Philanthropy Operations Specialist

The Philanthropy Operations Specialist (“Specialist”) supports the Philanthropy Director and team members to effectively manage fundraising data, systems, and processes to secure the resources that advance Earthworks’ mission. The Specialist is the frontline of donor customer service, champions data integrity and analysis, and partners with team members to build a strong donor pipeline. The Specialist also ensures that the Philanthropy team is collaborating effectively with other teams at Earthworks, particularly the finance team.

This position plays a central role in:

• Administration and Project Management
  • Promotes a positive culture of collaboration
  • Has primary responsibility for Salesforce data entry and ongoing data hygiene to maintain 100% accuracy
  • Coordinates with the finance team re: donation processing, donor restrictions, and income reconciliation
  • Maintains gift documentation and team files
  • Assists the Philanthropy Director with project management, budget tracking, planning, and evaluation
• Donor Relations
  • Serves as frontline for donor customer service
  • Coordinates donation processing and acknowledgements
  • Builds mailing lists for philanthropy direct mail and stewardship pieces
  • Drafts donor correspondence
• Data Management and Analysis
  • Champions a culture of data integrity through a structured data hygiene schedule
  • Improves data systems to enable quality tracking and reporting to support fundraising strategy and operational needs
  • Trains and support team members in use of CRMs (Salesforce and Engaging Networks), as well as other data tools
• Prospect Research and Pipeline Development
  • Conducts research and performs due diligence to prepare donor and prospect profiles
  • Monitors incoming donations to screen new donors and identify donors with upgrade potential
  • Improves quality of donor information through periodic data appends
  • Provides data-driven insights to help build a strong donor pipeline and inform cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
• Policies and Processes
  • Documents and maintains operational policies and procedures
  • Fosters a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Compliance
  • Ensures compliance with organizational and philanthropy team policies and keeps timely and accurate due diligence documentation
  • Manages state charitable registration process
  • Maintains corporate and government employee giving programs and portals
  • Ensures continued high ratings with Guidestar/Candid, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and Charity Navigator

The Philanthropy Operations Specialist reports directly to the Philanthropy Director.

About Earthworks

Earthworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mineral and energy development while promoting sustainable solutions. Earthworks stands for clean air, water, and land, healthy communities, and corporate accountability. We work for solutions that protect both the Earth’s resources and our communities. Earthworks has a primarily-remote staff of approximately 50 employees in over 20 states and DC.

Earthworks is committed to challenging and dismantling systemic oppression. Earthworks’ board and staff understand that promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) both within and beyond Earthworks is critical to carrying out our mission to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of resource extraction. We understand that our commitment to DEI means a dedication to constant learning and improvement.

Earthworks welcomes applications from diverse candidates and is an equal-opportunity employer. Earthworks evaluates employees and applicants for employment on merit, competence, and qualifications and does not tolerate discrimination.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Earthworks we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Lives within commuting distance of Washington, DC
• Five or more years of related nonprofit experience
• Prior fundraising training and experience (preferably in prospect research, stewardship, and/or fundraising operations)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Previous customer service experience in a fundraising environment
• Close attention to detail and commitment to the highest standards of accuracy
• An ability to identify problems and develop effective solutions in a collaborative fashion
• Systems thinker who excels at improving processes
• Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Sound judgement and discretion in handling confidential donor information
• Extensive CRM experience, including data entry and hygiene (especially in Salesforce and/or Engaging Networks)
• Comfort and competency in an Apple computing environment using Google Workspace and Microsoft Office

Preferred Experience and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Familiar with Slack, project management software (preferably Asana)
• Familiarity with prospect research tools such as Kindsight/iwave, Candid (Guidestar/Foundation Directory Online), and LinkedIn
• Experience qualifying donor leads and developing donor pipelines
• Experience tracking fundraising success measurements

Location and Travel

Candidates for this position must reside within commuting distance of the Washington, DC, headquarters office. While most of the position’s duties can be done remotely within the United States, the Specialist will be required to travel to the DC office periodically to complete some of their responsibilities.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Some travel may be required for certain positions. Employees who are unable to travel/attend in-person meetings for health or disability reasons may request accommodations.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $72,000-78,000 annually, depending on experience. This is the true hiring range, thoughtfully created in consideration of budget and pay equity, and it’s not negotiable. Earthworks provides full-time staff with a competitive package of benefits, including employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Additionally, Earthworks offers unlimited paid leave, paid parental leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan (with a 5% match after one year of employment). After five years of employment, staff are eligible for a 12 week, fully paid sabbatical.

Bargaining Unit Status

Earthworks is a union workplace; our employees are represented by Earthworkers Unite/ Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). This position is included in the bargaining unit.

How to Apply

We strongly encourage and seek applications from people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and bilingual individuals. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application and interview process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

Apply online at https://www.careers-page.com/earthworks-2/job/93RY7V3Y, including a cover letter and resume. No emails or phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 17, 2026.

Qualified applicants can expect to complete three interview stages: an initial phone interview, a virtual panel interview, and a virtual final interview. We’ll also request a list of three professional references after the second stage of the interview process.

Earthworks provides full-time staff with a competitive package of benefits, including employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Additionally, Earthworks offers unlimited paid leave, paid parental leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan (with a 5% match after one year of employment). After five years of employment, staff are eligible for a 12 week, fully paid sabbatical.