Major Gifts Officer

American Bird Conservancy

Major Gifts Officer

Position Summary:

Title:                            Major Gifts Officer

Supervisor:                  Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Location:                     Remote; or office space available in The Plains, VA or Washington DC

Introduction:

This is a full-time position with American Bird Conservancy (ABC). The Major Gifts Officer will help coordinate ABC fundraising programs for individual major donors and select private foundations, with a primary emphasis on raising general operating funds to advance conservation of wild birds and their habitats in the Americas. The Major Gifts Officer will oversee, steward, and grow a portion of ABC’s Falcon Club (our major donor program) to provide annual general operating funds. This role involves working with the President, Board members, Vice President of Development, Membership Director, Director of Marketing & Analytics, and other ABC staff  to identify, cultivate, and solicit current and potential donors for major gifts. The Major Gifts Officer will also help develop and implement annual and long term plans for the Falcon Club.

The Major Gifts Officer is supervised by the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving.  The position requires frequent and personal contact with major donors and prospects, including planning and participating in field trips and events. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent written and oral communication skills, success in securing major gifts and knowledge of fundraising best practices, an outgoing personality, initiative, discretion, and the ability to lead. The Major Gifts Officer will be well-versed in ABC’s mission, objectives, and programs, and must be able to convey complex conservation projects clearly in both oral and written communications to a diverse audience.  A commitment to conservation will make this position a rewarding experience.

Primary Duties:

1. Lead in raising general support funding for ABC operations through cultivation and solicitation of current and potential ABC members (general and Falcon Club) utilizing correspondence, personal contact, and regular conservation updates. With the Development Team, identify and target a diversity of prospects for Falcon Club membership from existing ABC members and from outside of ABC. Assist the Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving in conducting Falcon Club revenue analysis and projections on regular basis with formal analysis at year’s end.
2. Maintain a portfolio of Falcon Club donor files, keeping up our robust Customer Relations Management (CRM) system, and setting up Moves Management plans for donors.
3. Assist with production of all materials promoting the Falcon Club for ABC publications, website, digital marketing, and targeted mailings. Work with both Communications and Development Teams to produce scheduled appeals in publications and for special appeal campaigns. Assist in editing our ABC magazine, Bird Conservation, to reflect donor acknowledgement and attribution, and assist in producing appropriate web content and other materials (brochures, etc.) related to fundraising.
4. Assist with development projects as requested by the President and Vice President for Development.

Position Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree and at least three years' experience in fundraising or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Experience in direct response and/or major gifts fundraising preferred.
3. Proven track record of membership level upgrades and donor conversion.
4. Ability to work independently, efficiently, and diligently.
5. Good computer skills with ability to master new software, CRM databases, and more.
6. Ability to work as a team member, utilizing the full strengths and capabilities of others to maximize potential for success.
7. Excellent interpersonal skills.
8. Attention to detail and organizational skills.
9. Strong writing skills. Ability to transform complex program information into clear, concise, and compelling text for a variety of audiences.
10. Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
11. Willingness to travel.
12. Commitment to ABC’s conservation mission and objectives.
13. Authorized to work in the U.S.
14. Background screening required

Benefits:

• Benefits include medical, medical flex, and 403(b) plan.
• Paid vacation days (15), holidays (10+), and sick leave.

At American Bird Conservancy, we believe that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills makes us more effective. We are committed to creating a respectful and inclusive work environment for all of our employees.

As an equal opportunity employer, ABC is committed to ensuring that employees and applicants for employment have equal opportunities regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other factor unrelated to the requirements of the position.