Senior Major Gifts Officer

Overview

Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.

We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 1,000 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.

Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?

Responsibilities

Senior Major Gifts Officer - West Coast

Location: SF bay area preferred; open to US-west

Overall Function

The Senior Major Gifts Officer will be part of an international development team responsible for generating over $100 million in annual major gifts, with plans to grow that amount in the coming years. They will be responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects working closely with senior professionals in the national development department and program staff. The Senior Major Gifts Officer is expected to identify, cultivate and solicit individuals in support of Environmental Defense Fund’s national agenda. The Senior Major Gifts Officer will report to the Associate Vice President, Major Gifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute a strategic plan for increasing the revenue generated from donors with a concentration in the six and seven figure range
• Design and implement overall engagement and fundraising strategies as part of the national development team, in order to continue the exponential growth of revenue coming from individual large gifts
• Generate approximately $5M per year in sustainable annual revenue, with appropriate increases in each subsequent year
• Identify, cultivate and steward major gifts prospects with an identified gift levels of $100,000 and up
• Lead one-on-one solicitations as well as coordinate the President, volunteers, program staff and other development officers in the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts prospects
• Effectively represent and articulate the work of the organization as a whole, presenting a compelling case for support of EDF
• Stay abreast of changes and innovations in federal and state tax laws that may be relevant to major gifts prospects
• Work closely with the donor communications department to draft proposals and reports for donors/prospects ensuring that EDF is presenting compelling, visionary program ideas to present to donors and prospects
• Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values
• Assist in setting and meeting annual income goals for major gifts prospects
• Assist other development officers on special projects or efforts that contribute to the organization’s larger regional and national development goals

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• At least eight years of demonstrated success as a front-line fundraiser
• Well-honed skills in developing long-term donor cultivation and solicitation strategies
• A commitment to Environmental Defense Fund’s mission and values
• Outstanding interpersonal skills; a high level of comfort with direct donor interaction, including discussions of personal and family finances
• Well-developed communication skills, including excellent writing ability and public speaking skills desirable
• Knowledge of and ability to use fundraising databases
• Creativity, energy, confidence and integrity; high level of discretion and respect for donor privacy
• Initiative and independence combined with the ability to work well as part of team
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• A valid driver’s license and ability to drive
• Willingness to travel out of state

Pay Ranges

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

The pay range for this role is shown below.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

Minimum Salary

USD $110,000.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $120,000.00/Yr.

EEO Information

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.