The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 69 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce.  Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.

Essential Funcations

The Development Stewardship Specialist will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program to effectively communicate with and engage our top donors, by developing and implementing tactics for approved stewardship and engagement plans, and completing and/or overseeing day-to-day tasks.  S/he will manage the development of written materials for key donor segments to include proposals, reports, letters, campaign communications, and other communication assignments as needed. The Development Stewardship Specialist must have advanced knowledge of communications best practices, excellent writing and proofreading ability, and a familiarity with the major donor audience. S/he will be responsible for creating a clean and professional design and layout of all stewardship materials. The Development Stewardship Specialist will keep up-to-date on market trends and best practices in order to improve services. The Development Stewardship Specialist will work in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Philanthropy, Marketing, Conservation and Science staff; major and principal gift donors including Board of Trustees; and vendors. S/he will also coordinate with other state, international and cross-cutting programs to ensure consistency in major donor communications and campaign communications. S/he will organize and coordinate diverse activities, projecting outcomes, and implementing solutions in consultation with leadership. S/he will serve as a resource to fundraisers, Conservation staff, and Science staff to develop and disseminate project information. S/he will be responsible for coordinating statewide donor stewardship events, keep statewide stewardship report log and be responsible for the statewide stewardship calendar. S/he will ensure timely and appropriate acknowledgements go out to donors; establishing recognition standards for Texas in alignment with organization wide guidelines

The Development Stewardship Specialist will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the team by developing and implementing tactics for approved plans, and completing and organizing multiple tasks and activities. They will identify individual priorities based on the needs of the program. They will manage, track, and report on key data related to the team scope and priorities. The Specialist will perform independent analysis of key program data, which may include donor or gift information. The Development Stewardship Specialist will develop an in depth understanding of the Texas donor and prospective donor pools, as well as Conservancy’s fundraising processes, strategies and procedures. S/he will track stewardship activity and be responsible for maintaining all stewardship records and reporting schedules, as well as tracking and recording pledges. S/he will work in conjunction with relationship managers and other philanthropy staff to design and implement proactive stewardship strategies for individual top-tier donors and prospects, corporations and foundations.  

Responsibilities & Scope

• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Does not supervise any staff but may manage work of peers on departmental project teams.
• Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
• Duties are performed under general supervision and established guidelines.
• Manage projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability.
• May provide oversight for a key function of the team.
• Provide input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs.
• Offer creative input to meetings and share ideas.
• Concept and develop imagery, graphics, animations and other types of visual content to share in digital and print media
• Work from established design templates when warranted for organizational campaigns
• Travel and work overtime as needed.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.

Minimum Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience as a writer/editor, with letter and report writing and editing skills, and a strong command of the English language.
• Experience working across departments.
• Experience with current technology in relevant field.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.

Preferred Knowledge Skills and Experience

• Ability to meet deadlines, organize time and manage diverse activities
• Excellent Interpersonal skills.
• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong copywriting and editing skills.
• Ability to implement complex processes.
• Foster an environment of creativity and professional growth, to design job-related, interactive exercises and use existing technology to achieve desired results.
• Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff.
• Experience coordinating projects.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Strong organization skills, proofreading, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
• Knowledge of current trends in the specific field.
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
• Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.