Director of Development

Major Gifts Officer (Director of Development)

Bat Conservation International (BCI) is working to end bat extinctions worldwide through science, conservation, restoration, and collaboration. Every member of our team contributes to protecting biodiversity and creating healthier ecosystems for future generations. If you're passionate about building meaningful relationships and inspiring others to invest in conservation, we'd love to hear from you.

The Major Gifts Officer plays a critical role in advancing BCI's mission by building strong, lasting relationships with individual philanthropists who are passionate about conservation. You'll manage a portfolio of major donors, developing personalized engagement strategies that deepen relationships, inspire generosity, and increase long-term support for BCI's work.

This role is ideal for an experienced fundraiser who enjoys connecting with people, creating tailored donor experiences, and partnering across teams to secure transformational philanthropic investments.

As our Major Gifts Officer, you will:

• Manage and grow a portfolio of approximately 100–150 geographically dispersed individual major donors and prospects.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors through personalized engagement strategies.
• Develop individualized donor engagement plans based on each donor's interests, giving history, and philanthropic potential.
• Partner with Marketing & Communications and Conservation teams to develop compelling proposals, impact reports, and donor communications.
• Conduct donor meetings, virtual visits, and presentations to strengthen relationships and secure major gifts.
• Track donor activity, maintain accurate records in the CRM, and prepare reports on portfolio performance.
• Represent BCI at meetings, events, and other donor engagement opportunities.
• Contribute to the continued growth and success of BCI's major gifts program.

Responsibilities may evolve as organizational priorities and fundraising initiatives grow.

What you bring:

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of fundraising or related experience, including successful solicitation of major gifts.
• Demonstrated success managing a portfolio of major donors spanning multiple states or regions.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Experience using donor databases or CRM systems.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Willingness to travel approximately every other month.
• A passion for philanthropy and a commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity when working with confidential information.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience building or expanding a major gifts program.
• Experience working within a complex or national nonprofit organization.
• Knowledge of conservation, environmental, or wildlife organizations.
• Advanced degree in fundraising, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Professional fundraising certification (CFRE or similar).

Work environment:

• This is a remote position with regular travel to meet with donors, attend events, and represent BCI across the United States.
• Travel is expected approximately every other month, with occasional evening or weekend commitments associated with donor engagement and organizational events.
• We'll provide the tools, resources, and support you need to be successful.

Why join Bat Conservation International?

When you join BCI, you're joining a mission-driven organization committed to both conservation and people. We offer a competitive total rewards package and a collaborative culture that supports employee well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance.

Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Competitive compensation
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Professional development and learning opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements, where applicable
• A collaborative, inclusive, and purpose-driven culture

Our commitment:

Bat Conservation International is committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to contribute. We believe diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives strengthen our organization and our conservation impact.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

How to apply:

If you have 70% or more of the qualifications for this role, we encourage you to apply. Research shows that many talented candidates are less likely to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you're excited about this opportunity and believe you can contribute to our mission, we'd love to hear from you.

Please submit:

• Resume
• Cover Letter or statement describing tell us about a major gifts program or geographically dispersed portfolio you helped build or grow. What was your role, what strategies did you introduce, and what measurable results did you achieve?

Applications are due by September 8, 2026. Interviews are anticipated to take place in September and October, with a tentative start date in November 2026.