2025-2014 Associate Director, Individual Giving

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Ocean Conservancy has an operating budget of approximately $45MM supported by a workforce of 150+ individuals. Ocean Conservancy is in a period of strategic organizational growth and significant investments are being made with the leadership team and a long-tenured and high-performing staff.

POSITION SUMMARY

We’re seeking an experienced fundraiser with a strategic mind and strong management skills, eager to mobilize people and resources to advance Ocean Conservancy’s vision. Our ideal candidate is excited about the chance to develop and lead a dynamic moves management program targeting mid-level ($1k+), major ($50k+) and principal ($1M+) gift level donors, in addition to targeted planned giving donors. They will be responsible for managing key components of the donor and prospect qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies, ensuring alignment across the Individual Giving team and larger Development department. The position will work closely with the Director of Individual Philanthropy as well as all members of the Individual Giving and Planned Giving teams. The impact of this work will result in driving significant fundraising growth from individual donor support. This position reports to the Director, Individual Philanthropy. They will supervise up to two staff and serve as senior member of the Individual Philanthropy Team.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy and Operations:

• Work with the Director, Individual Philanthropy, to design and execute fundraising strategies to secure annual program fundraising goal ($10-12M+) and help advance Ocean Conservancy’s conservation impact.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Individual Giving team, including portfolio and prospect moves management systems, overseeing the stewardship, cultivation and solicitation strategies for individual giving and planned giving donors and prospects. Create, manage and support systems to ensure team members stay on target with deadlines and goals.
• Support management of Director, CDO and CEO donor portfolios, ensuring annual goals and objectives are met.
• Develop high-level briefings for senior development staff (Director, CDO, CEO) in advance of meetings with major and principal gift level donors and prospect.
• Manage key operational budgeting components of the Individual Giving program, including the production of annual budget and quarterly reprojections reports and development of revenue/expense budget goals.
• Track and manage restricted and unrestricted gift reporting requirements, designate and track use in alignment with donor intent, and manage tracking in database. Liaise with Finance and Program Department colleagues.
• Supervise acknowledgement process for all mid-level, major and principal gift level donors including assigning and tracking actions across the team.
• Maintain database integrity and produce lists and queries to support the needs of the individual giving team.
• Exhibit respect for and excellent service to donors and all supporters of Ocean Conservancy through prompt and courteous communication.
• Manage key consultant relationships and contracted projects as needed.
• Support the Director of Individual Philanthropy on key projects as needed.

Communications:

• Manage a calendar and portfolio of writing responsibilities, project managing the creation of compelling and tailored major/principal donor proposals and reports, regular program updates, and providing some writing and copy-editing support.
• Manage appropriate responses to major/principal donor inquiries that come in through a variety of channels, including direct mail, email and phone. Coordinate responses with senior development leadership (Director, CDO, CEO).
• Support production of individual giving materials and communications, including direct mail, emails, proposals, reports and cultivation materials.

Management:

• Manage up to two staff on the Individual Philanthropy Team. Lead hiring, onboarding, professional development, and evaluation efforts for team members, in collaboration with Director(s).
• Work with IPG Coordinator to refine, update and document key operational efforts for the Individual Giving and Planned Giving Teams.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree (or relevant equivalent work experience) plus at least six years relevant development experience, and a working knowledge of development principles and practices. Management experience a plus.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Budget management experience.
• Experience managing complex calendars and projects. Ability to track and maintain multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-orientated and highly organized.
• Ability to work individually but also part of a strong team, with self-direction and discipline.
• Ability to think and act with a strategic perspective.
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge donor management system preferred.
• Ability to accept and execute projects from multiple people and manage priorities; demonstrates the professional maturity to know when and how to elevate issues or concerns to senior managers in a productive, solutions-oriented way.
• Models a growth mindset.
• Interest in managing staff. Some experience managing staff preferred.
• Authentic connection to the work and mission of Ocean Conservancy.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair and equitable compensation as a foundation for fostering a diverse, inclusive, and thriving workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered. It has established pay structures informed by market data and ensures accountability through ongoing monitoring and reporting of its progress toward achieving more equitable pay practices.

The minimum starting salary for this position is $95,693 annually. Final compensation offers will be determined at the end of the recruitment process based on factors such as the candidate’s location, qualifications, background, experience, and internal pay equity considerations. To ensure alignment, candidates are encouraged to share their salary expectations early. This allows for meaningful discussions about compensation and helps ensure alignment and equity before a final offer.

TO APPLY

If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

If you are a person with a disability and need help applying, please contact us at [email protected].