Major Gift Officer

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The nonprofit Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is seeking a dedicated and experienced Major Gifts Officer to support a variety of conservation-related philanthropy projects. The Major Gifts Officer plays a key role in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors. S/he develops and implements strategies to secure significant contributions, and fosters relationships with key prospects. Activities include managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, creating customized proposals, organizing donor meetings, and preparing reports on major gift activities.

S/he will need to be able to work as part of the integrated team and independently on projects and programs that are within his or her daily responsibility. This position will report to the Director of Philanthropy and may supervise interns and volunteers. This is a hybrid position with at least one day in the St. Petersburg office each week with the rest of the time spent working remotely from home or on the road traveling.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Identify and cultivate major donor prospects through research and discovery calls.
• Develop and implement strategies to secure significant contributions.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Create customized proposals and stewardship plans for major donors.
• Solicit five and six-figure gifts.
• Organize and attend donor meetings, events, and activities.
• Conduct statewide travel to meet with donors.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and contributions in the donor database.
• Prepare regular reports on major gift activities, progress, and outcomes.
• Collaborate with other colleagues in the Philanthropy program to set and achieve fundraising goals and objectives.
• Assist with the planning and execution of capital campaigns and other special fundraising initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:

·      Bachelor’s degree and at least three years’ experience in fundraising.

• Sound knowledge of fundraising principles and practices.
• A demonstrated track record of securing major gifts preferred.
• Experience in or appreciation for conservation and the outdoors is a plus.
• Past experience and demonstrated aptitude for using donor databases.

·      Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and prospects at the same time.

·      Willingness to travel, often overnight and on short notice.

·      Demonstrated ability to work well in a team as well as independently.

·      Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office including Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:

·      Ability to manage projects with many variables set realistic deadlines and manage a timeline. 

·      Ability to adapt or modify projects and processes in response to changing circumstances, often on short notice.

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:

·      High degree of independence in problem-solving and carrying out duties.  

·      Demonstrates common sense, flexibility, and teamwork with the ability to exercise independent judgment.

·      Confers with supervisors on difficult questions and unusual problems.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:

·      Strong oral and written communication abilities.

·      Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to interact and work with donors, Board members, work colleagues, state employees, and the public at large to build strong relationships and motivate colleagues and volunteers.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

·      Work is performed in a typical office setting and requires only minor physical exertion and/or physical strain. Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements.

·      Occasional overnight travel, usually within Florida, required.

·      Must have personal transportation to run errands, attend meetings, etc.

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to Drichter@wildlifeflorida.org by Aug 12th