Office Location:

New Haven, Connecticut, United States

This is a hybrid position that requires at least 1 day of in person presence at our New Haven office per week. 

#Li-Hybrid

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 planet’s toughest environmental 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 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 more insights? 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.”

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 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.
• This currently includes the Development Program Senior Specialist, Donor Communications Manager, and Major Gifts Manager.
• Supervise functions such as donor database maintenance, gift coding and revenue tracking, prospect research (including identifying new prospects), donor communications (including the annual report to donors and year-end appeal in collaboration with Marketing and Communications), adherence to prospect management, solicitation, and reporting schedules, and vendor management.
• Partner with the Director of Development and Finance Team colleagues in annual budgeting and fundraising goal-setting process.
• Monitor the Philanthropy Team’s expense budget.
• Support 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.
• Oversee and provide support for events and meetings with Philanthropy Team colleagues (e.g., donor cultivation dinners, receptions, or other events including outdoor events; board, committee, and/or other meetings). This includes the preparation of reports and other materials for these events and meetings.
• In TNC’s current fundraising campaign and any future campaigns, oversee the tracking of donor strategies, solicitations, and revenue; reporting; and any consultant and/or vendor relationships.
• Special fundraising related projects and other duties as assigned.

The Associate Director works in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff (including TNC’s executive leadership as well as TNC in CT’s 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 complex organization and leading staff as well as experience in administration including project management, event planning, and basic budgeting, this may be the role for you. The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut seeks a collaborative, 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 new $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 multiple 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 events as needed.
• The Connecticut Business Unit is currently operating on a hybrid model, requiring staff to work onsite at least one day per week (Tuesdays) and as needed. Candidates must be available to work onsite on Tuesdays. Subject to change.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to manage and implement complex processes and/or experience in a large, complex organization(s).
• Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills; a collaborative and compassionate approach to leadership and teamwork. 
• Successful experience achieving strategic program goals.
• Strong organization, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• 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.
• At least basic understanding of budgeting and accounting practices.

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!

Auto Safety Policy:

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $90,000 - $105,000 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.