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Gift Officer

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Denver-CO, Phoenix-AZ, Seattle-WA, Arlington-VA, or the US(remote)

The Gift Officer helps donors accomplish their philanthropic goals and ambitions through a relationship with Conservation International. They are responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting, new prospects and individual donors with Major Giving potential ($25,000+ annually). They are responsible for achieving specific multi-figure short-term and long-term fundraising goals and growing the portfolio to meet yearly and multi-year revenue targets. This position will be based in a major metropolitan region with a national portfolio focus on prospects and donors based in the state of California and a small portfolio of donors in select markets in Hawaii and the Southwest.

This position works closely with the Major and Midlevel Giving teams to collaborate on fundraising opportunities and donor qualification strategies. They represent Conservation International externally and continually build strong relationships with prospects. They develop and execute cultivation strategies for prospective major donors and work closely with the Midlevel Giving team on the donor qualification process. They will develop strategies that include direct solicitation and hold cultivation meetings that will lead to major gifts to support flexible funding needs. They will work with the Donor Experience and Communications team to ensure messaging to donors shows the true impact of flexible funding They will also work closely with the Sr. Director of Inclusive Philanthropy to maximize fundraising potential in new and emerging markets.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Revenue Generation

  • Raise at least $500,000 in the initial 18 months and grow portfolio to $1 million annually within three years.
  • Create a portfolio of at least 80-100 major gift prospects to contribute to overall organization fundraising objectives; complete at least 10 gift solicitations of at least $25,000.
  • Qualify or disqualify at least 50 prospects annually through meetings and other donor engagement activities.
  • Maintain up-to-date revenue projections toward annual revenue goals.

Portfolio Management

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for all donors and prospects within their portfolio to raise awareness of CI’s mission and broaden CI’s funding base.
  • Manage and document moves management activities to increase portfolio productivity to meet annual and multi-year revenue goals.
  • Engage donors through in-person or virtual visits (at least 100 per year) on own or in collaboration with CI program staff. Use mailings, emails, etc. to advance solicitation efforts.
  • Steward existing donors via written reports and in-person briefings as appropriate.
  • Utilize internal and external research to identify high-net-worth individuals new to CI.

Relationship Development

  • Work closely with senior development staff and Relationship Managers of Leadership Council members to identify and cultivate new donors.
  • Partner with CI field and program staff to foster deeper relationships with donors.
  • As needed, work with partner organizations in the local community as part of donor relationship building.

Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • This will be a remote work position based in a major metropolitan region (ideally Denver, Phoenix, Seattle, or Arlington-VA).
  • If Conservation International does not have an office in the region where hired, the Gift Officer will work remotely full time. Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.
  • 50% local and regional travel required.
  • Ability to work irregular and extended work hours, including evenings and weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree or up to four years of college-level work.
  • 5-7 years of related work experience in directly soliciting major gifts.
  • Demonstrated track record of successfully cultivating and securing gifts of $25K or more from individual donors.
  • Experience qualifying and cultivating donors and working with donors at all stages of the donor lifecycle.
  • Interest in the environment and sustainability issues.

Preferred

  • Experience establishing and maintaining working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.
  • Experience working with an international nonprofit.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.

As a science-based organization, CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Accordingly, for the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, subject to applicable local law, all Conservation International staff are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, vaccination is no longer a mandate or condition of employment and employees are not required to provide proof of vaccination. This means we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to enter a CI office, attend CI events or travel on CI-related trips. This applies for our community partners as well. This vaccine expectation applies to all team members working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site. Job applicants are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.