Major Gifts Officer

MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER
WASHINGTON, DC
 
With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

Overall Function
 
This is a unique opportunity for a sophisticated development professional with outstanding success in individual major gifts to become part of the development team at one of the nation’s premier environmental organizations.
 
The Major Gifts Officer will be part of a national development team responsible for generating over $53 million in annual major gifts, with plans to double that amount in the coming years.  S/he will be responsible for managing a high-end portfolio of donors and prospects within the New York region and nationally.  Working closely with senior professionals in the national development department, national Trustees and program staff, the Major Gifts Officer is expected to identify, cultivate and solicit individuals in support of Environmental Defense Fund’s national agenda.
 
The Major Gifts Officer will report to the Director of Major Gifts.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Execute a strategic plan for increasing the revenue generated from higher level, sophisticated donors nationally with a concentration in the New York area
• 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 level of $100,000 and up
• Lead one-on-one solicitations as well as coordinate the President, volunteers, other development officers and program staff in the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts prospects
• Recruit and manage volunteers in support of the fundraising efforts ensuring a high quality of volunteer participation and appropriate financial returns for the organization
• Represent and articulate the work of the organization as a whole, including the programs within the region
• Stay abreast of changes and innovations in federal and state tax laws that may be relevant to major gifts prospects
• Write and edit proposals and reports for potential donors working closely with the donor communications department to ensure there are compelling, visionary program ideas to present to donors and prospects
• 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

• Several 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
• Knowledge of and ability to use fundraising databases
• Creativity, energy, confidence and integrity
• Initiative and independence combined with the ability to work well as part of team
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university

Location

This position will be located in Washington, DC
 
Due to the volume of employment applications and queries received, EDF is unable to respond to each application individually. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate.
 
Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer
 
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