Philanthropy Program Specialist - The Nature Conservancy

Tennessee, USA

Based out of Middle Tennessee (close to our Brentwood office) and work in a hybrid work environment.

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The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Philanthropy Program Specialist will support The Nature Conservancy’s Tennessee Business Unit and the North America Fire Program . The Specialist will be responsible for providing resources such as gift coding and acknowledgements, administrative/event support, donor research and outreach, stewardship and proposal writing support.

The Philanthropy Program Specialist will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of both teams by implementing tactics for approved plans and completing and organizing varied tasks and activities. They will have substantial contact with other internal staff and may assist out-the-door fundraisers with donor outreach. They will work in close cooperation with any or all of the following: TNC staff, donors, trustees, partners, vendors, and marketing, legal and accounting professionals. They may be asked to take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team that may require travel and working flexible hours. The work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain. They may be asked to take on additional duties to enhance the work of the team.

Below are some responsibilities the Philanthropy Program Specialist can expect to engage in regularly:

• Code gifts and pledges in donor database and related tasks.
• Draft and send acknowledgment letters, pledge reminders, and other donor communications.
• Manage various administrative duties which include, but are not limited to, note-taking, deadline management, team meetings scheduling, event/committee meetings support, etc.
• Assume financial responsibility for working within a budget, processing invoices and transfers, and contracting with vendors.
• Maintain confidentiality while managing financial and highly sensitive information.
• Perform donor research and maintain donor records in compliance with requirements.
• Implement processes and strategic program goals.
• Support out-the-door fundraisers in report and grant writing.
• Collaborate with Finance and Conservation staff.
• Meet with donors and potential donors.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in work with colleagues, partners, and donors or potential donors.

Have you ever asked yourself, “How can I make a difference?”, but you don’t know where to go or have the time to do it? Welcome to The Nature Conservancy. The Conservancy is a global conservation leader and one of the top fundraising charities in the United States. Working with us, you can pointedly make a difference every day!

We're looking for a highly organized and motivated individual with experience in fundraising or business who wants to make a difference for nature, people, and the planet. As a member of our dynamic team, they will be a flexible and collaborative team player, an organized and detail-oriented project manager, a problem solver, and an excellent communicator. The Philanthropy Program Specialist must be willing to become an expert user of our internal systems including nature.org web platform, Blackbaud donor database, and the organization’s standard operating procedures to execute tasks. Training will be provided.

The Philanthropy Program Specialist will report directly to Tennessee Business Unit’s Development Program Manager and have a close working relationship with the North America Fire Director. We are looking for someone who thrives working in hybrid work environment and is located in Middle Tennessee close to our Brentwood office. The starting annual salary for this role will be $60,000. If this position resonates with you, apply today, and find a career where you can be a force for nature!

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years’ experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience building relationships with staff, customers, or similar stakeholders.
• Experience generating reports and interpreting data.
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Experience working across teams.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of fundraising and donor relations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities and solving problems.
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
• Ability to work under pressure and perform repetitive data entry tasks.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Experience with databases and spreadsheet software.
• Knowledge of current trends in the specific field.
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! 

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is $60,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55299, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.