Senior Principal Gifts Officer

Location: Remote-US or Hybrid from any EDF U.S. office

Reports To: AVP, Principal and Major Gifts

Department: Development

Overall Function

This is a unique opportunity for a development professional with success in individual major gifts fundraising to become part of the development team at one of the nation’s premier environmental organizations. The Senior Principal Gifts Officer will be part of a development team responsible for generating over $300 million in annual major gifts, with plans to drastically increase that amount in the coming years. They will be responsible for managing a portfolio of 20-30 donors and prospects nationally. Working closely with Senior Development professionals, Research, Events, Communications, Stewardship and Program staff, the Senior Principal Gifts Officer is expected to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals in support of Environmental Defense Fund’s national and international agenda. The Senior Principal Gifts Officer will report to the Associate Vice President, Major & Principal Gifts.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute a strategic plan for increasing the revenue generated from donors in a portfolio with a concentration on seven and eight figure gifts.
• Design and implement overall engagement and fundraising strategies as part of the national development team, in order to continue the exponential growth of revenue coming from individual gifts.
• Generate approximately $10-15M per year in sustainable annual revenue, with appropriate increases in each subsequent year.
• Identify, cultivate and steward major gifts prospects with an identified gift level of $1,000,000 and up.
• Meet one-on-one with prospects/donors and coordinate program staff and volunteers in the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts prospects. Staff meetings and appropriately brief program staff for meetings.
• Effectively represent and articulate the work of EDF, presenting a compelling case for support of the organization.
• Stay abreast of changes and innovations in federal and state tax laws that may be relevant to major gifts prospects.
• Oversee the drafting and editing of proposals and reports for potential donors, working closely with the donor communications department to ensure they are compelling, visionary program ideas to present to donors and prospects.
• Assist in setting and meeting annual income goals for major gifts prospects and donors in portfolio.
• Assist other development officers on special projects or efforts that contribute to the organization’s larger regional and national development goals.
• Leadership in developing fundraising strategies with senior colleagues across organization, including messaging, follow up, and ongoing stewardship. Regarded as trustworthy partner by colleagues up, down, and across.
• Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges aligned with EDF values.
• Manage principal gifts coordinator and other colleagues as assigned.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field. A Master’s degree or equivalent may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience.
• At least 12 years of frontline-fundraising experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Demonstrated success as a front-line fundraiser.
• Demonstrated skills and success in developing donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• A commitment to Environmental Defense Fund’s mission and values.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills; a high level of comfort with direct donor interaction, including discussions of personal and family finances.
• Well-developed communication skills, including excellent writing ability and public speaking skills.
• Knowledge of, and ability to use, fundraising databases.
• Creativity, energy, confidence, and integrity. High level of discretion and respect for donor privacy.
• Initiative and independence combined with the ability to work well as part of team.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• A valid driver’s license and ability to drive.
• Willingness and ability to travel out of state as needed.

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms.

Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency.

$170,000-$185,000