Director of Individual Giving, Southern California

The Director of Individual Giving, Southern California conceives, designs, and leads effective multi-year strategies and plans for the cultivation and solicitation of gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, institutions, and/or individual donors. 

They understand and apply complex principles of developing donor strategies and build strong relationships with new and current donors and prospects. The Director will cultivate donors from annual giving to major or planned gifts. They will be responsible for direct requests to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs. They discuss assets proficiently and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. They incorporate blended gifts and gifts of assets in proposals to donors. The Director will maintain an expert understanding of the factors influencing philanthropic giving. They can articulate all global priorities of the Conservancy and work within a campaign at an advanced level. They understand organizational budgets and are proficient utilizing this knowledge to build proposal budgets. They have an advanced knowledge of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of private foundations, operating foundations, and Donor Advised Funds; discuss complex charitable options with donors. They will work across chapters and programs and manage a referral network. This position will staff chapter leadership as a moves manager as appropriate and provide volunteer and/or trustee management. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database. They will travel frequently and on short notice, work long and weekends as needed.
This position must be based in one of the following locations: Santa Barbara, Los Angeles County, Orange County, or San Diego County.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in and where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone who can serve as a leader and develop donor strategies and meet fundraising needs. Collaboration, maintaining long relationships and the ability to negotiate complex agreements are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience. 

• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with constituents such as major donors and corporations.

• Experience in asking for and closing major or planned gifts of $100,000 or more. 

• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.

• Experience working with fundraising principles and practices. 

• Experience, coursework or other training in current and evolving trends in charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts and planned giving.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Ability to design and direct fundraising initiatives, including individualized cultivation, solicitation, and recognition strategies.

• Ability to determine an individual’s interests, capacity, and potential for helping the Conservancy meet its goals, and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancy’s work.

• Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.

• Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.

• Expert knowledge of complex charitable gift planning.

• Proven ability to negotiate complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $140,000 - $196,000 for candidates in Santa Barbara, San Diego, or Orange County and $153,000 - $214,000 for candidates in Los Angeles County. 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. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.