Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations develops, implements, and manages effective multi-year strategies and plans for the cultivation and solicitation of gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and/or institutions.

The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program by conceiving, developing, and managing plans and strategies to lead a “best in class” corporate and foundation fundraising team. They understand and apply complex principles of developing donor strategies and build strong relationships with a portfolio of new and current corporate and foundation donors and prospects. They will directly manage a portfolio of PG and MG level corporate and foundation philanthropic prospects/donors and fundraising staff that specialize in corporate and foundation philanthropy and engagement. The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will establish metrics for each fundraiser, be held accountable to their team’s fundraising metrics/goals and will keep their direct reports accountable to their individual and team fundraising metrics/goals. They will be responsible for exploring interest and capacity for support at the least restricted levels possible while making direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs. They ensure the highest level of stewardship, including written reports, phone and in-person meetings, trips, and events, as appropriate. They understand organizational budgets and are proficient in utilizing this knowledge to build proposal budgets. The Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations will staff chapter leadership as a moves manager as appropriate. They will manage assigned trustee relationships and/or volunteer engagement. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database.

We’re Looking for You:

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 leading various, 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!

A cover letter is encouraged, but not required. Applicants may use this opportunity to describe their interest in the position, relevant leadership experience, and how their background aligns with the responsibilities and goals of the role.

Responsibilities & Scope:

• Apply critical and strategic thinking in developing a corporate and foundation strategy to substantially increase Florida’s institutional fundraising pipeline, solicitations of gifts, and overall fundraising levels year after year.

• Manage a portfolio of 30-50 corporate/foundation donors. Responsible for 90 – 110 moves and at least 15 letters of intent or proposals annually. Annual fundraising goal of $5,000,000 or more.

• Work effectively with conservation, finance, legal, and philanthropy staff and serve as a liaison for identifying and translating programmatic funding needs into compelling institutional opportunities.

• Work to increase unrestricted and flexible funding to Florida, regionally and globally.

• Broad management of fundraising staff with annual personal fundraising goals of $1,000,000 or more, including recruitment, retention, professional development, establishing clear directions, and setting “stretch” objectives. Ensure direct reports have robust portfolios and measurable metrics.

• Decisions may have program-wide impact, affect staff in non-program areas, and bind the organization financially or legally.

• Direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high-profile, or sensitive agreements.

• Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements; be alert to ethical compliance issues.

• Financial responsibility for setting and meeting fundraising objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies.

• Implement and lead multiple collaborative and complex projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability.

• Maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.

• Maximum opportunity to act independently resolves complex issues within scope.

• May supervise support or administrative staff.

• Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to various groups important to the organization’s overall prosperity.

• Travel frequently and on short notice, work long and weekends as needed.

• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years related experience. 
• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with constituents such as major donors and corporations.
• Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $75,000 or more, including planned gifts. 
• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
• Experience working with fundraising principles and practices. 
• Experience, coursework, or other training in current and evolving trends in charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to design and implement fundraising strategies, including cultivation, solicitation, and recognition strategies.
• 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.
• Advanced knowledge of complex charitable gift planning.
• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $108,000.00 – $135,000.00. 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.