Position Profile

Iowa Director of Philanthropy

Since its founding in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has become the leading conservation organization by protecting more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide in 72 countries, all 50 Unites States, and in your backyard. 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 to conserve natural resources at a new scale. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity therefore we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. 

Our mission is to conserve the land and waters on which all life depends.

Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.

Become a force for nature and a healthy planet by joining the Iowa team!

We are looking for an inspiring leader and problem solver with excellent people skills and experience managing a fundraising program.  This position helps set the strategic direction for the Iowa chapter, works closely with the Iowa Board of Trustees, and will report to the State Director. This position is full time with benefits.

The ideal candidate will be relationship focused and build meaningful connections with donors and staff. They will ensure that fundraising plans meet the immediate needs of the chapter and will help ensure sustainability for the future. The candidate will develop their team and empower other staff to participate in the philanthropic process. We appreciate collaborative approaches and seek a team player with strong communication skills.

The ideal candidate will have a background and track record that includes

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years related experience or equivalent combination, including cultivating and closing major gifts (6-7 figures).
• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with major donors, foundations and corporations.
• Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.
• Experience managing and supervising a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in principles, practices, and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Understanding of and passion for conservation with expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation.
• CFRE certification.
• Experience supervising a major and principal gifts program.
• Experience recruiting, training and engaging board members and other volunteer leaders and ensuring that they are prepared for effective fundraising efforts.  
• Eloquently communicate and inspire via presentations, conversations, and documents.
• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate colleagues, donors and volunteers.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

To Apply

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 and view the full position description. Submit your cover letter, resume, and writing sample for position # 47782 by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on August 19, 2019.

Find out more about living in the Greater Des Moines area: https://www.dsmpartnership.com/living-here

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 all genders, 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.