating the work of other professionals.

• Develop and administer the fundraising program budget and fundraising objectives, evaluate program results, and develop corrective strategies as needed.

• Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.

• Ensure that programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for ethical compliance.

• Lead strategic initiatives through collaboration with senior-level internal and external stakeholders in order to enhance overall performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.

• Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.

• Make strategic decisions; decisions made may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.

• Plan and lead new programs/initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals are achieved.

• Responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.

• Travel frequently and on short notice, potentially working long hours and weekends as needed.

• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements minor physical exertion and/or strain.

We’re Looking for You

If you have experience supervising a multidisciplinary team, closing major gifts, and working in a complex non-profit environment - look no further! The Nature Conservancy may be the place for you. We’re looking for someone who can serve as a leader and direct all aspects of one or more development functions. Apply today and find a career where you can find meaning and purpose.

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience, including experience working at a senior level.

• Demonstrated success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing major gifts.

• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations, corporations, trustees, and other philanthropic stakeholders.

• Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.

• Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.

• Experience working in a large, complex, not-for-profit environment.

• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of fundraising.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop and communicate a compelling vision that inspires action and philanthropy.

• Advanced understanding of nonprofit management and development operations.

• Effectively communicate via presentations, conversations, and documents.

• Experience managing a geographically dispersed team.

• Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation.

• Experience leading capital campaigns, comprehensive campaigns, or large-scale fundraising initiatives.

• Knowledge of advanced gift planning concepts.

• Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management skills.

• Proficiency in synthesizing materials from multiple sources into a coherent and accurate summary.

• Knowledge of North Carolina’s landscapes, people and culture.

• Passion for conservation and The Nature Conservancy’s mission.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross cultural experience appreciated.

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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page . Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $155,000 –$175,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor .

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

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, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to View email address on workus.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.