Description
What We Can Achieve Together:
Alaska represents one of the most important places on Earth for conservation. The state contains half of the nation’s stored terrestrial carbon, 95% of its remaining intact lands and waters, and plays a central role in achieving TNC’s global 2030 climate and biodiversity goals. Conservation success in Alaska is globally consequential and depends on deep partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, strong public policy engagement, and a philanthropic model that relies heavily on donors based outside the state.
The Director of Development will play a pivotal role in securing the private resources required to advance this work at scale, stewarding and expanding a national donor base and ensuring Alaska’s conservation priorities are positioned as a global philanthropic imperative.
The Director of Development, Alaska (DOD) provides strategic and hands-on leadership for all philanthropic activities supporting TNC’s Alaska conservation program. Reporting to the Alaska State Director and serving as a core member of the Alaska Leadership Team, the DOD partners closely with senior conservation leaders, the Alaska Board of Trustees, the Alaska Affinity Group, and TNC’s regional, divisional, and global development network.
The Alaska Chapter operates with an annual budget of approximately $6 million, largely funded through private philanthropy. The Director of Development is accountable for directing all aspects of the fundraising program that secures these resources, including developing and managing comprehensive fundraising strategies and plans aligned with Alaska’s strategic priorities and TNC’s global goals. The DOD focuses on long-range priorities, communicates a clear and compelling fundraising vision, and ensures that development efforts are collaborative, well-integrated, and effectively coordinated across the organization.
The DOD leads a development team that is in a defined growth phase. The current team includes two out-the-door fundraisers across the country, alongside access to internal philanthropy consultants, philanthropy operations, donor relations, and communications capacity. The Director of Development is responsible for recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performing development staff, establishing clear performance expectations and measures of success, and nurturing effective collaboration across a geographically dispersed team. This role requires both personal fundraising excellence and the ability to guide complex work, develop and refine processes, anticipate outcomes, and adaptively lead the organization through a period of scale-up and increased ambition.
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent of work & degree, and minimum of 7 years of experience as a leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area.
Proven management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a small multi-disciplinary team. Experience in managing a geographically dispersed team.
Experience in developing and implementing a state-wide or program-wide development strategy.
Experience in soliciting and closing 5-6 figure gifts from private individuals, foundations & corporations. Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.
Excellent verbal & written skills via presentations, proposals, conversations, and documents.
Experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, board members, employees, outside partners or equivalent.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of frequently sensitive and emotionally charged information.
Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation, including social media platforms
Systems thinking and knowledge of advanced gift planning concepts.
Experience, coursework or other training in principles, practices and procedures of charitable giving, particularly in the areas of capital campaigns, endowments, major gifts and gift planning.
Desired Qualifications:
7-10 years’ experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals.
Experience gained both in and outside the U.S. is valued and multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Familiarity and knowledge of Alaska culture & donors preferred.
Success as an inspirational manager of people who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence. Track record of recruiting, mentoring and retaining talent in budgeting, staffing, and performance management. Experience in managing a geographically dispersed team.
Effective training skills.
Ability to influence without authority while remaining true to donor intent.
Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in major gifts giving and solicitation.
Knowledge of advanced gift planning concepts.
Proficiency in synthesizing materials from multiple sources into a coherent and accurate summary.
Understanding of best practices in non-profit management.
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 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.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $126,000-135,000 for an Anchorage, Portland or Denver location and up to $146,000 in Seattle. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall 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.
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.
Requirements
Key responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy, Revenue Accountability & Execution
Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to deliver $3-5 million annually in private donor revenue, supporting Alaska conservation priorities and TNC’s global goals.
Personally manage and solicit a portfolio of high-capacity major and principal gift donors, with demonstrated success closing six- and seven-figure gifts.
Partner closely with regional, divisional, and global development teams to access and steward donors managed across TNC, recognizing that the majority of Alaska’s revenue originates outside the state.
Align fundraising efforts with campaign priorities, including Alaska’s participation in the One Future Campaign and longer-term endowment growth.
Chapter & Organizational Leadership
Serve as a trusted strategic advisor on the Alaska Leadership Team, integrating donor and revenue perspectives into programmatic, financial, and strategic decision-making.
Collaborate closely with conservation, finance, and communications leaders to translate Alaska’s conservation strategy into compelling philanthropic opportunities and ensure donor intent is honored.
Represent TNC Alaska with credibility and influence across the Conservancy, reinforcing Alaska’s role as a global conservation priority.
Board, Affinity Group & Volunteer Engagement
Partner with the Alaska State Director, Board Chair, and Board Development Committee to actively engage Trustees in fundraising, cultivation, and solicitation efforts.
Provide strategic leadership and stewardship support for the Alaska Affinity Group, a critical philanthropic engine for the Chapter.
Strengthen a culture of shared accountability for fundraising success among Trustees, volunteer leaders, and staff.
Team Leadership, Growth & Management
Lead, mentor, and grow the Alaska Development Team during a period of expansion, including the planned increase in internal strategic partnerships within the next year.
Set clear performance expectations, revenue goals, and accountability structures; coach fundraisers to succeed in a complex, matrixed donor environment.
Oversee development budgets, staffing plans, and operational systems, ensuring compliance with TNC policies, ethical fundraising standards, and financial controls.
We’re Looking for You:
The successful candidate will bring a blend of strategic vision, creativity, accountability, and fundraising expertise, including:
Fundraising & Executive Leadership Experience
A record of success leading comprehensive fundraising programs with multi-million-dollar annual revenue targets, ideally in complex or highly networked organizations.
Demonstrated ability to close six- and seven-figure gifts and to lead teams responsible for significant donor revenue growth.
Experience managing and scaling fundraising teams, particularly out-the-door or externally based fundraisers.
Relationship-Building & Influence
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate conservation impact using values, vision, and science.
Ability to build authentic relationships and lead with credibility with many different audiences.
Skill in influencing without direct authority in matrixed organizations where donor relationships are shared.
Strategic & Values-Based Leadership
Strong strategic thinking and comfort operating with financial complexity and long-term growth horizons.
Commitment to fostering a fair, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace aligned with TNC’s values.
Deep respect for Indigenous Peoples, partnerships, and place-based approaches essential to conservation success in Alaska.
Travel up to 25-50% in-state and the lower 48 within the first two years on the job to coordinate with other state chapter relationship managers for the purpose of gathering support for Alaska conservation priorities and to open doors to other donors and prospects.
