Associate Director of Donor Communications - The Nature Conservancy

Selection process developed by matteria

Location and Work Mode

Latam or the United States - Remote

Who we are

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global environmental organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, TNC pioneers on-the-ground, innovative solutions to our planet's toughest environmental challenges. With operations across more than 70 countries and territories, our work focuses on safeguarding ecosystems, combating climate change, and promoting biodiversity to ensure that nature and people thrive together.

In Latin America, TNC is working to protect some of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Home to 40% of global species, a third of the planet’s freshwater, and a quarter of its forests, Latin America’s natural systems are critical to global environmental health. However, these ecosystems are under threat due to climate change, deforestation, and over-exploitation. TNC is committed to implementing strategies that foster sustainable development and conserve these essential ecosystems.

Our impact

• Combat Climate Change
• Protect Lands and Waters
• Provide Water and Food Sustainably
• Build Healthy Cities

Purpose of the Position

The Associate Director of Donor Communications is responsible for implementing and managing communication and engagement plans that support the Latin America Regional fundraising strategy. They facilitate communication between the region’s development divisions and stakeholders, identifying opportunities to enhance fundraising efforts. They lead a team in creating donor engagement materials such as proposals, presentations, and newsletters, and identify strategic interventions to strengthen donor relationships. Additionally, they manage communication strategies, collaborate with internal departments, and supervise staff, budget, and operational plans to ensure effective donor stewardship and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team in crafting communication strategies tailored to different audiences, ensuring clear messaging and timely delivery.

• Manage multiple projects and deliverables in donor communications by coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside the organization.
• Drive swift decision-making and action in a fast-paced environment while ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Work at an executive level, collaborating with senior leadership and external stakeholders to support private fundraising efforts.
• Ensure daily responsibilities are managed with strong organizational skills and critical thinking.
• Lead the alignment of donor communications with global messaging and act as the point of contact for the Latin America Region with the Global Donor Communications and Global Campaign teams.
• Manage a team of five donor communications staff members, focusing on achieving business and professional development goals.
• Assist with the creation/administration of the budget, evaluate results, and develop corrective strategies as needed.
• Oversee the resolution of complex issues within the program, knowing when to involve other internal departments.
• Ensure communications are engaging for non-technical audiences, leveraging a background in journalism or similar fields.

Requirements and competences to work with us

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least 8 years of related experience or equivalent combination.
  
• Advanced degree or specialization in Conservation, Nonprofit Management, or Fundraising is a plus.

Experience

• • Minimum of 8 years of experience in strategic communications, fundraising, or donor engagement, preferably within a nonprofit or conservation-focused organization.
  • Proven experience managing donor communications and developing comprehensive engagement strategies at a regional or global level.
  • Strong background in journalism or experience writing for non-technical audience is prefered.
  • Experience leading teams and managinf projects in a fast-paced enviroment.
  • Experience in private fundrasing, particularly in crafting messaging for high-net-worth individuals.
  • Project management experience or background is highly desirable.
  
  
  Knowledge and Skills

• Strong strategic communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages and materials for diverse audiences, including donors, board members, and stakeholders.
• Fluent in English, with proficiency in Spanish or Portuguese.
• Expertise in using communication technologies and platforms to enhance donor engagement.
• Familiarity with systems thinking and its application in developing communication strategies that drive organizational change and transformation.
• Deep understanding of current trends and best practices in donor communications, fundraising, and nonprofit marketing.

Competencies

• Strategic Thinking: ability to create and implement communications strategies that align with broader organizational goals.
• Collaboration and Influence: strong interpersonal skills to work effectively across teams, influence without authority, and build productive relationships with stakeholders.
• Leadership: proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team, fostering a culture of growth and innovation.
• Problem Solving: ability to resolve complex issues independently while keeping a strategic focus.
• Creativity and Innovation: fosters a culture of creativity, continuously seeking innovative ways to engage donors and enhance communication efforts.

Our team profile

At The Nature Conservancy, our team is driven by a shared commitment to protecting the environment and making a tangible difference in the world. We are a diverse and inclusive group that values collaboration, creativity, and a deep passion for conservation. Our team thrives on fostering strong relationships, both within the organization and with external partners, guided by the belief that together we can create lasting positive change.

These core values define our culture:

• Collaboration and Inclusivity: We work closely across departments and regions, embracing diverse perspectives to create solutions that benefit both people and nature.
• Passion for Conservation: Every team member is deeply committed to TNC’s mission, motivated by the belief that our work is crucial to the future of the planet.
• Innovation and Creativity: We are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to engage donors and drive environmental change, encouraging creativity in everything we do.
• Respect and Integrity: We hold ourselves accountable to the highest ethical standards, ensuring transparency and respect in all of our interactions and decisions.

Key interests for working with us

The Nature Conservancy's team is driven by the urgent need to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Our collective motivation stems from a deep commitment to creating sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Key areas of focus for our team include:

• Climate Change Mitigation: Tackling climate change is central to our mission. Our work is focused on reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and supporting initiatives that enhance climate resilience in vulnerable regions.

• Conservation of Biodiversity: Protecting ecosystems that are home to the world’s most diverse species is a top priority. We aim to conserve forests, freshwater systems, and marine habitats, ensuring their long-term sustainability.

• Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: As the demand for food grows globally, we are dedicated to promoting agricultural practices that balance productivity with environmental conservation, helping secure food and water supplies in a sustainable way.

• Environmental Justice and Equity: We recognize that marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation. Our team is committed to promoting fair access to natural resources, advocating for environmental justice, and ensuring that our work benefits all communities, especially those most vulnerable.

• Building Healthy Cities: As urban areas grow, we are motivated to create sustainable, green cities that promote healthy living environments, reduce pollution, and ensure access to clean water and nature for all citizens.

Reasons to join our team

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we emp

Relevant details before applying for this vacancy

Location: This position can be based in Latin America or the United States, with a preference for candidates who have experience working in a multicultural and multilingual environment.

Languages: Fluency in English is required, along with proficiency in either Spanish or Portuguese. Applicants should be able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal forms.

Commitment to Mission: Candidates should demonstrate a strong alignment with The Nature Conservancy's mission to protect the environment and address global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.