Director of Development

The Director of Development is responsible for directing all aspects of one or more development functions, which will secure significant financial resources to support conservation goals in Arizona and for the Western United States and Canada Division. Development functions may be a chapter development program or an individual giving, planned giving, foundation relations, and/or corporate giving program.

The Director of Development will work toward meeting the strategic priorities of the program by designing, developing, and managing plans and strategies. They focus on long-range strategic priorities, advance the Conservancy’s goals, and communicate a broad vision to others. Establishes and monitors activity level benchmarks and measures of success. Manages the development and implementation of a strategic, integrated, and collaborative approach to maximize success, including organizing communications.

The DoD facilitates strategic dialogues with clients and senior-level stakeholders, probing to identify key issues and requirements, negotiating and developing solutions, and synthesizing a plan of action tailored to audience. They will direct diverse activities, develop complex practices and processes, project outcomes, and initiate changes in order to improve effectiveness. The DoD works closely with and manages relations with key stakeholders including senior management, internal teams, donors, priority vendors and volunteers to achieve program goals.

Responsible for presenting analysis and recommendations to the Board of Trustees’ assigned committees. The Director of Development assists in the overall management of the Arizona Chapter as a member of its Leadership Team and manages a staff of 8-11 employees.

The Director of Development will be responsible for a select group of prospects and donors. The size of the portfolio, and associated individual fundraising goal, will be determined in part with consideration for the scope of supervisory responsibility.

The Director of Development will lead the AZ Business Unit’s (AZBU) efforts to raise funds at the western, national and global levels, with a goal of further increasing the percent of funds raised for work outside Arizona.

The DoD will be responsible for leading a $60+ million-dollar campaign, planned to launch publicly in 2027. They will work closely with the State Director and volunteer leadership to plan and implement the campaign and will oversee relationships with trustees, including stewardship and giving.

• Provides high-level leadership and support to Chapter’s Development programs (approx. 65%).

  Oversees a comprehensive Development program that secures the significant financial resources from foundations, corporations, or individuals within the state/country to support conservation goals in Arizona and globally.

  Manages the Development staffing and culture (hiring, coaching/mentoring, training, performance, terminations; workload capacity, etc.).

  Develops and implements a Development program strategy that is consistent with the Chapter’s strategic plans. Develops and implements annual work plans and project management plans consistent with best practices for philanthropy and TNC’s “Philanthropy by Design”.

  Both individually and in partnership with the State Director, manages a portfolio of major donors with an associated fundraising goal.

  Ensures appropriate systems are in place to support planning and decision-making and builds a culture of shared leadership that operates in accordance with TNC’s values.

  Focuses on empowering staff, trouble-shoots barriers, and communicates and manages to ensure results.

  Provides clear, concise, and timely communication, guidance and decision-making; builds clarity and consensus around goals and measures.

  Promotes cross-functional work across the Chapter.

  Collaborates with other TNC business units, division, regional or global staff to advance conservation / philanthropy priorities.

  Identifies appropriate issues that need to be addressed by the State Director and brings them to the State Director’s attention in a timely and concise manner.

  Serves as a catalyst for adaptive, creative approaches and ideas;…