The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
The Director of Philanthropy (DoP) for Illinois leads Illinois staff in planning and implementing a comprehensive development program that secures significant philanthropic resources from Illinois individuals, foundations, and corporations to support the Conservancy’s conservation priorities within Illinois and around the world. Key to success is the DoP’s leadership in identifying global associations, connections and areas of influence of Chicago’s philanthropic and community leaders, including the Illinois chapter trustees, and effectively engaging them with Conservancy projects. The DoP manages all major gift functions defined as outright and planned gifts of $100,000+ and is a key member of the chapter's leadership team.
The DoP carries out these specific duties and others as needed:
Works with staff in the Illinois Chapter and across the Conservancy to attain fundraising goals from Illinois donors of $13 to $20 million a yearin support of the Conservancy’s high-priority conservation projects in Illinois and around the world.
Works with senior staff in Illinois to develop and implement a multi-year Illinois philanthropic vision and plan that aligns with The Nature Conservancy’s Global Challenges / Global Solutions Conservation Framework, corresponding global priorities and includes fundraising goals for the Illinois Chapter for which s/he is accountable.
Provides strategic leadership to senior leadership in Illinois for fundraising campaigns and, in collaboration with other senior philanthropy staff leaders, participates in the design and implementation of the upcoming organization-wide Global Challenges / Global Solutions capital campaign.
Working with leadership and philanthropy staff in Illinois and in other states and country programs, leads planning for donor strategies, ensuring the coordination and implementation of highest impact, donor-driven, major or principal gift strategies, and excellent donor stewardship follow up.
Builds, leads, inspires, and manages the Illinois Philanthropy Team (currently a team of 12 with potential for growth) to achieve relationship-building and funding objectives:
Ultimately builds the team to meet the fundraising market potential presented, including experienced major gifts and gift planning officers capable of raising six-figure gifts and highly competent back-office / support staff.
Sets and meets fundraising objectives, evaluates results and develops effective strategies as needed.
Motivates and coordinates the efforts of a multi-disciplinary staff in fundraising, including donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, and nurtures effective team collaboration.
Directly manages, and establishes fundraising goals for senior members of the philanthropy team.
Directly manages a portfolio of high-level donors and/or fundraising volunteers.
Serves on the Illinois Chapter’s Executive and Management Teams.
Works closely with the Illinois Board of Trustees to maximize their role in major and principal gift fundraising, and collaborates with the executive director and trustees in the recruitment and development of new volunteer leaders.
Plays a leadership role in shaping the Conservancy’s fundraising system to meet the organization’s long-term conservation objectives.
Actively fosters collaboration between the Worldwide Office and with other field-based fundraising programs to achieve the Conservancy’s goals.
The DoP understands and complies with all TNC gift-related policies and procedures and ensures ethical compliance, as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals. TNC
