Associate Director of Development

What We Can Achieve Together: 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. The Rhode Island Chapter is comprised of 30 employees who are committed to teamwork through cross-collaboration, professional development, and an inclusive office culture. Our team is dedicated to community and engagement practices that help our staff find balance and thrive. We recognize that people bring talent and lived experiences in addition to professional skill. Passion, innovation, and equity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply. The Associate Director of Philanthropy develops, implements, and manages effective multi-year strategies and plans for the cultivation and solicitation of gift prospects, primarily individual donors and potential corporate, foundation, and institutional funders. This person will join a business unit level team that works collaboratively and flexibly. This role is ideal for a strategic fundraiser who enjoys identifying, qualifying, and building relationships with new major donor prospects while also managing a portfolio of established donors to contribute to the ongoing mission of our global conservation work. We’re Looking for You: The Associate Director of Development for The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and managing relationships. Applying donor strategy principles, they will be responsible for direct asks for local and global priorities to meet funding needs. They will solicit opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. This role includes specific focus on major gifts solicitation, including support for local and global fundraising priorities. They understand organizational budgets and are proficient in utilizing this knowledge to build proposal budgets. The ADOD will involve appropriate partners in the field and staff at the Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and direct questions as appropriate. They will apply extensive knowledge of principles and advanced techniques to represent various funding needs. They will support donor and volunteer engagement within formal and informal networks. The ADOD may mentor other individual contributors as an expect adviser. They will work collaboratively across chapters and programs with a spirit of “One Conservancy” and leverage institutional knowledge and networks for successful and sophisticated donor strategies. Specific responsibilities include: Cultivate and manage a portfolio of 75 – 125 donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $100,000, once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for 75 – 125 visits and 225 – 375 moves annually. Annual fundraising goal of $500,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications. Support discovery for corporate and portfolio management in collaboration with program staff, board of trustee members, and partners. Implement donor strategy tracking and develop aligned portfolio goals, producing  discovery and performance metrics as assigned.  Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to various groups important to the organization’s overall prosperity. Apply discretion and balanced decision-making in donor strategy, relationship management, and fundraising activities that have implications across programs and organizational priorities. Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external requirements; maintaining knowledge for donor, legal, and IRS requirements and compliance issues. Financial responsibility for setting and meeting fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies. Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and sometimes emotionally charged information in accordance with policy and guidance. Support staff as fundraisers across programs and organizational priorities. Periodical regional travel, sometimes at short notice, work long hours and weekends as needed. Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.  What You'll Bring: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience or an equivalent combination. Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents. Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $25,000 or more. Experience managing a pipeline of six- and seven-figure gift prospects and donors Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors. Experience working with cross-functional teams. Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles and practices. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. Experience with designing and implementing fundraising strategies, including cultivation, solicitation and recognition strategies. Ability to determine an individual’s interests, capacity and potential for helping the Conservancy meet its goals, and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancy’s work. Advanced knowledge of current trends in the charitable giving, capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving. Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers. Proven ability to negotiate complex, high profile or sensitive agreements. 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