Major Gifts Officer

Job Summary:

The Major Gifts Manager is responsible for helping secure the resources necessary to advance ALNC’s mission to nurture children, their well-being, and environmental sustainability through connecting and learning in nature.

This position manages fundraising activities, including the formulation and implementation of annual and long-term strategic development plans and oversees the Major Gifts portfolio of Individual and Foundation donors/partners. The Development team supports the Nature Center’s $2M annual budget with approximately $600k in annual gifts with a goal of growing this amount. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a superior work ethic and have the ability to plan efficiently, manage effectively, communicate persuasively, and represent the Nature Center enthusiastically

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising (70%)

Manage a portfolio of 100-125 donors and achieve an annual revenue goal in the range of $350,000 - $500,000

Create and coordinate annual development activities to raise support for ALNC’s programs and operations, including:

• Retaining and stewarding current donors
• Identifying and soliciting new prospects
• Assisting with developing direct appeals
• Creating new solicitation and cultivation activities
• Conducting special campaigns (Capital, Planned Giving, Endowment, etc.)

Create and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward Individual and Foundation donors

• Individuals: Develop and maintain relationships with major donors, ensuring personalized/meaningful engagement
• Foundations: Create meaningful and timely proposals/reports that align with the interests and priorities of private foundations

Work with the Director of Marketing & Communications to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward Corporate partnerships and donors contacted through direct appeals

• Corporations: Present opportunities for event/program sponsorships and track and deliver benefits
• Direct Appeals: Plan and implement semi-annual direct appeals to donors, program participants, and the general public

Engage in outreach/community relations to strengthen ALNC’s visibility in the community

Assist in planning and implementing ALNC annual fundraising events

Work with the Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward their personal connections and advance their resources

Administrative/Planning (30%)

Ensure fundraising database and additional tracking systems are being proactively utilized, maintained, and supported

Update Development Plan annually

Ensure a cohesive and strategic approach to fundraising across the organization

Collaborate with other departments to gather programmatic information and impact stories for donor communication

Demonstrate or develop ability to accurately understand and maintain financials, budgets, and projections

Event coordination of Cocktails in the Cattails, ALNC’s annual “friends” recognition event

Manage the Development committee

Play an active role on ALNC’s Leadership Team

Perform other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of of demonstrated success in fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector
• Experience managing a donor portfolio
• Experience working with CRM databases
• Exceptional organization, planning, and workload prioritization skills, accuracy, attention to detail, ability to multitask
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Critical thinking skills and the emotional intelligence to problem solve and work with diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently and as a team
• Understand and address challenges with sound judgement, high integrity and professional demeanor
• Proficiency (or ability to learn) Google Workspace and the ability to master various software applications
• Maintain Association of Fundraising Professionals’ code of ethical standards and confidentiality
• Commitment to valuing diversity and equity, and contributing to an inclusive culture
• Experience in annual budget preparation
• Willingness to work some nights and weekends 

Benefits:

• Salary: $60,000-$80,000 depending on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package including health and dental insurance (60/40 employer/employee), life/disability insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan with 3% company match
• 50% off enrollment and program fees for your children attending ALNC programming, including the Nature Preschool and Summer Camp
• Generous PTO policy
• Flexible schedule and work-from-home options for some shifts
• Fun, child-focused environment
• Professional development opportunities