Development Operations Specialist

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.

• 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…