Associate Director of Development

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Associate Director of Development is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships with major gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and/or individual donors. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor strategies and plans and will foster relationships with donors, connecting donor interests to TNC’s projects in Wisconsin and beyond. They will be responsible for direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs and they listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. 

The Associate Director of Development provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They work closely with the development team and 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 can feature the programs of the Conservancy in broad terms. They may be responsible for volunteer engagement within formal and/or informal networks. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may participate in the development of proposals.

The position is a hybrid position that will initially require at least one day per week to be spent working from the Madison office. Preference will be given to candidates in the greater Madison or Milwaukee markets. The Associate Director of Development is required to travel frequently and as necessary and should expect to spend about 20% of their time out-the-door meeting with donors around the state. They will work long and flexible hours as needed and the work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

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.

The Conservancy is a global conservation leader and one of the top fundraising charities in the United States. The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and organizational skills and experience collaborating with fundraising or business development. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by helping to direct and shape the work of our team!

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.
• 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.

 What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Auto Safety Policy:

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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 $76,720 – $81,515 for annual base salary. 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.