Job Details

About Us

Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on?the?ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.

Position Overview

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.

Essential Functions

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, manage direct asks to both global and local priorities to meet funding needs, discuss assets and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non?cash gifts, including planned gifts and trade lands. They provide opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving, involve and engage appropriate partners, and may support formal and informal networks and the Conservancys donor database and training program.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Act independently and in the supervisors 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 important to the organizations 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors 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 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.

Desired Qualifications

• 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 individuals interests, capacity and potential for helping the Conservancy meet its goals and act appropriately to tie those interests with the Conservancys 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.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $105,300 $131,000 annual base salary. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancys mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science?based organization, we create innovative, on?the?ground solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non?profit into one of the most effective and wide?ranging environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the globe.

Benefits and Perks

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health?care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other life and work well?being benefits.

Senior Level

• Mid?Senior level

Employment Type

• Full?time

Job Function

• Other

Industry

• Non?profit Organizations

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to ...@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.