Job Openings
Major Gifts Officer
Environmental Defense Fund is a leading national nonprofit organization representing more than 500,000 members. Since 1967, we have linked science, economics and law to create innovative, equitable and cost-effective solutions to society's most urgent environmental problems.
Environmental Defense Fund is dedicated to protecting the environmental rights of all people, including future generations. Among these rights are access to clean air and water, healthy and nourishing food, and flourishing ecosystems.
Guided by science, Environmental Defense Fund evaluates environmental problems and works to create and advocate solutions that win lasting political, economic and social support because they are nonpartisan, cost-efficient and fair.
Environmental Defense Fund believes that a sustainable environment will require economic and social systems that are equitable and just. We affirm our commitment to the environmental rights of the poor and people of color.
As an American organization, Environmental Defense Fund will always pay special attention to American environmental problems and to America's role in both causing and solving global environmental problems.
This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned, sophisticated development professional with outstanding success in individual major gifts to become part of the development team at one of the nations premier environmental organizations.
The Major Gifts Officer will be part of a national development team responsible for generating over $27 million currently 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. 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 Funds national agenda.
Reporting Relationship
The Major Gifts Officer will report to the Director of Major Gifts.
Responsibilities
- Execute a strategic plan for increasing the revenue generated from higher level, sophisticated donors nationally with a concentration in the New York areaDesign and implement overall engagement and fundraising policies and strategies as part of the national development team, in order to continue the exponential growth of revenue coming from individual large gifts
- Generate approximately $20M 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
- Work closely with other staff to develop and implement strategic marketing and communication initiatives for prospects; to design and implement specific campaigns, outreach efforts and events for the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts; to assist in setting and meeting annual income goals for major gifts prospects
- 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 development marketing function to ensure there are compelling, visionary program ideas to present to donors and prospects
- Assist other development officers on special projects or efforts that contribute to the organizations larger regional and national development goals
Qualities and Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess the following:
- Several years of demonstrated success as a front-line fundraiser, with increasing levels of responsibility
- Well-honed skills in developing long-term donor cultivation and solicitation strategies
- A commitment to Environmental Defense Funds 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
- Bachelors degree from an accredited university
Nominations and applications may be submitted in confidence to:
Sally-Ann Hard
The SAH Consultancy Inc
8A Mount Morris Park West
New York, NY 10027
Email: shard@sahinc.biz
Environmental Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and the physically-challenged are encouraged to apply.
(Sept. 2009)
Posted: 05-Sep-2008; Updated: 14-Apr-2009
