The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 60 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.

Become a force for nature and a healthy planet by joining the Illinois team.  The work of this position will help to advance conservation across Illinois and around the world for people and nature. This position is responsible for the identification and qualification of major and planned gift prospects and assists in the cultivation and solicitation of donors and prospects through direct contact to determine capacity for giving.

The Donor Relations Manager I (DRM) focuses primarily on pipeline development and discovery. The DRM engages in direct personal contact with prospects and donors using exploratory visits, telephone calls, emails, events, and tours to determine inclination and capacity for major and deferred gifts. S/he moves prospects capable of major gifts to the prospect pool for management by senior fundraising staff and integration into the Relationship Management process. S/he also personally manages a portfolio of “middle donors” ($5K-50K range). Persuasively conveys the mission of TNC to diverse groups who are important to the organization’s overall prosperity. The DRM coordinates the Chapter’s Legacy Club program for donors who have included the Conservancy in their estate plans with the goal of building membership in Illinois and coordinating stewardship activities for current members. S/he uses the Conservancy’s fundraising management system to update donor information, produce reports, perform analyses, and track and cultivate donors. The DRM provides program information to prospects and drafts routine correspondence and acknowledgements, among other activities. S/he effectively communicates and distributes information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow. The DRM may supervise and coordinate follow up tasks for volunteers engaged in fundraising or donor engagement and stewardship projects. S/he is responsible for attaining activity measures related to performance including number of personal interactions and visits each month, as well as an annual fundraising goal of $250.000 or more along with a goal for bequest notifications. Collaborates with the fundraising team to achieve annual chapter fundraising and strategic goals. Ensures compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements. Acts independently on assigned tasks. Works within a defined timeline and budget. Must be willing to travel. The ideal candidate will have a background and track record that includes: 

Since its founding in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide. With the support of more than one million members, the Conservancy addresses the most pressing threats to our natural world.  Through important and strategic partnerships, we are expanding the impact of our work, finding creative ways to fund that bigger vision and building long-term relationships with communities, government agencies and commercial businesses in order to conserve natural resources at a new scale.

If you have a personal passion for conserving and protecting the natural world with a belief in the mission, principles, and values of The Nature Conservancy’s approach to conservation, and want to receive great benefits, then please visit http://www.nature.org/careers to learn more. Submit your cover letter and resume for position number 45054 by February 10, 2017. Please note that the position will be located in Chicago, IL.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer