The Organization
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 79 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.
Position Overview
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is seeking a strong Texas Director of Development (DOD) as we execute on our ambitious conservation goals. A trusted name in conservation within the state and beyond, The Nature Conservancy in Texas has worked since 1964 to protect the state’s cherished landscapes and develop sound science to support ecology, economy, public health and equity. With a strong and talented staff of 48, a diverse Board of Trustees comprised of 16 members and 13 honorary Trustees from around the state, 2 main offices, 6 remote offices and a resilient, robust program in place, this role offers a unique opportunity to design and implement a strategic fundraising approach to support Texas’ conservation priorities—and to help shape a resilient, equitable future for the Lone Star State. The DOD reports directly to the Texas State Director and is a critical member of the Texas Management Team.
· Works with Texas staff and colleagues around the world to recommend and implement donor-driven fundraising strategies that maximize overall giving to the Conservancy and secures annual fundraising goals of $9 million per year in donations and planned gifts to fund the Conservancy high-priority conservation projects in Texas. The DOD recruits, develops, inspires, and manages a team of high-performing fundraising and support professionals and plans and implements a comprehensive fundraising and development program that raises significant philanthropic resources from foundations, corporations, and individuals.
· Establishes, implements and tracks measures and indicators of fundraising progress and success. Manages a team of 10 fundraising professionals and reinforces compliance and consistency with related organizational policies and procedures. They lead diverse activities, develop complex processes, achieve project outcomes, and initiate solutions to improve the effectiveness of the Texas Chapter’s fundraising strategy.
· Provides senior leadership to establish fundraising campaigns and works with senior staff to establish and execute annual and multi-year fundraising goals and plans for the Texas Chapter.
· Ensures the philanthropy work is a collaborative and well-integrated effort across the Texas Chapter. Works closely with Finance, Conservation and Communications Programs in developing fundraising, messaging and marketing strategies and providing guidance for funding proposals and related materials.
· Informs chapter budget planning to align with market potential and funding opportunities.
· Develops a written development plan for identified conservation priority areas, including specific funding opportunities aligned with strategies. Assesses effectiveness of the chapter’s development plan in support of conservation goals.
· Leads, inspires, and manages the 10-member Texas Chapter’s Development Team to achieve relationship-building and funding objectives. Sets and meets fundraising objectives, evaluates results and develops effective strategies as needed; recruits, develops, and retains high-performing staff and nurtures effective team collaboration; and directly manages a portfolio of high-level donors and/or fundraising volunteers.
· Works closely with the Texas Chapter Board of Trustees to maximize its role in major gift fundraising and collaborates with the State Director and Trustees in the identification, recruitment, onboarding and development of new volunteer leaders.
· Actively fosters collaboration with The Nature Conservancy’s Worldwide Office, and with fundraising programs of other chapters to achieve the Conservancy’s goals.
Desired Skills & Experience
· Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience, including experience working at a senior level.
· Experience asking for and closing major gifts.
· Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents including major donors, foundations, and corporations.
· Experience in developing and delivering budgetary responsibilities.
· Experience in developing accurate fundraising projections.
· Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
· Experience working in a large, complex, not-for-profit organization
· Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of private gift fundraising or relevant field.
How To Apply
To view the full position description and apply, please visit https://careers.nature.org and search for job ID# 49154 in the keyword search or apply directly here. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received, and the position will remain open until filled. If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. Please visit our career center for a full list of all our open positions globally – new positions are posted often!