Head of Major Gifts

Planet Reimagined is seeking a highly experienced development professional to establish and expand a new major donor program, building on the organization’s recent successes to secure major philanthropic investments from individuals.

About Planet Reimagined:

Founded by a multi-platinum musician and a UN advocate, Planet Reimagined was built on the belief that big change happens when people act together—and when that collective action drives shifts in policy and industry. We mobilize music fans at concerts to take real-time civic action (35,000+ in 2024 alone), and we help renewable energy companies access public lands once closed to them.

On a mission to deliver fair solutions for people and the planet, Planet Reimagined uses an innovative action research method to incubate and scale creative solutions. From legislative wins to global campaigns, we turn bold ideas into results. And we’re just getting started.

About the Role:

Planet Reimagined is seeking an exceptional fundraiser to establish and run a new major donor program. Since hiring our first development staff member and implementing core fundraising systems in January 2024, Planet Reimagined has seen extraordinary fundraising growth, increasing grant revenue tenfold in just 18 months. That kind of leap is rare, and reflects not only the urgency of our mission, but also the trust we’ve earned from institutional funders.

We are now positioned to grow our development team, starting with this role and more recruitment to come.

Reporting to the Managing Director and collaborating closely with the Development Manager, the Head of Major Gifts will have the opportunity to build a donor program from the ground up, expanding our capacity to secure major investments from individuals. This new position is set up for success with:

1) a high-profile Executive Director and an effective senior leadership team who recognizes and respects the specialized expertise of development professionals, and a Development Manager who will be a strategic partner and collaborator;

2) a ring-fenced development budget to ensure that the team has staff capacity as well as research and contact management tools to deliver on ambitious goals; and

3) a healthy and collaborative work culture in an organization committed to a high degree of collegiality and shared purpose, navigating diverging views productively and respectfully.

Responsibilities include:

We are excited to work with a passionate climate supporter who is an energetic and creative professional able to:

• Build and lead a $1M+ annual major donor program, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Partner with leadership on engagement strategy, communications, organizational positioning, and relationship building
• Collaboratively work with program staff to harness and package Planet Reimagined’s assets and potential, highlighting mission impact, and inspiring individuals to invest in our work.
• Attend or produce events to deepen relationships and build momentum.
• Assist in establishing a development department strategy, including implement infrastructure such as a donor data management system; and recruit and manage new staff

Required Skills and Experience:

• 5+ years of major gift or direct donor solicitation and relations
• Has built long-term relationships with major donors that resulted in increased contributions; has made direct asks of at least $50k with repeated success
• Has supported organizational leaders to succeed in asking individuals for investment level contributions
• Has translated complex program information into compelling pitches and donor cultivation strategies- both in writing and verbally
• Experience navigating a variety of contexts and environments, including high-profile events, and conversations with artists, politicians, corporate leaders, etc.
• Has a demonstrated record of team-building, a balance of implementation and leadership skills, and an ability to adapt to different stages of institutional growth

Additional desired skills and experiences:

• Experience with climate, policy, or advocacy work is highly preferred
• Experience with both U.S. and international programs or contexts is a plus
• Strong visual communications skills also an advantage

The salary range for this position is $120,000-160,000. The final offer will consider factors like the candidate’s location, cost of living, and experience level.

This is a virtual full-time position and can be based anywhere, though you need to be available to regularly join meetings in Eastern Time Zone hours.

Application Instructions

To apply for this position and additional details, please visit Planet Reimagined: Head of Major Gifts.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by November 7.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off, in a highly collegial work environment.