Development Director Jobs in Chicago, IL

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Senior Associate Director of Development (Senior ADoD) works closely with the development team to plan, implement, and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and/or individual donors.

The Senior Associate Director of Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of qualified donors and building strong relationships, focusing on the Chicagoland area. They understand and apply complex principles of developing donor strategies. They will be responsible for direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs. They can discuss assets and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. The Senior ADoD provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve and engage appropriate partners in the field and at the Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues and/or concerns, and address questions as needed. They are capable of featuring the programs of the Conservancy in detailed terms and can confidently discuss legacy giving opportunities. The Senior ADoD understands project budgets and may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge. They will develop a referral network as needed and may manage formal and/or informal networks of volunteers. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may develop 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 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 recommending and meeting fundraising goals.
• Manage and implement multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, and setting deadlines.
• May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
• May supervise support or administrative staff.
• Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to various groups who are important to the organization’s overall prosperity.
• 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.
Manage a portfolio of 60 – 100 donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $250,000, once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for 60 – 100 visits and 180 – 300 moves annually. Annual fundraising goal of $1,500,000 or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications.

This is a hybrid position that reports to the Chicago Field Office.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Senior Associate Director of Development who’s passionate about fundraising and business development to help convey TNC’s mission to various groups. You would be part of a team of philanthropy and development professionals cultivating relationships and gifts with our amazing donors. Come join us! The Nature 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 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 $50,000 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to design and manage fundraising plans, 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.
• Proven ability to negotiate complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
• Working knowledge of charitable gift planning.

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 $116,500 to $125,000. 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.