The Senior Major Gifts Officer I (SMGO) develops and implements strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors capable of making a major gift ($100k over three years). They will be charged with building and expanding Earthjustice’s profile in New York City through networking, outreach, and partnership with Volunteer leadership.  They conduct initial exploratory meetings with donors and prospects to determine capacity and interest for major giving, build a portfolio of major donors, and manage their relationship with Earthjustice. They will be responsible for growing the New York City donor base with an eventual minimum fundraising goal of $2 million per year.

The SMGO understands and applies complex principles of developing donor strategies. They will be responsible for direct asks for Earthjustice’s priorities to meet funding needs. They can discuss assets and listen for opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts, and can confidentially discuss planned giving opportunities. The SMGO will build constructive and effective relationships, involve and engage appropriate partners in Development, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues and/or concerns, and address questions as needed. They are capable of featuring the organizational priorities in detailed terms, understand project budgets, and may build proposals utilizing this knowledge. They will be required to use Earthjustice’s donor database and may develop proposals.

This position can be based remotely, preferably in the New York City Region or with access to the New York City metro area.

Responsibilities

• Build and grow a portfolio of donors in the New York City area through prospecting, networking, and outreach with philanthropic advisors, community foundations, and other connectors.
• Develop strategies and implement plans for engaging new MG prospects to Earthjustice.
• Develop strategies and implement plans for qualifying, cultivating, stewarding, and soliciting those donors.
• Responsible for meeting revenue, solicitation, visit, and outreach goals set forth in annual work plan each year and regularly discussing progress with supervisor with an ultimate annual fundraising goal of $2 million, along with goals for bequest intentions.
• Work closely with Board of Trustees and Earthjustice Council members supporting their engagement and fundraising efforts.
• Travel regularly for donor visits, events, field trips, and trainings.
• Work closely with program leaders and donor relations staff to provide updates, acknowledgments, recognition, and personally engage donors and prospects.
• Build and maintain a strong working knowledge of Earthjustice’s work in order to educate and inform prospective and existing donors about the work.
• Contribute to the creation of the budget, collateral materials, research profiles, and lists for targeted mailings and events.
• Support planning and execution of donor events and field trips.
• Use donor databases to keep donor records up to date, track progress, and plan.
• Pursue opportunities for professional growth.
• Promote a culture of philanthropy, and foster a respectful and productive working environment.
• Other duties, as assigned.