Director of Philanthropy - The Nature Conservancy : Job Details

OFFICE LOCATION

Lawrence, Kansas, United States

Kansas City, Kansas, United States

This position is based in Kansas and may work out of a home and/or TNC office within the state of Kansas or Kansas-adjacent community.

#Li-Hybrid

WHO WE ARE

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.

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) will lead philanthropy efforts to meet strategic priorities of The Nature Conservancy in Kansas. This is a high-profile opportunity for a dynamic fund raising professional with the ability to lead the philanthropic efforts in the state. The DOP will build out a strong annual giving and major gifts program to complement an existing and committed base of supporters. The DOP will focus on development from individuals, foundations, corporations, international organizations, and others to support the Conservancy's mission. The Kansas philanthropy team works closely with conservation staff to ensure fund raising efforts are well aligned with programmatic priorities. As a part of a global organization, the Director of Philanthropy will occasionally cultivate and solicit Kansas donors toward regional, national, and global priorities and work jointly with non-Kansas fundraisers on out-of-state conservation opportunities. The DOP will report to the Kansas State Director to achieve Conservancy goals in collaboration with the Kansas Board of Trustees, Kansas staff, and external partners.

The Kansas DOP will be responsible for a select portfolio of prospects and donors. The DOP may also be responsible for volunteer engagement and management of selected trustee relationships. The DOP will travel frequently and on short notice, work long hours and weekends. The work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The Nature Conservancy in Kansas seeks a strong Director of Philanthropy (DOP) as we execute on our ambitious conservation goals. Our business unit has a talented and experienced staff of 25+, an engaged Board of Trustees, and a robust program with an annual budget of approximately $5 million. The DOP role offers a unique opportunity to design and implement a strategic fundraising approach to support conservation priorities in Kansas and to be involved with conservation programs at the state and regional levels.

The DOP plays a critical role in our conservation work by leading the philanthropy program and staff for Kansas, developing new and existing donors, forming partnerships, working with the Kansas Board of Trustees, and serving as a key member of the Kansas Management Team. The DOP reports directly to the State Director and will be based at the Conservancy's Lawrence office, minimum of once a week.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

The Director of Philanthropy leads the Kansas philanthropy program and team, supports the Board and state director, provides staff leadership to the Kansas Board of Trustees, provides strategic leadership to the business unit as a member of the Kansas Management Team, and collaborates with colleagues around the world to maximize overall giving for the Conservancy.

* Fundraising: Secures annual unit fundraising of $5 million, as well as planned gifts and endowments to fund the Chapter's conservation priorities. Secures additional funds for global priorities.

* Leads philanthropy team: Recruits, develops, retains, and inspires team of approximately 3.5 full-time fundraising and support professionals. Sets team objectives, gives clear direction, provides coaching and career development, and oversees the team's day-to-day work.

* Board leadership: Provides staff leadership for the Kansas Board of Trustees Fund Development Committee to maximize the Board's role in major gift fundraising.

* One Conservancy: Works with local staff and colleagues around the world to recommend and implement donor-driven fundraising strategies that maximize overall giving to the Conservancy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor's degree and 7 years' related experience.

* Demonstrated experience identifying prospective donors, cultivating donor relationships, and securing major gifts.

* Experience writing grant proposals and securing grants from public and private funders.

* Experience with prospect research.

* Experience presenting to a wide range of audiences, verbally and in writing.

* Experience collaborating with trustees.

* Experience developing and managing budgets.

* Experience managing a multidisciplinary team.

* Experience developing, managing, and implementing multiple projects and strategic goals.

* Experience working across complex organizations.

* Experience working with cross-functional teams across multiple organizational levels.

* Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of relevant field.

Preferred qualifications

* CFRE certification.

* Advance degree in a relevant field

* Experience and/or knowledge of current wildlife conservation issues and trends.

* A strong reputation and network in conservation fund development.

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. 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.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

In Kansas, The Nature Conservancy works to conserve the state's natural resources, including native grasslands, healthy streams, and wetlands, to sustain and enrich life. This includes special places like Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve whose subtle beauty attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year; Cheyenne Bottoms, one of the most important bird-migration stops in North America; and Smoky Valley Ranch, a repository of 100-million-year-old ancient sea fossils and modern-day home of bison, prairie dogs, mule deer, and pronghorn. Over the past 35 years, The Nature Conservancy in Kansas has helped conserve 600 miles of streams and the permanent protection of 200,000 acres of important habitats across the state.

The Nature Conservancy's Development Program is truly one-of-a-kind, and development staff throughout the organization have opportunities to engage with donors at the highest level and work with truly remarkable trustees and volunteer leadership. TNC fundraisers have access to extensive learning opportunities focused on professional/functional skills, management and leadership including customized internal offerings and the best of what the external learning marketplace offers. In addition to joining our strong Kansas team, the DOP will have the opportunity to collaborate with teams across the globe, participate in engaging speaker series, senior leadership office hours, and regular updates on developments in conservation and science. Our Kansas team is also supported by experts in specialized areas of fundraising including tax benefits, estate planning, and non-cash giving.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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 under the FAQ section.

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 $100,000 - $125,000 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.

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