Hiring Organization Information
Position Information
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. 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 or on Glassdoor.
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.”
The Oregon Director of Development (DOD) is responsible for directing all aspects of the Oregon Business Unit development program that secures significant financial resources from individuals, foundations and corporations, and individuals to support conservation priorities in Oregon and around the world. The DOD will establish the vision for areas of responsibility, identify key challenges, develop, and synthesize a plan of action, and deliver targeted outcomes.
- Accountable for setting and reaching an annual ambitious team fundraising goal of commitments from Oregon donors to The Nature Conservancy priorities, at the global, national, and local levels of $7-10 million per year. Also accountable for setting and reaching an ambitious team fundraising goal of commitments from TNC donors to Oregon programs and capital projects at $5 million or more per year.
- Lead, inspire and develop a team of seven fundraising professionals with direct supervision of six staff, with responsibilities including recruitment, retaining, training, professional development, establishing clear directions, and setting “stretch” objectives.
- Play a key role in the recruitment, education, relationship management, and inspiration of the Board of Trustees, including annual and multi-year giving.
- Serve on the Executive Leadership Team contributing to the overall strategy, culture and direction of the Oregon Business Unit.
- Conceive, design and direct high-level and interdepartmental projects, coordinating the work of other professionals, managing budget, and ensuring program accountability.
- Conceive, design, and lead strategic initiatives and goals through collaboration with senior-level stakeholders in order to enhance overall performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.
- Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Ensure functional program meets commitments and is managed for ethical compliance with TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements.
- Exercise leadership in strategic and tactical manners, works with fellow leaders to establish and evaluate policies and/or long-term programs.
- Use database to update donor information in system to track trends and produce reports on key fundraising data.
- Financial management of program; setting budget and fundraising objectives, analyzing results, and taking corrective actions.
- Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.
- Strategic decisions may affect public image, impact multiple programs, and bind the organization financially or legally.
- In-state travel 10-15% occasionally on short notice, with some weekend and evening hours.
- Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
Reporting to the State Director, the Director of Development is responsible for the strategy and implementation of fundraising for the Oregon Business Unit, including proposing and developing fundraising goals and strategic priorities for the program and leading the philanthropy team on the development and implementation of strategies, plans, and tactics. The DOD is a part of a six-member Executive Leadership Team for the Oregon Business Unit, who inspires and leads the strategy for optimal function to achieve the greatest conservation results. The DOD spends up to 20% time serving on the Oregon Executive Leadership Team, contributing to decisions and modelling values affecting all Oregon staff and providing guidance on philanthropy strategy and impacts.
The Director of Development is a key leader in motivating and coordinating staff, conservation experts, and trustees towards the implementation of a strategic, integrated, and collaborative approach across the organization. The DOD manages long-range strategic priorities, advances the Conservancy’s goals, and communicates a broad vision to others. They play a key role in collaborating and leading development colleagues at the divisional, national, and global level to advance the Conservancy’s philanthropic priorities and processes. They partner with programs to establish, monitor, and track measures, lead indicators, and activity level benchmarks in order to achieve maximum success. They lead strategic dialogues with major donors, trustees, and senior-level stakeholders, probing to identify key issues and requirements, negotiating, and developing solutions, and synthesizing a plan of action tailored to each audience. They set standards for the program and make recommendations to optimize resources throughout the Conservancy. They lead relations with key stakeholders, including executive and senior management, internal teams, donors, trustees, and outside service providers, to achieve strategic program goals. They are responsible for reporting on program activities and metrics to internal leadership and to the Oregon Board of Trustees and its committees.
The Director of Development is responsible for maximizing and increasing the program’s portfolio of donors and will be accountable for a select group of prospects and donors. They will serve as staff lead for TNC-Oregon’s Philanthropy and Outreach and partner with the State Director in staffing and leading strategy for the Nominations and Governance Committee.
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree and 9 years related experience, including 3 years working at a senior level.
- Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations, and corporations.
- Track record of cultivating and closing 6-7 figure gifts.
- Experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.
- Experience working in a large, complex, not-for-profit environment.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of relevant field.
- Management experience of a large multidisciplinary department, including planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Effectively communicate via presentations, conversations, and documents.
- Experience in designing overall fundraising strategy for a program or unit and supervising a principal/major gift program.
- Experience in managing a geographically dispersed team.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline.
- Experience and interest in developing philanthropy professionals and volunteers including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and foster an environment of creatively and professional growth.
- Expert understanding of best practices in non-profit management.
- Experience fundraising for multiple strategies that are deployed at a local, regional, and global scale.
- Knowledge of advanced gift planning concepts.