Director of Corporate Relations

The Nature Conservancy
Illinois

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Director of Corporate Relations (DCR) is responsible for the oversight, planning, and implementation of fundraising strategies and plans designed to raise funds for conservation priorities from corporations and their foundations that can make philanthropic gifts of $5,000,000 or more. Reporting to the Director of Individual & Institutional Giving, they serve as relationship manager for key corporate prospects and work across functions which engage corporations at TNC. Additionally, the DCR is responsible for monitoring TNC’s Principal Gift corporate portfolio of the top 30-50 accounts across the organization and for managing a Community of Practice to ensure best practices in corporate engagement are adopted throughout TNC. They will also proactively prospect to build their portfolio and ensure new prospects are consistently brought into the organization. They may supervise a small team supporting this work.

The Director of Corporate Relations will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program by conceiving, developing, and managing plans and strategies. In partnership with the Director of Individual & Institutional Giving, they will refine and clarify the definition of what excellence in corporate relationship management at TNC looks like and will drive this “best in class” approach throughout TNC. The DCR understands and applies complex principles of developing donor strategies and builds strong relationships with a portfolio of new and current corporate donors and prospects. They will both directly manage a portfolio of PG level corporate philanthropic prospects/donors while also monitoring and working to ensure excellent relationship management across TNC’s Principal Gift corporate portfolio of the approximately 30-50 top corporate accounts. The DCR will specifically cultivate relationships at the executive and c-suite of corporate entities that have a capacity to provide $5M+ in support ranging from purely philanthropic to a blend of philanthropic, cause marketing and corporate practice engagements. They will be responsible for exploring interest and capacity for support at the least restricted levels possible focusing on the intersection of TNC’s and the corporations’ priorities. They will work with donors and volunteers who can create referrals. They ensure the highest level of stewardship, including written reports, phone and in-person meetings, trips and events, as appropriate. They understand organizational budgets and are proficient utilizing this knowledge to build proposal budgets. The DCR may manage additional fundraising staff that specialize in corporate philanthropy and engagement. The DCR will staff organizational leadership, including executive leadership, as a moves manager as appropriate. They will manage a Community of Practice that brings together philanthropic institutional fundraisers from across the organization, Corporate Engagement, Cause Marketing and Employee Giving to share resources, strategize, and ensure the full complement of TNC’s opportunities to engage corporations are deployed for Principal Gift level corporate prospects. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Director of Corporate Relations who’s passionate about connecting with our top corporate prospects and donors to match their needs and interests with our long-term conservation goals. You would be part of a global Principal Gifts team who are building relationships and cultivating gifts with individual and institutional philanthropists around the world. Come join us! The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation leader and one of the top fundraising charities in the United States.

What You’ll Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 8 years’ related experience, including experience working at a senior level.

  • Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with corporate donors.

  • Experience in asking for and closing corporation or corporate foundation gifts of $1 million or more.

  • Experience in securing $1 million in a fiscal year from corporate giving alone.

  • Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.

  • Experience in planning and delivering budgetary responsibilities.

  • Experience managing and supervising a team.

  • Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.

  • Experience working in a large, complex organization.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $148,500 – $214,750 . 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.


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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Posted 2026-01-25

Recommended Jobs

HR Advisor (Generalist)

Mixam
Chicago, IL

Position Summary: The HR Advisor at Mixam plays a critical role in supporting our most valuable asset—our people. As a core member of a lean, high-visibility global People team, you will be the pr…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-27

ServiceNow Architect

SDI Presence
Chicago, IL

Description Company SDI Presence LLC is a leading IT services firm that leverages its strong team presence to advance clients toward a secure digital enterprise. With a 30-year corporate resume, S…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-29

Au Pair

GreatAuPair LLC
Saint Charles, IL

Seeking AuPair to help care for 2 amazing children. We will need daily care before and after school along. Childcare duties may include teaching basic english, math and helping with homework, scheduli…

View Details
Posted 2025-11-12

Salon Receptionist

East Bank Club
Chicago, IL

We are seeking a friendly and organized Salon Guest Service Representative to join our team. The ideal candidate will be the first point of contact for our clients, providing exceptional customer ser…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-30

Facilities Maintenance Technician

West Chicago, IL

Department: Facilities Department Location: West Chicago, IL (Far Western Suburbs) Minimum Salary: $32.00 Employment Type: Regular Full Time Shift: 1st Shift Scheduled Work Hours: 5:00am-3:30pm M…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-28

Supervisor 280 Metalshop

The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL

For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago w…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-31

Registered Nurse Neurosurgery Full Time Days

Northwestern Medical Group
Palos Heights, IL

The salary range for this position is $34.50 - $55.20 (Hourly Rate) Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positi…

View Details
Posted 2025-12-30

Engineer

Highmark Health
Springfield, IL

Company : Highmark Health Job Description : JOB SUMMARY This role would build intelligent systems that not only generate novel content and data but also exhibit autonomous decisi…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-31

OPCD Therapist-Partial Hospitalization Part Time Evenings

Palos Hospital
Orland Park, IL

The salary range for this position is $33.79 - $50.68 (Hourly Rate) Placement within the salary range is dependent on several factors such as relevant work experience and internal equity. For positi…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-20