Development Operations Specialist
The Nature Conservancy
Operations
United States · Washington, USA · Seattle, WA, USA
USD 78k-83k / year
Posted on Mar 6, 2026
What We Can Achieve Together
The Nature Conservancy’s Alaska chapter is undergoing a period of growth as new positions are being staffed, given the importance of Alaska to TNC’s global goals. This is an opportunity to work closely with the Director of Development to streamline processes and systems, ensuring that Alaska’s development team can do its best work in support of this globally significant region.
The Development Operations Specialist will work with the Director of Development to enhance or institute training, documentation, and change management related to development operations systems and practices. The role stays current on market trends and best practices in development operations and adapts processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and donor stewardship, grounded in a strong understanding of organizational policies and procedures.
This position serves as the operational backbone of the Alaska development team, ensuring strong systems, disciplined execution, and high-quality donor experiences. This role owns and integrates gift tracking, data and reporting, portfolio and prospect management, and team coordination in support of fundraising strategy and conservation outcomes.
The Development Operations Specialist works closely with the Director of Development and development staff to translate strategic priorities into effective operational plans, systems, and workflows. The position develops, implements, and continuously improves processes that support fundraising performance, accountability, and compliance, while coordinating multiple activities, timelines, and stakeholders.
Key functions include managing, tracking, and reporting on core development data (including donor, gift, and portfolio information); performing independent analysis to inform decision-making; and providing actionable insights and recommendations to strengthen fundraising effectiveness. The role requires advanced knowledge of development systems and resources and serves as a key liaison for operational tools, data integrity, and reporting.
Responsibilities & Scope
Are you looking for work you can believe in? A career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver with a strong background in supporting a diverse, multi-disciplinary team; strong coordination skills; the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; and excellent communication skills to fit in to our geographically dispersed team.
Please note that this role includes ~5% of total time traveling, including within Alaska, across the U.S. During the initial 3-4 months, travel may be as much as 15% of total time.
In addition, the successful candidate may reside in any major city in Alaska, with a strong preference for Anchorage or Juneau, where The Nature Conservancy maintains offices. Candidates in Seattle, Washington, may also be considered.
What You’ll Bring
An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and base salaries based on the geographic location of the role with a commitment to equity across groups.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $78,000 - $83,000 for annual base salary. 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.
The Nature Conservancy’s Alaska chapter is undergoing a period of growth as new positions are being staffed, given the importance of Alaska to TNC’s global goals. This is an opportunity to work closely with the Director of Development to streamline processes and systems, ensuring that Alaska’s development team can do its best work in support of this globally significant region.
The Development Operations Specialist will work with the Director of Development to enhance or institute training, documentation, and change management related to development operations systems and practices. The role stays current on market trends and best practices in development operations and adapts processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and donor stewardship, grounded in a strong understanding of organizational policies and procedures.
This position serves as the operational backbone of the Alaska development team, ensuring strong systems, disciplined execution, and high-quality donor experiences. This role owns and integrates gift tracking, data and reporting, portfolio and prospect management, and team coordination in support of fundraising strategy and conservation outcomes.
The Development Operations Specialist works closely with the Director of Development and development staff to translate strategic priorities into effective operational plans, systems, and workflows. The position develops, implements, and continuously improves processes that support fundraising performance, accountability, and compliance, while coordinating multiple activities, timelines, and stakeholders.
Key functions include managing, tracking, and reporting on core development data (including donor, gift, and portfolio information); performing independent analysis to inform decision-making; and providing actionable insights and recommendations to strengthen fundraising effectiveness. The role requires advanced knowledge of development systems and resources and serves as a key liaison for operational tools, data integrity, and reporting.
Responsibilities & Scope
- Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize work, exercise sound judgment, and identify and resolve operational challenges.
- Own and manage core development operations functions, which may include revenue management, prospect and portfolio systems, reporting and analytics, gift processing workflows, stewardship operations, and event or trip coordination.
- Manage accountability for operational goals tied to fundraising performance and pipeline metrics.
- Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, as well as external donor, legal, and IRS requirements.
- Maintain data integrity and consistent use of development systems; develop and document standards, processes, and tools that support effective fundraising operations.
- Serve as a key operational partner to fundraisers and leadership, providing insights, recommendations, and targeted training related to systems, data, and workflows.
- Manage projects of moderate to high complexity, setting realistic timelines, coordinating multiple variables and contributors, and ensuring accountability for deliverables.
- Contribute to the development, refinement, and implementation of new initiatives or improvements to existing programs through cross-functional project teams.
- Travel and work outside of standard business hours as needed to support team priorities, events, or donor engagement.
- Work is diversified and may not always fall within established practices, requiring adaptability and problem-solving within the scope of program strategic goals.
- Work environment involves infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion or strain.
Are you looking for work you can believe in? A career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver with a strong background in supporting a diverse, multi-disciplinary team; strong coordination skills; the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; and excellent communication skills to fit in to our geographically dispersed team.
Please note that this role includes ~5% of total time traveling, including within Alaska, across the U.S. During the initial 3-4 months, travel may be as much as 15% of total time.
In addition, the successful candidate may reside in any major city in Alaska, with a strong preference for Anchorage or Juneau, where The Nature Conservancy maintains offices. Candidates in Seattle, Washington, may also be considered.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
- Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting data.
- Experience working across departments.
- Experience with current technology in relevant field.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
- Ability to implement complex processes.
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
- Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff.
- Experience coordinating projects.
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
- Experience with database management.
- Knowledge of current trends in the specific field.
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
- Understanding of basic accounting practices.
An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and base salaries based on the geographic location of the role with a commitment to equity across groups.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $78,000 - $83,000 for annual base salary. 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.