Jan 27th, 2025
The Nature Conservancy
Associate Director of Philanthropy
( Washington | Hybrid )
About the Organization
Who We Are:
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. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People,
Communities, and Cultures. (https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/who-we-are/diversity-and-inclusion/)
Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding
mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-o5jtJniubZjnNuR4zpvmTBaiC-ZiSbJ )or on Glassdoor. (https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-The-Nature-Conservancy-EI_IE14686.11,33.htm?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_yaQ5AcLeP8txjFGT5aSnaoIlHU8K8sYLNtzGDByF1KE-1635337767-0-gqNtZGzNAqWjcnBszRV9)
Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”
Job Description
Position salary range: $ 80,3000- $100,000
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Associate Director of Philanthropy (ADOP I) works as part of the Washington team, partnering closely with Philanthropy and Conservation staff in Washington and across the organization on multi-year strategies for major gift prospects to raise philanthropic resources for The Nature Conservancy.
The ADOP I is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing long lasting relationships. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor strategies and moves management. They will be responsible for direct asks to donors in support of both local and global priorities to meet funding needs. As a member of the Washington team, they can effectively share the Conservancy’s priorities, programs, and impact. They listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts including planned gifts and trade lands. The ADOP I provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and stay informed on the conservation impact of their giving in the hopes of encouraging greater and future giving. They collaborate with 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 may work with conservation and finance staff to build a proposal budget that accurately estimates revenue and expense for a development project. They will develop a referral network as needed and may manage formal and/or informal networks of volunteers. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may develop proposals.
We’re Looking for You:
The Associate Director of Philanthropy (ADOP I) works as part of the Washington team, partnering closely with Philanthropy and Conservation staff in Washington and across the organization on multiyear strategies for major gift prospects to raise philanthropic resources for The Nature Conservancy.
The ADOP I is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing long lasting relationships. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor strategies and moves management. They will be responsible for direct asks to donors in support of both local and global priorities to meet funding needs. As a member of the Washington team, they can effectively share the Conservancy’s priorities, programs, and impact. They listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts including planned gifts and trade lands. The ADOP I provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and stay informed on the conservation impact of their giving in the hopes of encouraging greater and future giving. They collaborate with 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 may work with conservation and finance staff to build a proposal budget that accurately estimates revenue and expense for a development project. They will develop a referral network as needed and may manage formal and/or informal networks of volunteers. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may develop proposals.
RESPONSIBILITES & SCOPE
• Manage a portfolio 75-100 donors, including donors with the capacity to give at a minimum $100K over 3 years once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for 65+ visits and 200+ moves annually. Annual fundraising goal of $1M or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications.
• Act independently as needed, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Decisions may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
• Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
• Financial responsibility includes working within a budget and meeting fundraising objectives.
• Manage assigned projects, coordinating the work of peers and setting deadlines when needed.
• Manage or participate in complex or sensitive negotiations.
• Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups who are important to the organization’s overall prosperity.
Work Environment and Schedule
• The ADOP I is based in the Washington chapter and assumes a regular work week schedule with options to work remotely or hybrid, with the expectation to participate in office as needed.
• Schedule may require some travel and, potentially, on short notice, and work long and flexible hours as needed. Most travel is within the Puget Sound region with some travel throughout Washington state.
• Work environment involves infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain, including leading donor field trips.
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 in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles and practices.
• Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 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.
• Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.
• Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.
• Knowledge of current trends in the charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.
• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
• Working knowledge of the basics of charitable gift planning.
What We Bring:
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!
The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility
needs of the people we employ
Salary Info:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $80,300-$100,000 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.
For flexible location:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the following ranges for annual base salary:
• Salary range in Seattle: $ 87,600- $100,000 annually
• Salary range in other Washington State locations: $ 80,300- $91,800 annually
How To Apply:
To apply for job ID 56216, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at
https://careers.nature.org/. The application deadline is 2/24/2025 at 8:59 PM PST. 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.
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.
Contact email for applicants applyhelp@tnc.org
Link to apply or for additional info https://careers.nature.org/psc/tnccareers/APPLICANT/APPL/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U