Associate Director, Principal Gift Development

What We Can Achieve Together:

Jointly reporting to and supported by the U.S. Director of Principal Gift Development, and the Director, Principal Gifts, California, the Associate Director, Principal Gift Development is a key member of both the California philanthropy team and TNC’s Global Principal Gifts team, as part of the US Wealth Markets initiative.

The US Wealth Markets (USWM) initiative is a cross-cutting dynamic team of principal gift (PG) fundraisers who are focused on raising support for TNC’s highest priorities by growing our base of supporters at the principal gift level ($5,000,000+). This team is dedicated to modeling and fostering a highly collaborative approach to principal gift fundraising, and to creating, testing, innovating, and sharing strategies and tactics for Discovery. The Associate Director works in partnership with California and global teams to build strong and lasting donor relationships with ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals to help advance the mission and impact of TNC.

This position is focused on building a portfolio from scratch and the incumbent should have experience in and passion for cold prospecting at the PG level. The Associate Director works closely with our prospect development team, philanthropy operations team, key volunteer leaders, local and global TNC fundraisers, and senior leaders and executive management from across the Conservancy to identify and build relationships with new prospective donors who have a primary residence in California. The goal of the Associate Director is to qualify prospects who are interested in engaging with TNC (while disqualifying those who are not interested) and to develop and execute adapted strategies for each qualified individual, ultimately building a strong relationship between TNC and each prospect and leading to philanthropic support of our top priorities.

The Associate Director should have an entrepreneurial spirit and approach to pipeline development. They are responsible for developing a new portfolio from scratch and making major and principal gift level solicitations in support of TNC priorities, including raising flexible or lightly restricted funding. They have experience in and enthusiasm for principal gifts discovery work, creative approaches to prospect outreach and engagement, can discuss assets proficiently and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non‑cash gifts. They are responsible for direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs. They will incorporate blended gifts and gifts of assets in solicitations of donors. They are capable of discussing the priorities of the Conservancy and working collaboratively within a complex matrix organization.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking to work in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial ecosystem where your contributions as a principal gift fundraiser help advance the impact of one of the world’s largest environmental organizations through transformational philanthropy? Do you enjoy working in highly collaborative and large global teams with some of the industry's most innovative and high‑performing fundraisers, all while having a ton of fun? Are you self‑motivated, resourceful, innovative, adaptable, a strong communicator, collaborative, and have experience in and excitement for building relationships with ultra‑high‑net‑worth individuals and developing a portfolio from scratch?

As the world's largest environmental organization, with a presence in more than 70 countries and territories, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) works around the world to help people and nature thrive by protecting the lands and waters on which all life depends and fighting climate change. TNC creates innovative, on‑the‑ground solutions to the dual crises of our time: climate change and biodiversity loss.

We’re looking for someone who has experience in and finds joy in building portfolios from scratch (Discovery), is passionate about our mission, is innovative and self‑motivated, innately collaborative, can thrive in a remote position and working in a matrix organization, and is excited to join a team in growth mode. If this sounds like the role and place you would thrive in, come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years related experience.
• Experience building a principal gift‑level donor pipeline from scratch.
• Experience in maintaining long‑term relationships with high‑net‑worth individuals.
• Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $1,000,000 or more, including planned gifts.
• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects simultaneously.
• Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.
• Experience in collaborating with fundraisers and senior leaders in a complex, matrix organization.
• Experience collaborating with fundraisers and senior leaders across multiple business units and teams in a complex, matrix organization to achieve outcomes.
• 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $145,000 - $180,000. 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.

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 the health and well‑being of the people we employ.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.