Associate Director of Development

The Associate Director of Development I (ADoD I) works closely with the development team to implement and coordinate effective discovery strategies with individual prospects and foundations across the greater NY area.

The Associate Director of Development I is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor discovery strategies. They will be responsible for working through a portfolio of prospects with varying degrees of inclination and capacity. They will qualify prospects and be responsible for direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs. They listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. The ADoD I provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve appropriate partners in the field and staff at the Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and direct questions as appropriate. They are able to feature the programs of the Conservancy in broad terms. They may be responsible for volunteer engagement within formal and/or informal networks. The ADoD I will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may participate in the development of proposals.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Act independently and in supervisor’s stead as needed, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.

• Decisions may have program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.

• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.

• Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.

• Financial responsibility includes working within a budget and meeting fundraising objectives.

• Independently manage assigned projects, coordinating with the work of peers and setting deadlines.

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

• Manage a growth portfolio of 100 – 125 donors focused on discovery. Once developed, the portfolio will include donors with the capacity to give over $100,000. Responsible for 75 – 100 visits in year 1, with a progressive goal in following years. Qualify 8-10% of meetings. Fundraising goal in year 1 of $200,000 or more, with an aggressive growth to $500,000 in year 2.

• Support and actively participate in the planning, coordination, and execution of strategic events to advance organizational goals and enhance stakeholder engagement.

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

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

We’re Looking for You:

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?”, but you don’t know where to go or have the time to do it? Welcome to The Nature Conservancy.

You have found the solution and now you can pointedly make a difference every day! By joining our NY team, you will become part of a group that is a force for nature and people. Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together. We’re looking for an individual with fundraising or business development experience who wants to make a difference. The Conservancy is a global conservation leader and one of the top fundraising charities in the United States.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years related experience or an equivalent combination.

• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.

• Entrepreneurial and creative in donor discovery and outreach.

• Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $25,000 or more.

• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.

• Experience working with cross-functional teams.

• Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles and practices.

• Facility with donor databases.

Desired Qualifications:

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

• 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.

• Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.

• Knowledge of current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.

• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.

• Proven ability to negotiate high profile or sensitive agreements.

• Working knowledge of the basics of charitable gift planning.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $100,000 - $120,000. 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.


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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.