Director of Development

The Director of Development is responsible for directing all aspects of one or more development functions, which will secure significant financial resources to support conservation goals in Arizona and for the Western United States and Canada Division. Development functions may be a chapter development program or an individual giving, planned giving, foundation relations, and/or corporate giving program.

The Director of Development will work toward meeting the strategic priorities of the program by designing, developing, and managing plans and strategies. They focus on long-range strategic priorities, advance the Conservancy’s goals, and communicate a broad vision to others. Establishes and monitors activity level benchmarks and measures of success. Manages the development and implementation of a strategic, integrated, and collaborative approach to maximize success, including organizing communications. The DoD facilitates strategic dialogues with clients and senior-level stakeholders, probing to identify key issues and requirements, negotiating and developing solutions, and synthesizing a plan of action tailored to audience. They will direct diverse activities, develop complex practices and processes, project outcomes, and initiate changes in order to improve effectiveness. The DoD works closely with and manages relations with key stakeholders including senior management, internal teams, donors, priority vendors and volunteers to achieve program goals. Responsible for presenting analysis and recommendations to the Board of Trustees’ assigned committees. The Director of Development assists in the overall management of the Arizona Chapter as a member of its Leadership Team and manages a staff of 8-11 employees. 

The Director of Development will be responsible for a select group of prospects and donors. The size of the portfolio, and associated individual fundraising goal, will be determined in part with consideration for the scope of supervisory responsibility.

The Director of Development will lead the AZ Business Unit’s (AZBU) efforts to raise funds at the western, national and global levels, with a goal of further increasing the percent of funds raised for work outside Arizona.

The DoD will be responsible for leading a $60+ million-dollar campaign, planned to launch publicly in 2027. They will work closely with the State Director and volunteer leadership to plan and implement the campaign and will oversee relationships with trustees, including stewardship and giving.

1. Provides high-level leadership and support to Chapter’s Development programs (approx. 65%)

• Oversees a comprehensive Development program that secures the significant financial resources from foundations, corporations, or individuals within the state/country to support conservation goals in Arizona and globally.

• Manages the Development staffing and culture (hiring, coaching/mentoring, training, performance, terminations; workload capacity, etc.).

• Develops and implements a Development program strategy that is consistent with the Chapter’s strategic plans. Develops and implements annual work plans and project management plans consistent with best practices for philanthropy and TNC’s “Philanthropy by Design”.

• Both individually and in partnership with the State Director, manages a portfolio of major donors with an associated fundraising goal.

• Ensures appropriate systems are in place to support planning and decision-making and builds a culture of shared leadership that operates in accordance with TNC’s values.

• Focuses on empowering staff, trouble-shoots barriers, and communicates and manages to ensure results.

• Provides clear, concise, and timely communication, guidance and decision-making; builds clarity and consensus around goals and measures.

• Promotes cross-functional work across the Chapter.

• Collaborates with other TNC business units, division, regional or global staff to advance conservation / philanthropy priorities.

• Identifies appropriate issues that need to be addressed by the State Director and brings them to the State Director’s attention in a timely and concise manner.

• Serves as a catalyst for adaptive, creative approaches and ideas; encourages big-thinking and responsible risk-taking to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends.

2. Serves as a critical member of the Chapter Leadership Team and works with development directors across the Western US and Canada Division (approx. 20%)

• Supports the State Director and Chapter priorities; helps assess and respond to opportunities and challenges in a timely manner; provides an internal operational presence to enable the State Director to focus on key external relationships

• Coordinates closely with development staff across the Western US and Canada Division to raise funds for division priorities.

• Advances interests of the Western US and Canada Division and the AZ Chapter.

• Works closely with Director of Communications and Marketing, the Director of Strategy, the Director of Finance and Operations and other members of the Leadership team.

• Serves on or leads various project teams to meet Chapter Leadership Team and Western US and Canada Division objectives.

3. Completes essential management and administration work: Approx. 5%:

• Timely and accurate completion of administrative functions such as timecards; expense reports; employee performance evaluations/check-ins; self-performance documentation.

4. Miscellaneous: Approx. 10%

• Serves as the staff liaison to the AZ Board of Trustees’ Development and Finance Committees.

• Attends meetings-local, throughout Arizona and national.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Accountable for overall fundraising goals of $8-11 million a year through a fundraising department or development program.

• Manages a development department comprised of 8-11 fundraising sand operations staff, including recruitment, retaining, professional development, establishing clear directions, and setting “stretch” objectives.

• Designs and directs complex and diversified projects, coordinating the work of other professionals, managing budget, and ensuring program accountability.

• Develops and administers $2-million department budget and fundraising objectives, evaluates results and develops corrective strategies as needed.

• Directs or participates in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.

• Directs all future campaigns, including case studies, feasibility studies, goal setting, donor pipelines, etc.

• Engages with a 21+ member Board of Trustees.

• Ensures that programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for ethical compliance.

• Leads strategic initiatives through collaboration with senior-level stakeholders in order to enhance overall performance in accordance with short and long-term objectives.

• Maintains confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.

• Makes strategic decisions; decisions made may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.

• Plans and leads new programs/initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals are achieved.

• Responsibility and accountability for meeting strategic goals and objectives.

• Travels up to 20% time primarily within Arizona, some within U.S., occasionally work long hours and weekends.

If you have experience supervising a multidisciplinary team, closing major gifts, and working in a complex non-profit environment - look no further! The Nature Conservancy may be the place for you. We’re looking for someone who can serve as a leader and direct all aspects of one or more development functions. Apply today and find a career where you can find meaning and purpose.

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience, including experience working at a senior level. 

• Experience cultivating, soliciting and closing major gifts.

• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations and corporations.

• Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.

• Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team. 

• Experience working in a large, complex, not-for-profit environment. 

• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles, practices, and procedures of relevant field.

• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, web browsers and CRP database.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field and 10+ years’ fundraising experience at a high level.

• Experience in closing 6-7 figure gifts.

• Extensive management experience including ability to motivate and coach, lead, set objectives and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team. Ability to foster an environment of creativity and professional growth.

• Experience in working closely with nonprofit boards, identifying, nominating, recruiting, orienting & onboarding new members.

• Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation and capital campaigns.

• Ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into clear, actionable frameworks for team understanding.

• Proven success in asking for and closing major gifts and building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations and corporations.

• Possesses a working and effective understanding of the basics of charitable gift planning and knowledge of more advanced gift planning concepts a plus.

• Superb communication and presentation skills.

• Possesses relationship-building and business cultivation expertise.

• Advanced understanding of best practices in fundraising and non-profit management.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Science background and experience helpful.

• Prior experience working within a large complex institution or non-profit organization.

• Proficiency in synthesizing materials from multiple sources into a coherent and accurate summary.

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $157,000 – $180,000. 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.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

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.