Major Gifts Officer, California Chapter - The Nature Conservancy

California, USA

San Francisco Bay Area preferred Sacramento and other regions in northern California considered. 

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world. 

The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast. 

The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.

Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American politics and civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We are not activists. We do not litigate. We do not take public stands on matters unrelated to our purpose. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should therefore be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as centrist and non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.

The Major Gifts Officer works closely with the development, conservation, science, finance, and leadership team to plan, implement, and coordinate effective multi-year strategies and plans for major gift prospects, including high net worth individuals and family foundations. 

The Major Gifts 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 Gifts Officer provides opportunities for donors to receive recognition and increase future giving. They involve and engage appropriate partners in the field and at the Worldwide Office, keeping them apprised of interactions, issues and/or concerns, and address questions as needed. They can feature the programs of the Conservancy in detailed terms and can confidently discuss legacy giving opportunities. The Major Gifts Officer understands project budgets and may build proposal budgets utilizing this knowledge. They will develop a referral network as needed and may manage formal and/or informal networks of volunteers. They will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and may develop proposals. The Major Gifts Officer will travel frequently and on short notice, work long and flexible hours as needed. The work environment may involve infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain. This role will manage a portfolio of 80 – 100 donors, including donors with the capacity to give over $250,000, once the portfolio is developed. Responsible for 120 - 144 visits annually. Annual fundraising goal of $1,500,000 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. 
•    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.

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 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.
•    An affinity for the outdoors.
•    Ability to be a thought partner to leadership, navigating differing opinions skillfully when needed.
•    High emotional intelligence and a sense of accountability.

Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.  

We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance. 

If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $93,600 – $137,000 annual base salary.  Where a successful candidate’s 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.Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 55728 , submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/by 8:59 PM PST on 11/04/24. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. 

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