Position summary:
The Major Gifts Officer assists donors in achieving their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a connection with the Rainforest Alliance. They have the task of identifying, assessing, cultivating, and securing new and current individual mid-level and major donors with unrestricted giving potential (under $25,000).
The position, under the guidance of the Senior Director of Individual Giving, collaborates with multiple teams to improve fundraising opportunities and assess potential donors. They serve as an external representative for the Rainforest Alliance, fostering positive relationships with prospects and current donors. Their responsibilities include developing and implementing strategies to engage major donors, such as direct solicitation and cultivation meetings, as well as drafting proposals that effectively communicate the impact of donor contributions. Additionally, they work with the Senior Director on stewardship plans for major gift donors and capitalize on fundraising opportunities in emerging markets. The successful candidate is a seasoned fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record of managing a portfolio and closing gifts from individuals, families, and family foundations.
Responsibilities:

• Manage and implement a moves management system for a portfolio of donors and prospects, including identification and qualification through research, cultivation, briefing, request for support, and prompt follow up, stewardship, and recognition;
• Oversee monthly donor and NextGen donor programs, identifying and cultivating donors with capacity for an increased ask;
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for all donors and prospects within their portfolio to raise awareness of RA’s mission and broaden RA’s funding base;
• Develop and implement events and activities for major gift donors to engage with others and discover new prospects for cultivation.
• Maintain up-to-date revenue projections toward annual revenue goals;
• Track and report relationship management activity using Salesforce;
• Build and analyze reports in Salesforce to report progress against cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising goals;
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative working relationships with other team members; and
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• College degree required;
• 3-5 years of successful, demonstrated experience in major and planned gift fundraising, preferably in conservation, climate, or environment;
• Strong written, oral, and presentation communication skills, and have experience in developing clear and concise funding proposals;
• Proven success in meeting financial goals for major gift giving, securing five-figure gifts and above. Experience in cold calling, developing cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with major gift donors and various collaborators, customers, partners, and team members; and
• Experience with Development databases, preferably Salesforce.