Sr. Major Gifts Officer I

Posted on March 2, 2026 Full Time Development Sr. Major Gifts Officer I If you need reasonable accommodation in order to complete the application, interview, or some other portion of the selection process for a job at Earthjustice, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io . Earthjustice is the nation’s leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer. Driven by a passion for justice, inclusion, partnership, and excellence, our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. The Senior Major Gifts Officer I (SMGO) plays an exciting lead role in the expansion of the Los Angeles Metro and Southern California markets featuring a significant pool of prospects, as well as current major gift supporters. They possess deep fundraising knowledge and experience in the Los Angeles Metro market and bring an entrepreneurial approach to grow Earthjustice’s profile through networking, outreach, and partnership with Volunteer and Program leadership. They develop and implement strategies for the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors capable of making a major gift (minimum of $100k over three years). They conduct initial exploratory meetings with donors, prospects, and their advisors to determine capacity and interest for major giving and builds and manages a portfolio of major donors. They are responsible for an eventual minimum fundraising goal of $2 million+ per year. The SMGO understands and applies complex principles to develop donor strategies. They are responsible for direct solicitations for Earthjustice and Earthjustice Action to meet funding and organizational needs. They feature organizational priorities in detailed terms, understanding campaign and project budgets, and capitalizing on funding opportunities utilizing this knowledge. They discuss assets and explore opportunities for gifts of assets or other non-cash gifts and confidentially discuss planned giving opportunities. The SMGO builds constructive and effective relationships with partners in Development, Program, and Volunteer leadership, keeps them apprised of interactions, issues and/or concerns, and addresses questions as needed. They are required to use Earthjustice’s donor database and develop proposals. This is a non-supervisory position that reports to the Director of Major Gifts. The Senior Major Gifts Officer I is expected to work a full-time (37.5 hours/week) schedule and may work hybrid or remote from the following location: Los Angeles, CA Metro Area. Responsibilities What You’ll Do Manages an active portfolio of 40-50 major gift donors and advisors; builds relationships via personal visits, phone calls, ongoing written contact, events, immersion experiences, and engagement with Earthjustice’s leadership and program staff. Develops and implements strategies for major gift donors and their advisors that lead to transformative gifts in support of annual revenue and multi-year campaign targets. Responsible for meeting revenue, solicitation, visit, and outreach goals set forth in annual work plan and regularly discussing progress with supervisor, with an eventual annual fundraising revenue target of $2 million+ for Earthjustice and Earthjustice Action. Fundraising Discovery and Development (40%) Builds and grows a portfolio of 40-50 major gift prospects through qualification efforts for active engagement and contribution to annual fundraising targets for Earthjustice and Earthjustice Action. Develops and deploys expert familiarity with regional/national/international programmatic needs and priorities to help grow Earthjustice’s base of support in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area, Southern California, and Hawaii. Guides and supports Program leadership, Volunteer leadership, and Program staff in strategy development, and the identification and cultivation of prospective major gift donors. Communications and Partnership (15%) Contributes to the creation of personalized funding collateral, budgets, and correspondence that demonstrate opportunity, impact, recognition, and engagement of supporters. Regularly collaborates with team members across different units within Development, cross-departmentally, and regionally, to strategize and implement tactics that maximize fundraising opportunities. Collaborates with Gift Planning team to develop complex non-cash funding strategies for ultra and high net worth donors. Professional Development (5%) Promotes an interdisciplinary culture of philanthropy and fosters a respectful and productive working environment. Pursues professional growth opportunities that are relevant to industry trends, regional/programmatic priorities, and organizational values and mission. Integrates the above understanding into work projects and interactions by recognizing and addressing structural implications and disproportionate impacts of policies, activities, and decisions on groups and individuals within the context of job responsibilities; Evaluates processes and systems at Earthjustice to ensure equity. Actively pursue professional development and contribute to a culture of learning by building skills and sharing knowledge. Please note that the percentage breakdowns provided above serve as a guideline and that other duties may be assigned as part of the job’s requirements. Qualifications What You’ll Bring Seven years demonstrated successful experience in fundraising with a focus on major gift prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation, including proven track record working in the Los Angeles Metro and Southern California philanthropy markets, with experience in the entertainment, technology, and financial services verticals. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Valid driver’s license required. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM databases. Working knowledge of current trends in charitable giving, particularly in the areas of major and principal gifts and gift planning. Proven experience directly soliciting and closing six and seven-figure gifts from individuals. Proven experience in developing and implementing initiatives in support of a multi-million-dollar campaign and annual fundraising targets. Skill in absorbing and synthesizing complex program information and translating it into a compelling case for external audiences. Well-developed written and oral communication, negotiation, and organizational skills, and the ability to drive projects both autonomously and collaboratively. Proven experience in using effective interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and all disciplines and levels of staff. Demonstrated commitment to Earthjustice’s values of Justice, Excellence, Inclusion, and Partnership. This role may require the ability to: Sit for extended periods with occasional standing and walking Type, file, and/or handle office equipment Lift and carry materials Read documents, conduct computer work and document review Conduct consultations, meetings, and have telephone communications Salary & Benefits We offer a competitive salary and excellent, comprehensive benefits .We also offer a casual and congenial work environment. Salaries at Earthjustice are determined by working location and are commensurate with the experience required. The annual salary range for this role in Los Angeles, CA is $146,200 – $162,400. How to Apply Earthjustice has retained the services of ThinkingAhead Executive Firm for this search. Please submit a resume and expression of interest to Chris Spagnola (View email address on click.appcast.io) and Jessica Martinez (View email address on click.appcast.io) to be considered. Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership,inclusionand excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. For positions located within the City of Los Angeles: We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring. Earthjustice employs a “team-centered” approach to hybrid work, where teams collaboratively shape their unique workflow, including what work location — virtual or in-office — is best for them and the tasks at hand. Earthjustice is an equal opportunity employer As an equal opportunity employer, Earthjustice is committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor specified under applicable laws that is not related to the position. Earthjustice will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, and any applicable local ordinance, such as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Act, or the Los Angeles City Fair Chance Initiative. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Earthjustice is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Our Values Earthjustice is driven by a passion for justice, partnership, inclusion, and excellence. Our core values lead us to seek a broad range of perspectives and backgrounds to achieve our mission and to maintain an inclusive environment where all staff are valued and respected. As part of Green 2.0’s Transparency Report Card, Earthjustice is committed to ensuring pay equity for people of color. Live Well, Work Well Earthjustice offers a competitive compensation plan, as well as a comprehensive benefits package . We pay 100% of all health and welfare benefits premiums for the employee. Our health coverage includes medical, dental, prescription, vision and alternative care. We are proud to offer a generous vacation, sick leave, and disability benefit package. Additional benefits include retirement plan, flexible spending account, company-sponsored life insurance, and more. Earthjustice also offers six weeks of fully paid sabbatical leave, following 10 years of continuous employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Earthjustice