JOB: Director of Philanthropy (Phoenix, AZ)

POSITION PROFILE

Position
Director of Philanthropy
The Nature Conservancy in Arizona
Phoenix, AZ
www.nature.org/arizona

The Nature Conservancy
Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is among the world’s leading private conservation organization, larger than all other major conservation organizations combined. Highly respected for its work and the way it works – science-based, collaborative, and action-oriented using a business-like approach that produces real results – its deeply-seated values set it apart. It is viewed as one of the most progressive and trusted organizations around, and has more than one million members, $547 million in total support and revenue, and more than $5.6 billion in assets. Working in all 50 states and more than 30 countries, its members and partners protect more than 119 million acres of ecologically vital land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide.

The Arizona Chapter
The Arizona Chapter has been actively saving the state’s habitat for more than 40 years – an enormous challenge given the fact that Arizona has doubled its population every 20 years. It is the sixth largest chapter, third richest state in biological diversity and in the spotlight for some of the most exciting conservation work anywhere. Guided by State Director Pat Graham, a strong staff and stellar board have made significant strides in chapter influence, financial performance and conservation results in recent years. The Chapter is supported by a strong board of trustees – among the finest non-profit boards in Arizona. The vibrant
collection of business, community and scientific leaders provide guidance, significant financial support and serve as ambassadors for the Conservancy.

Arizona is at a critical juncture as it positions itself for the 21st century. The Arizona Chapter firmly believes the state needs both a vibrant economy and a healthy environment if it is to succeed. The state’s rapid growth has altered its fragile natural resources that provide the water, food, clean air and climate. Those challenges outpaced traditional methods and resources, and the sheer scale and complexity of these issues requires new and innovative approaches. The Chapter’s operating plan addresses these challenges with bold objectives and collaborations to create tangible lasting results. Its work is based on pioneering solutions and relationships that make a difference at a scale and in a timeframe that matters. It will continue to provide expertise and leadership to inspire and ensure that conservation is embedded in the decisions made about the state in order to help shape growth and sustain what citizens want: to enjoy Arizona’s iconic beauty, a thriving economy and rich quality of life.

Operations and Work Environment
The Arizona Chapter has nearly 21,000 members, more than $18 million in support and revenue, $85 million in total assets, an operating budget of $9 million, and is currently engaged in a $36 million capital campaign, Nature Matters, to increase its capacity and implement critical strategies to conserve the state’s and world’s

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Operations and Work Environment (con’t)
most ecologically important lands and waters. It has 12 preserves, five offices around the state and a staff of about 65. The work is science- and community-based, non-confrontational and requires a foundation of broad cooperation. The organization operates in a decentralized and autonomous model, but overlaps in values, purpose and effort with other chapters, regions and worldwide on in-common threats and challenges.
The culture is casual, apolitical, fast-paced, action-oriented, passionate, and dedicated.

Reporting Relationships
The new director will report to Pat Graham who joined the chapter in 2001 following a distinctive leadership career in one of the nation’s preeminent wildlife management operations, Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department. He currently serves on various state land and water committees and advisory groups. In the summer of 2009 as a Senior Fellow for the Conservancy, he helped lead efforts in Namibia, Africa to create one of the largest protected areas in the world. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University and master’s degree in Fisheries Management from the University of Idaho, and is an avid cyclist and fisherman.

Other direct reports to Graham include the associate state director for Conservation Programs, director of Government Relations, director of Operations, director of the Center for Science and Public Policy, associate director of the Marketing Resource Center, and executive assistant.

Philanthropy Organization
The director of Philanthropy will lead a cutting-edge program and a seasoned, high caliber statewide team located in Phoenix and Tucson that is currently engaged in the successful momentum of a $36 million capital campaign, which includes three and a half years of annual support. The team of nine includes a campaign director and campaign coordinator, two associate directors of Philanthropy, events coordinator, two Donor Relations managers, Donor Relations coordinator, and Philanthropy assistant, and an operating expense budget of $948,000. The Conservancy’s approach to philanthropy focuses on major gifts, mostly from individuals, and employs the proven techniques of the moves management system for donor management, a donor-driven focus to achieve visionary conservation outcomes, and the integration of gift planning into all aspects of fundraising. The success of the organization’s fundraisers is tied to the depth of support and exceptional array of resources available to them, including experts specializing in marketing, bequests, life income gifts, real estate, and family philanthropic planning.

Position Responsibilities
The director is responsible for the oversight, planning and implementation of a comprehensive philanthropy program that secures significant financial resources from individuals, foundations and corporations within the state and country to support conservation goals around the world. S/he will:

• Analyze the state's fundraising potential, review current assumptions and affirm or adjust goals as appropriate to assure sustainable growth.
• Work with the senior team to establish fundraising goals and be accountable for achievement of the goals; effectively integrate strategies into the Chapter operating plan.
• Manage all major gifts functions, including planned giving, principal gifts, donor prospecting and research, special multi-year fundraising campaigns, and capital campaign efforts.
• Provide leadership and ongoing support for the Philanthropy staff; manage and establish fundraising goals for associate directors of Philanthropy and other operating unit fundraising staff.
• Motivate and coordinate the efforts of a multi-disciplinary staff team and high level volunteers in fundraising, including donor cultivation and solicitation; manage a select group of prospects though the moves management system.
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Position Responsibilities (con’t)
• Develop relationships with key philanthropic and business leaders, including global relations and institutional partnerships, and partner with the state director to recruit individuals for the Chapter board.
• Support the state director by providing general business counsel and assist in the management of the Arizona Chapter as a member of its Executive Leadership Team.
• Focus on long-range strategic priorities, advancing the Conservancy’s goals, and communicate a broad vision for others.
• Understand and comply with all TNC gift-related policies and procedures and ensure ethical compliance as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals.

Position Requirements
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned philanthropy professional with at least 7-10 years of experience creating and executing integrated philanthropy programs, with primary emphasis on major and principal gifts from high net worth donors, and high level volunteer cultivation. S/he will have:

1. Successful philanthropy experience with quantifiable results for large multi-faceted fundraising programs based on a peer-to-peer model and moves management system for donor management/cultivation.
2. Extensive management experience including ability to motivate, inspire, energize, lead, set objectives, marshal resources, and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team; ability to foster an environment of creativity and professional growth.
3. Proven success in asking for and closing major gifts, and building and maintaining long-term relationships with influential fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations and corporations.
4. Superb and compelling communication and presentation skills; ability to influence, persuade and effectively convey the mission to diverse and groups including major donors, corporate executives, foundations, volunteers, board members, and others critical to the organization’s overall success.
5. Track record in setting and meeting fundraising goals, evaluating results and developing corrective strategies as needed; experience in developing and administering departmental operating budget.
6. Ability to integrate and work collaboratively with staff, peers and the state director; know how to leverage constructive and effective relationships with internal teams and leaders across TNC.
7. Aptitude to create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans; ability to make strategic decisions based on analysis, wisdom, experience and judgment.
8. Demonstrated drive for results and ability to succeed in an ongoing environment of change and opportunity; values and work ethic consistent with the Conservancy.
9. Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gift solicitation and capital campaigns, and ability to create a culture for successful philanthropy.
10. Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications or related field; experience, coursework or other training in basics of charitable gift planning; CFRE preferred.
11. Willingness to travel occasionally and on short notice.

To Apply
All applicants must apply on-line at www.nature.org/careers, reference job posting #12030. TNC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

For More Information
Nancy Palmer 602-604-9050 phone
palmercom@cox.net 602-604-9045 fax