Associate Director Philanthropy Operations

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Associate Director of Philanthropy Operations provides strategic leadership for philanthropy operations, portfolio management, fundraising analytics, financial coordination, and operational planning. This position oversees systems, processes, reporting, staff, and resources that enable philanthropy teams to achieve fundraising goals, strengthen donor engagement strategies, and support organizational priorities. The Associate Director serves as a key partner to philanthropy leadership, finance staff, and frontline fundraisers to ensure effective management of fundraising operations, data integrity, prospect management, revenue tracking, and organizational performance.

The Associate Director of Philanthropy Operations leads the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of systems, processes, and practices that support fundraising effectiveness and donor engagement. The position oversees philanthropy operations functions, including prospect and portfolio management, reporting and analytics, gift administration coordination, stewardship support, and operational planning.

The Associate Director serves as a strategic partner to philanthropy leadership by developing and implementing operational plans, establishing performance metrics, managing budgets, monitoring fundraising outcomes, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness. The role provides leadership for portfolio and prospect management processes, including donor strategy sessions, portfolio reviews, pipeline development, and discovery efforts designed to advance fundraising goals.

This position supports organizational decision-making through analysis of fundraising performance, development of reports and dashboards, and tracking of key performance indicators. The Associate Director also collaborates closely with Finance to support budgeting, revenue forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and resource allocation. The role supervises staff, supports professional development, leads operational change initiatives, and fosters collaboration across departments and regions.

The Associate Director will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program by developing and coordinating plans and related tactics and overseeing day-to-day tasks. They will manage guidelines and analyze information to achieve results, improve workflow, and solve problems. They reinforce consistency in the organization's policies and procedures, and provide support related to their relevant field(s). They will provide advice, recommendations, and broad training related to the functional area and maintain expert knowledge of the systems and resources utilized by the team; applies knowledge to managing organization support and planning communications related to the resources. They will manage documentation, initiate complex processes, and serve as key team member for the enhancement of systems and tools used by the team.

The Associate Director works in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff, donors, Trustees, vendors, public agencies, financial institutions, and legal and accounting professionals. They will lead diverse activities, analyze situations, evaluate alternatives, project outcomes, and implement solutions to improve effectiveness. The work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain

This role is specifically aligned to supporting our Pennsylvania/Delaware Business Unit. Some interaction and support will be aligned to teams outside of Pennsylvania and Delaware, across our Philanthropy networks broadly at TNC.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At The Nature Conservancy, you'll join a team dedicated to advancing conservation outcomes through meaningful, mission-driven work.

We're seeking an experienced leader who excels at building high-performing teams and strengthening the systems, processes, and insights that support fundraising success. The ideal candidate brings expertise in philanthropy operations, data-informed decision making, and managing complex projects and priorities. They are a collaborative partner who can build strong relationships across teams, embrace evolving technology, and drive continuous improvement.

This is an exciting opportunity to advance TNC's mission by working with a talented team and helping secure the philanthropic resources needed to achieve lasting conservation impact.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience leading and implementing multiple projects.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Experience with current and evolving technology in relevant field.
• Experience working with teams across the organization.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.
• Supervisory experience including setting objectives and managing performance, including conflict resolution.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to work in partnership with others in a collaborative or advisory role.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive and write creatively for various audiences.
• Experience developing, managing, and implementing goals, plans, and complex processes.
• Expert in current and evolving technology related to field of experience.
• Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline, preferably in a non-profit environment.
• Proficient in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Successful experience managing and implementing strategic program goals.
• Superior planning and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of accounting practices.
• Strong knowledge of fundraising operations, philanthropy best practices, and prospect management principles.
• Advanced analytical, financial management, and reporting skills.
• Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and communicate findings effectively.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across teams and functions.
• Experience leading process improvement and change management initiatives.
• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and commitment to data integrity.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with fundraising CRM platforms, Microsoft Office applications, and reporting tools.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $82,790 - $124,270 annually. 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.

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.

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

About Us

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive.

Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners.

Our Mission

To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Our Vision

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.