Development Operations Manager

The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy

Operations

Santa Fe, NM, USA

USD 75,650-80,100 / year

Posted on Apr 30, 2026

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Development Program Manager I manages all development operations within the New Mexico program. The Manager I will be responsible for providing resources such as fundraising reporting, research, gift processing, stewardship, special events, and database management.

The Development Program Manager I will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the New Mexico program by developing and implementing tactics for approved plans, and completing and/or overseeing day-to-day tasks. They will interpret guidelines and analyze factual information to achieve results, improve workflow, and solve problems. They will provide recommendations and targeted training related to the functional activity they manage. The Manager I must have advanced knowledge of the systems and resources utilized including database management and Microsoft Excel. Applies knowledge to managing support and coordinating communications related to the resources. They will develop documentation, adapt processes, and participate in the enhancement of systems and tools used by the team. The Manager I will keep up-to-date on market trends and best practices in order to improve services. The Manager I works in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Conservancy staff, donors, volunteers, vendors, financial institutions, and legal and accounting professionals. They will organize and coordinate varied activities, projecting outcomes, and implementing solutions in consultation with leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

  • Manage the biannual prospect review process. Provide data and recommendations for donors who may benefit from participation in the Hybrid Donor Program and produce follow-up analysis at periodic intervals.

  • Provide detailed monthly reports and work closely with Director of Finance to reconcile CRM with financial reports.

  • Stay up to date on current systems and processes, participate in trainings and various groups; ensure that relevant information is disseminated.

  • Work closely with Director of Development and Director of Finance to provide accurate and timely information needed for both budgeting and goal setting. Participate in annual goal setting training/process.

  • Prepare donor acknowledgements.

  • Respond to requests from members of WO Treasury, Stock Gift Team, Principal Gifts Team and others who require review of lists.

  • Produce targeted mailing lists for all chapter communications.

  • Maintain constituent records in Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) database.

  • Process all incoming gifts through the New Mexico Business Unit.

  • Support Director of Development with entering donor strategies/plans and interactions in CRM database, ensuring proper stewardship and cultivation toward next solicitation. Enter opportunities into CRM for all managed donors and periodically review with team.

  • Set up and maintain process to provide detailed statistics related to Marketing/Communications material responses.

  • Does not supervise any staff but may manage work of peers on departmental project teams.

  • Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.

  • Manage projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, manage a timeline, and ensure accountability.

  • Provide oversight of all development systems and processes for the team.

  • Assist with managing trustee program including keeping Guidebook current, updating the NMBU Trustee information in CRM, reviewing/responding to Trustee Liaison emails/updates, etc.

  • Membership liaison for NM business unit, fielding various phone calls/emails relative to membership function.

  • Provide input through project teams for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs.

  • Work is complex and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

We’re Looking for You:

If you have experience coordinating projects, collaborating across teams and analyzing data, and managing people, look no further! The Nature Conservancy may be the place for you. Apply today and find a career where you can find meaning and purpose.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.

  • Experience coordinating projects.

  • Experience with database management.

  • Experience with Microsoft Excel.

  • Experience generating reports and analyzing and interpreting data.

  • Experience with current technology in relevant field.

  • Experience working across departments.

  • Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of relevant field.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience 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 interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.

  • Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers.

  • Knowledge of current trends in philanthropy.

  • Strong organization and negotiating skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.

  • Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.

  • Understanding of basic accounting principles.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $75,650 – $80,100. 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.