Donor Communications Specialist

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Candidates located within commuting distance to the Twin Cities of Minnesota are preferred, but flexible arrangements are possible for candidates who live within the Tri-State Chapter's Geography (Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota).

#Li-hybrid

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people.”

The Donor Communications Specialist will join The Nature Conservancy's Tri-State Chapter's (supporting Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota) philanthropy team. As the Donor Communications Specialist, you will be responsible for implementing a strategic communication plan to elevate the awareness and perception of The Nature Conservancy's work within the chapter's philanthropic community and heighten the overall donor experience. Combining strong writing, storytelling, and design skills with excellent project management and organizational skills, you will write and edit a suite of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship materials directly in support of the MN-ND-SD chapter's fundraising efforts. You will serve as a liaison between colleagues in TNC's global office, chapter and division marketing/communications, conservation, and our chapter's philanthropy team to ensure consistency and alignment on key strategies and timelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide writing and editing support for specified private individual, foundation, and corporate entities, including letters of intent, proposals, and stewardship reports (in partnership with fundraisers, conservation program staff, and finance team.)
• Write, edit, and design a wide variety of donor communications to build awareness of TNC including acknowledgement letters; renewal solicitations; event invitations; monthly newsletters; quarterly board committee reports; case statements; campaign one-sheets and supporting materials; cover letters; endowment reports; and fact sheets.
• Support donor engagement and outreach activities by creating event-related materials (event presentation materials, programs, prepared remarks, etc.)
• Coordinate occasional email campaigns for mass donor communications.
• Develop annual philanthropy communications plan, ensuring alignment with chapter and division-level marketing and communications strategies.
• Manage the communications plan - track multiple projects for deadlines, review and production, and communicating progress with key stakeholders.
• Coordinate with the Philanthropy Program Manager to create the annual budget for communications and track expenses toward this budget.
• Serve as internal expert and resource on branding, key messages, and language to describe our key programs.

We're looking for an individual who loves telling stories of possibility and impact through strategic and inclusive communications for a passionate group of donors (and potential donors!). A successful candidate will be a globally minded thinker, a creative and diplomatic problem solver, a detail-oriented project manager, and a proactive and responsive communicator who is flexible, adaptable, and excited to work across teams with a wide array of stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience crafting stories that meaningfully connect a donor's philanthropic goals with TNC's critically important on-the-ground efforts across our chapter's landscapes. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of climate and conservation by shaping (and telling!) the stories that bring our ambitious work to life as we enter a campaign that will have lasting impact across the three states we serve - and globally!

Does this sound like you? Is this work in which you can share our passion? Then, come join TNC and apply today!

• Bachelor's degree in related field and 2 years of related experience - or equivalent combination.
• Experience writing or editing three or more of the following: newsletter, magazine, annual report, website articles/stories, donor profiles, presidential acknowledgment letters, campaign brochures, funding proposals, fact sheets, presentations, or equivalent.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent proofreading and editing skills.
• Basic graphic design, layout, and formatting skills.
• Working knowledge of AP style.
• Experience working across departments and/or with cross-functional teams.

In addition, the following DESIRED skills and/or experiences would be an asset for this role but are not required. We recognize that women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities are less likely to apply if they do not match most of the qualifications. The Nature Conservancy finds strength in diversity of backgrounds, lived experiences, knowledge, and identities. We strongly encourage those interested who bring new perspectives to apply, and please view these as areas or skillsets where you will have opportunities for growth and professional development.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice.
• Proven experience writing successful funding proposals for high-net-worth individuals, corporations, or foundations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Experience utilizing a donor database/CRM, email communication tools, and design software.
• Knowledge and application of current and evolving issues related to conservation, climate, and/or environmental work.

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. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

TNC also fosters an environment supportive of empowering our employees, amplifying an equitable workforce, and creating opportunities to participate in our nine Employee Resource Groups.

In alignment with the global organization, the Tri-State chapter is making an intentional effort to creating a community of inclusivity and belonging through collaboration and feedback. We're committed to building a culture based on trust, transparency, empathy, and accountability. We value individuality and difference of backgrounds and ideas, and we encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $63,240 - $69,500 for annual base salary. 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.

To apply for job ID 54634, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact .

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 diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. 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 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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.