Development Operations Manager

Posted Jun 11

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Development Operations Manager will work as part of the Virginia philanthropy team, with the goal of increasing overall fundraising activity for TNC Virginia using proactive, efficient systems that keep the development team focused on successful relationship management. This position is focused on driving the behind-the-scenes major gifts fundraising process with an emphasis on building and effectively managing donor portfolios and facilitating team support and accountability to meet fundraising goals. The Development Operations Manager will be tasked with supporting the day-to-day operations for TNC Virginia’s philanthropy team and will be responsible for the management and professional development of two Development Operations positions, the Development Coordinator and the Development Program Specialist. The Manager will oversee and implement data management best practices. The Manager will keep up to date on market trends and will work proactively work on pipeline development. They will manage diverse tasks, analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, project outcomes, and implement solutions to improve effectiveness.

Specifically, the Manager will be responsible for:

•   Management of Development Operations team

•   Portfolio management

•   Regular periodic reporting

•   Support for fundraisers

•   Proactive pipeline development

•   Implementation of major projects

•   Database updates and management

Preferred location is Charlottesville, VA, but remote work also possible.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

•   Ensure donor information is up to date in the database.

•   Manage the discovery pipeline process for the team to ensure the ongoing identification and qualification of new major donors and prospects.

•   Prepare and analyze fundraising and activity reports for the development team, State Director, and Board of Trustees.

•   Supervise the Development Coordinator and Development Program Specialist and identify and support opportunities for professional growth.

•   Participate in position-related calls/networks to learn about best practices and organizational requirements for the role; effectively communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow.

•   Provide support and targeted training related to the major gifts process and database management, including serving as a hub of knowledge on Worldwide Office fundraising resources, policies, and practices.

•   Coordinate projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, and manage a timeline.

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

•   Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.

•   Develop and implement new initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved.

•   Ensure programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance.

•   Financial responsibility includes assisting with the development of a budget, working within a budget, and negotiating and contracting with vendors. 

•   Supervise one or more administrative or professional staff, responsibility includes training and professional development.

•   Travel occasionally, work long and flexible hours as needed.

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

•   Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

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

•   Experience managing and implementing multiple projects.

•   Experience negotiating agreements.

•   Experience supervising staff, interns, and/or volunteers.

•   Experience with current and evolving technology in relevant field.

•   Experience working with cross-functional teams.

•   Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

•   Ability to manage and implement complex processes.

•   Ability to work in partnership with others in a collaborative role.

•   Advanced knowledge in current and evolving technology related to field of experience.

•   Demonstrated ability to conceive and write creatively for various audiences.

•   Knowledge of current and evolving trends in the specific field, preferably in a non-profit environment.

•   Proficient in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data.

•   Strong organization, planning, and problem-solving skills.

•   Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.

•   Understanding of accounting practices.

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being 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.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 53438, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on July 2. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.