Major Gifts Officer

Major Gifts Officer

TreePeople is an environmental nonprofit organization that mobilizes individuals, families, communities, philanthropists, and public agencies to work together to create green, resilient communities by providing education on the benefits of planting trees, capturing rainwater, greening schools, and providing fun environmental educational activities. TreePeople unites with communities to grow a greener, shadier and more water-secure region at homes, neighborhoods, schools, and in the local mountains.

We are seeking an accomplished and savvy Major Gifts Officer to join our Development team. Reporting to the Director of Development, this position will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure philanthropic support from a portfolio of approximately 120 major gift prospects.

Responsibilities

• Develops and stewards a robust portfolio of individual, private, and family foundations, planned giving donors, and prospects for principal, major, and planned gifts.
• Creates and executes customized solicitation strategies based on strategic objectives of the organization and the interests of the donor, with a priority of supporting and growing TreePeople's Evergreen Society, our newly created Major Giving program focused on unrestricted support at the $10k+ level.
• Lead the cultivation and fulfillment of commemorative bench and tree plaque tribute opportunities at TreePeople's Legacy Grove. Work to grow the major gifts pipeline in partnership with the Development Program Coordinator.
• Engage in face-to-face and virtual solicitation of major gifts, and partner with the Director of Development and senior and program staff on donor engagement opportunities.
• Develop and execute cultivation and stewardship opportunities for donors and prospects in the portfolio and participate in donor-focused events.
• Utilize Salesforce to record all donor interactions.
• Utilize wealth screening software to make informed stewardship decisions and formulate a strategy based on giving history, capacity, and related philanthropic areas of interest.
• Work closely with the Director of Development, Revenue Operations Manager, and along with the entire development team to ensure timely portfolio moves and solicitations.
• Assist the Director of Development and the CEO with donor outreach, cultivation, and strategy as needed.
• Support and lead with development-related events alongside the Development Events Coordinator.
• Contribute to key Development Team Direct Mail projects, and utilize as physical and digital stewardship touchpoints for the Major Gift Officer's portfolio.
• Support the organization's key priorities, such as working towards environmental and social justice in underserved/under-resourced communities, restoring ecosystems, planting trees, and incorporating nature-based solutions such as community education, tools, and support to create an environmental change.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 4+ years of experience in major gifts fundraising for a medium to large nonprofit organization with a diverse portfolio of prospects.
• Experience directly soliciting and closing gifts of more than $50,000.
• Experience soliciting and stewarding planned gifts.
• Fundraising and campaign experience in the environmental, social justice, or conservation field is preferred.
• Ability to build productive relationships with a variety of constituents.
• Must have a familiarity with various fundraising concepts and demonstrate a command of industry standards, ethics, and integrity.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Ability to work independently and with minimum supervision.
• Must be organized with a strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and follow-up skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Working knowledge of Salesforce is a plus.
• A strong alignment with TreePeople's mission and dedication to environmental stewardship.