Associate Director of Philanthropynew

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) · INGO

Partnerships & Fundraising
Lexington, Kentucky
Full time

Closes in 31 days — 24 Aug 2026

We’re Looking for You:

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.

You have found the solution and now you can pointedly make a difference every day! By joining our Kentucky team, you will become part of a group that is a force for nature and people. Our team consists of a dedicated group who are leading the conservation effort on multiple fronts and who expertly bring strategy and action together. We’re looking for an individual with fundraising or business development experience who wants to make a difference. The Conservancy is a global conservation leader and one of the top fundraising charities in the United States.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Associate Director of Philanthropy (ADOP) works closely with the philanthropy team to implement and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, including corporate, foundation, and individual donors. TNC is embarking on its largest fundraising campaign to date in support of our 2030 goals. From reforestation, land protection, and fire management in eastern Kentucky to regenerative agriculture and wetland restoration in western Kentucky, The Nature Conservancy is building a brighter future and boosting resiliency for nature and people in the Commonwealth.

The ADOP is responsible for building a portfolio of qualified donors and developing relationships. Relationship-based fundraising is our approach, and they will positively connect and engage with their teammates, prospects, donors, and stakeholders. They understand and apply the principles of developing donor strategies. They will focus on providing the best-in-class donor stewardship and thrive on connecting and qualifying discovery prospects. They will be responsible for direct asks in support of global, regional, and local priorities to meet funding needs. They listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts. They are energetic and focus on the daily work habits that are the foundations for success. They involve their Kentucky colleagues, Development Committee, Board of Trustees, and other natural partners, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues or concerns, and direct questions as appropriate. They can communicate the TNC programs in broad and compelling terms. The ADOP will be required to use TNC's Blackbaud donor database and participate in developing proposals. This position would require regular travel in Kentucky, focusing on particular geographies for donor meetings.

Responsibilities and Scope:

Manage a portfolio of 75-100 donors, including donors who can give over $100,000 once the portfolio is developed. Raise an annual fundraising goal of $500,000 or more, in addition to a goal for bequest notifications and legacy gifts.
Conduct 400 moves and interactions during a Fiscal Year (based on the assumption of a portfolio of 100 donors), with special attention to cultivating relationships with new prospects to the organization.
Manage and implement strategic and highly curated events and/or donor engagement opportunities.
Develop personalized written proposals and submit grant proposals, as needed.
Act independently and in the supervisor’s stead as needed, and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
Decisions may have a program-wide impact and may bind the organization financially or legally.
Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
Financial responsibility includes working within a budget and meeting fundraising objectives.
Manage assigned projects, coordinating the work of peers and setting deadlines.
May manage or participate in complex or sensitive negotiations.
Convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups essential to the organization's overall prosperity.
Travel (mostly within Kentucky) and work flexible hours as needed.
Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

What You’ll Bring:

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience or an equivalent combination.
Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents such as major donors, foundations, and corporations.
Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $25,000 or more.
Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.
Experience working with cross-functional teams.
Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles and practices.

Desired Qualifications:

Ability to determine an individual's interests, capacity, and potential for helping TNC meet its goals and act appropriately to tie those interests with our work.
Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.
Ability to implement and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans.
Proven track record and experience with securing annual gifts, corporate philanthropy, campaigns, major gifts, and planned gifts.
Experience in event planning and curated donor stewardship events.
Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors.
Strong writing skills for grants and personalized proposal development
Proven ability to negotiate sensitive philanthropic agreements.

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 the Auto Safety information page. 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $77,000 - $87,000. 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. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

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.”

What We Bring:

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.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.