Associate Director of Development Operations
What We Can Achieve Together:
Reporting to the Director of Development, the Associate Director of Development Operations for The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut (TNC in CT) leads private fundraising operations for the Connecticut Business Unit’s Philanthropy Team (currently six people in total) in support of critical state, regional, and global conservation goals.
The Associate Director of Development Operations for TNC in CT will:
- Oversee the Philanthropy Team’s administrative activities to optimize each team member’s contributions.
- Manage and provide leadership and mentorship for staff.
- Supervise functions such as donor database maintenance, gift coding and revenue tracking, prospect research (including identifying new prospects), calendar year and fiscal year end outreach (including the mailing of the Annual Report, produced by Marketing and Communications, to donors), adherence to prospect management, solicitation, and reporting schedules, and vendor management.
- Work closely with the Director of Development and Finance colleagues to set measurable goals and metrics for programmatic success, build a strong donor/prospect pipeline, increase accountability, and aid in building a fundraising program that can meet and exceed market potential. Monitor the Philanthropy Team’s expense budget.
- Manage philanthropy effectiveness including monitoring key performance indicators and progress to fundraising and related goals as well as portfolio management and development together with the Development Program Senior Specialist, Major Gifts Manager, Director of Development, and donor relationship managers.
- Plan events and meetings that add strategic value with Philanthropy Team colleagues (e.g., donor cultivation dinners, receptions or other events including outdoor events; board, committee, and/or other meetings). This includes preparing reports and other materials for these events and meetings and ensuring compliance with TNC’s specialized event and trip protocols.
- In TNC’s current fundraising campaign and any future campaigns, manage the tracking of donor strategies, solicitations, and revenue; reporting; and any consultant and/or vendor relationships.
- Maintain expert knowledge of the Development-focused systems and resources utilized by the team.
- Special fundraising related projects and other duties as assigned.
May collaborate on fundraising operations for the Northeast Division, of which CT is a part, to a greater extent in the future.
The Associate Director works in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff (including TNC’s executive leadership and Northeast Division colleagues as well as TNC in CT’s State Director (liaising with the State Director’s Office), Finance and Marketing and Communications staff), donors, Trustees, vendors, financial institutions, and legal and accounting professionals.
They may travel occasionally (e.g., for events in Connecticut approximately monthly, training nationally 1 – 3 times per year) and work extended and flexible hours occasionally. The work environment may involve occasional exposure to weather elements and/or minor physical exertion/strain.
We’re Looking for You:
If you have experience working in a large, complex, fast-paced environment and in development, leading staff, and administration including project management, basic budgeting, and event planning, this may be the role for you. The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut seeks a collaborative, flexible, motivated leader and partner to optimize the work of its Philanthropy Team and maximize fundraising to address the biodiversity and climate crises facing Connecticut and the world during the Conservancy’s $12 billion “One Future” campaign and beyond. Join us locally, and you will truly make an impact globally.
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience or equivalent combination.
- Experience supervising staff, interns, and/or volunteers.
- Experience managing and implementing projects.
- Experience negotiating agreements.
- Experience with current and evolving technology in relevant field.
- Experience working with cross-functional teams.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.
- Availability to be on-site at the Connecticut Business Unit’s New Haven office and/or locations throughout the state for administrative needs and events. The Connecticut Business Unit is currently operating on a hybrid model. The Associate Director of Development Operations will be required to work onsite in the New Haven office at least two days per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays) and as needed. Candidates must be available to work onsite in New Haven on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Subject to change.
Desired Qualifications:
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Ability to manage and implement complex processes.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills; a collaborative and compassionate approach to leadership and teamwork.
- Comfort flexibly serving as both a manager and individual contributor.
- Successful experience achieving strategic program goals.
- Strong organization, planning, and problem-solving skills.
- At least basic understanding of budgeting and accounting practices.
- Experience planning events (at least small-scale events and/or professional meetings).
- Experience working with nonprofit boards.
- Attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated ability to write for various audiences.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $100,000-110,000 yearly 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.
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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
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 and Perks here. We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
