Associate Director of Development

Nashville, Tennessee, USA

This role will be based in the greater Nashville area or East Tennessee for access to wealth markets in those geographies.

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.”

Since 1978, The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee helped to create or expand 31 state parks and natural areas, 20 state Wildlife Management Areas, and nine national parks, forests, and wildlife, in addition to establishing our own system of nature preserves. Between the iconic Great Smoky Mountains and the Mississippi River, the Volunteer State is renowned for its forests, rivers, caves, farmland, vibrant cities and one of the nation’s fastest growing economies. Tennessee is situated at the crossroads of a converging network of resilient and connected forests with some of the most biodiverse rivers in the country. Never has conservation of Tennessee's nature mattered more.

The Associate Director of Development (ADoD) works closely with the development team to implement and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including individual, corporate, and/or foundation donors.

The Associate Director of Development is responsible for managing and building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor strategies that fulfil the donor’s interests and align with the organization’s conservation funding needs. They are knowledgeable and can navigate conversations regarding gifts of assets and other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and real estate. The ADoD provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They are extraordinarily collaborative involving appropriate partners in the field and Global Development staff, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and direct questions as appropriate. They may be responsible for volunteer engagement within formal and/or informal networks. The ADoD will be required to use TNC’s donor database and will participate in the development of proposals. Given the geographic size of Tennessee, they will travel frequently and on short notice, work long and flexible hours as needed. The work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

The ADoD will work closely with the State Director, Board of Trustees, Development team, and Conservation program leaders to plan, implement, and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including individual donors, foundations and corporations to support the conservation goals of the Nature Conservancy’s Tennessee Business Unit.

The ADoD is responsible for building and maintaining a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships. They will:

• Build and manage a portfolio of 75 - 100 individual/corporate/foundation donors with the capacity to give over $100,000.
• Responsible for approximately 225-300 qualified moves annually.
• Meet or exceed annual fundraising goal of $500,000 and continue to grow from there.
• Meet or exceed fundraising goals for TNC in TN and additional TNC priority projects/programs.
• Understand project budgets; may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge.
• Develop personalized written proposals and submit grant proposals as needed.
• Increase and manage the donor pipeline so it is adequately populated with quality discovery prospects.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?”, but you don’t know where to go or have the time to do it? Welcome to The Nature Conservancy.

You have found the solution and now you can make a difference every day! By joining our Tennessee team, you will become part of a group that is a force for nature and people. Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together. We’re looking for an individual with fundraising or business development experience who wants to make a difference. The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation leader and one of the top fundraising charities in the United States.

• 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 in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles and practices.

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.

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $75,000 – $95,000 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.

To apply for job ID 56608, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org 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.