Major Gift Officer

Major Gift Officer

The Major Gift Officer works closely with the development team to plan, implement, and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for gift prospects, with a focus on soliciting individual donors.

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for managing a portfolio of qualified donors and building strong relationships. They understand and apply complex principles of developing donor strategies. They will be responsible for direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs. They can discuss assets and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, such as planned gifts and trade lands. The Major Gift Officer provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve and engage appropriate partners in the field and at the Global Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues and / or concerns, and address questions as needed. They are capable of featuring the programs of the Conservancy in detailed terms and can confidently discuss legacy giving opportunities. The Major Gift Officer understands project budgets and may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge, in partnership with our Donor Communications Team. They will develop a referral network as needed and may play a role in supporting formal and / or informal networks of volunteers (e.g. California Leadership Council). They will be required to use the Conservancy's donor database and adhere to the Conservancy's training program for relationship managers.

Act independently and in supervisor's stead as needed, exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.

Decisions may have program-wide impact and bind the organization financially or legally.

Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.

Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external (donor / legal / IRS) requirements.

Financial responsibility includes working within a budget and recommending and meeting fundraising goals.

Manage and implement multiple projects, directing work of staff, managing budget, and setting deadlines.

May direct or participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.

May supervise support or administrative staff.

Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups who are important to the organization's overall prosperity.

Travel frequently and on short notice, work long and flexible hours as needed.

Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and / or strain.

Manage a portfolio of up to 120 donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $250,000, once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for 120+ visits per year.

Annual fundraising goal of $2,000,000+ or more, along with a goal for bequest notifications.

Bachelor's degree and 6 years related experience or an equivalent combination.

Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents.

Based in the Bay Area, CA with access to the San Francisco Office.

Experience in asking for and closing gifts of $50,000 or more.

Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors.

Experience working with cross-functional teams, preferably in a large non-profit.

Experience working with fundraising principles and practices.

Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving.

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Ability to design and manage fundraising plans, including individualized cultivation, solicitation and recognition plans.

Ability to determine an individual's interests, capacity and potential for helping the Conservancy meet its goals and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancy's work.

Ability to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about appropriate giving vehicles.

Demonstrated experience using listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate donors and volunteers.

Proven ability to negotiate complex, high profile or sensitive agreements. Working knowledge of charitable gift planning.