The Associate Director of Development develops, implements, and manages effective multi-year strategies and plans for the cultivation and solicitation of gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, institutions, and/or individual donors. 

The Associate Director of Development II understands and applies complex principles of developing donor strategies and builds strong relationships with a portfolio of new and current donors and prospects. The ADoD II will cultivate donors from annual giving to major or planned gifts. They will be responsible for direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs. They discuss assets proficiently and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. They will incorporate blended gifts and gifts of assets in proposals to donors. They can discuss the priorities of the Conservancy. They have knowledge of charitable giving, particularly private foundations, operating foundations and Donor Advised Funds. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database. Work related travel will be expected. While schedules can remain flexible, the role involves working across multiple time zones, and they should be prepared to work unconventional hours and occasional weekends. The work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.  They will report to the Africa Director of Development. This position will be based in the USA or in any Africa country where TNC has a registered office (Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, South Africa, Gabon or Angola)  

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in working with a diverse, multi-disciplinary team and donors.

The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience with fundraising practices, managing relationships, and evolving trends in charitable giving. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

Specific roles and key responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of qualified donors, cultivating strong relationships to secure six- and seven-figure gifts in support of organizational and Africa Region priorities.
• Serve as a key partner in advancing the Africa Region’s fundraising goals, driving progress toward ambitious annual and campaign operational and capital targets.
• Drive donor discovery initiatives by utilizing research and natural partners to identify new prospects, evaluate capacity and alignment with strategic priorities, and develop cultivation strategies to grow the donor pipeline.
• Represent the Africa Region and global fundraising teams on key organizational initiatives, ensuring a global perspective is incorporated into complex donor strategies and decision-making.
• Create opportunities for donor engagement and recognition, involving appropriate partners in the field and at the Worldwide Office, keeping them informed of interactions, issues, and concerns, and addressing questions as needed.
• Participate in negotiations for complex, high-profile, or sensitive agreements.
• Implement and manage multiple collaborative projects, influencing team priorities, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability across stakeholders.
• Effectively communicate and advocate for TNC’s mission to diverse audiences critical to the organization’s success.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when handling sensitive or emotionally charged information.
• Travel on short notice and work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• Operate in a professional environment with minimal exposure to disagreeable elements and only occasional physical exertion or strain.

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 years related experience or an equivalent combination. 
• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
• Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $100,000 or more. 
• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, preferably in a large non-profit.
• Experience working with fundraising principles and practices. 
• Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to design and manage fundraising strategies, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.
• Ability to determine an individual’s interests, capacity and potential for helping the Conservancy meet its goals, and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancy’s work.
• Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.
• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.