Senior Major Gifts Officer

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. Position Overview 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 they manage 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 locations: Los Angeles, CA Metro Area. What You 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. 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. 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 an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are given 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 that is not related to the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr