Office Location:

Lawrence, Kansas, United States

Kansas City, Kansas, United States 

This position is based in Kansas and may work out of a home and/or TNC office within the state of Kansas or Kansas-adjacent community. 

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 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.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Director of Philanthropy (DOP) will lead philanthropy efforts to meet strategic priorities of The Nature Conservancy in Kansas. This is a high-profile opportunity for a dynamic fund raising professional with the ability to lead the philanthropic efforts in the state. The DOP will build out a strong annual giving and major gifts program to complement an existing and committed base of supporters. The DOP will focus on development from individuals, foundations, corporations, international organizations, and others to support the Conservancy’s mission. The Kansas philanthropy team works closely with conservation staff to ensure fund raising efforts are well aligned with programmatic priorities. As a part of a global organization, the Director of Philanthropy will occasionally cultivate and solicit Kansas donors toward regional, national, and global priorities and work jointly with non-Kansas fundraisers on out-of-state conservation opportunities. The DOP will report to the Kansas State Director to achieve Conservancy goals in collaboration with the Kansas Board of Trustees, Kansas staff, and external partners.

The Kansas DOP will be responsible for a select portfolio of prospects and donors. The DOP may also be responsible for volunteer engagement and management of selected trustee relationships. The DOP will travel frequently and on short notice, work long hours and weekends.  The work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy in Kansas seeks a strong Director of Philanthropy (DOP) as we execute on our ambitious conservation goals. Our business unit has a talented and experienced staff of 25+, an engaged Board of Trustees, and a robust program with an annual budget of approximately $5 million. The DOP role offers a unique opportunity to design and implement a strategic fundraising approach to support conservation priorities in Kansas and to be involved with conservation programs at the state and regional levels.

The DOP plays a critical role in our conservation work by leading the philanthropy program and staff for Kansas, developing new and existing donors, forming partnerships, working with the Kansas Board of Trustees, and serving as a key member of the Kansas Management Team. The DOP reports directly to the State Director and will be based at the Conservancy’s Topeka office.

What You’ll Bring:

The Director of Philanthropy leads the Kansas philanthropy program and team, supports the Board and state director, provides staff leadership to the Kansas Board of Trustees, provides strategic leadership to the business unit as a member of the Kansas Management Team, and collaborates with colleagues around the world to maximize overall giving for the Conservancy.

• Fundraising: Secures annual unit fundraising of $5 million, as well as planned gifts and endowments to fund the Chapter’s conservation priorities. Secures additional funds for global priorities.
• Leads philanthropy team: Recruits, develops, retains, and inspires team of approximately 3.5 full-time fundraising and support professionals. Sets team objectives, gives clear direction, provides coaching and career development, and oversees the team’s day-to-day work.
• Board leadership: Provides staff leadership for the Kansas Board of Trustees Fund Development Committee to maximize the Board’s role in major gift fundraising.
• One Conservancy: Works with local staff and colleagues around the world to recommend and implement donor-driven fundraising strategies that maximize overall giving to the Conservancy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years’ related experience.
• Demonstrated experience identifying prospective donors, cultivating donor relationships, and securing major gifts.
• Experience writing grant proposals and securing grants from public and private funders.
• Experience with prospect research.
• Experience presenting to a wide range of audiences, verbally and in writing.
• Experience collaborating with trustees.
• Experience developing and managing budgets.
• Experience managing a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience developing, managing, and implementing multiple projects and strategic goals.
• Experience working across complex organizations.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams across multiple organizational levels.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of relevant field.

Preferred qualifications

• CFRE certification.
• Advance degree in a relevant field
• Experience and/or knowledge of current wildlife conservation issues and trends.
• A strong reputation and network in conservation fund development.

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!

Additional Information:

In Kansas, The Nature Conservancy works to conserve the state’s natural resources, including native grasslands, healthy streams, and wetlands, to sustain and enrich life. This includes special places like Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve whose subtle beauty attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year; Cheyenne Bottoms, one of the most important bird-migration stops in North America; and Smoky Valley Ranch, a repository of 100-million-year-old ancient sea fossils and modern-day home of bison, prairie dogs, mule deer, and pronghorn. Over the past 35 years, The Nature Conservancy in Kansas has helped conserve 600 miles of streams and the permanent protection of 200,000 acres of important habitats across the state.

The Nature Conservancy’s Development Program is truly one-of-a-kind, and development staff throughout the organization have opportunities to engage with donors at the highest level and work with truly remarkable trustees and volunteer leadership. TNC fundraisers have access to extensive learning opportunities focused on professional/functional skills, management and leadership including customized internal offerings and the best of what the external learning marketplace offers. In addition to joining our strong Kansas team, the DOP will have the opportunity to collaborate with teams across the globe, participate in engaging speaker series, senior leadership office hours, and regular updates on developments in conservation and science. Our Kansas team is also supported by experts in specialized areas of fundraising including tax benefits, estate planning, and non-cash giving.

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 $100,000 - $125,000 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.