Director of Major Gifts

The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) seeks a Director of Major Gifts who will join our Advancement team. This role will play a transformative part in growing the financial strength of the OEC, the OEC’s affiliated 501 (c) (4) organization, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund (AF), and other affiliated entities.

The role is highly action-oriented, focused on strategically cultivating and stewarding a portfolio of mid-level and major donors through consistent, thoughtful, and high-impact engagement.The Director of Major Gifts will execute a high volume of one-on-one donor meetings, build meaningful relationships, and cultivate prospects into donors. You’ll also design and execute strategic events that attract, engage, and convert new donor prospects, creating opportunities to expand our donor base and deepen support. 

The Director of Major Gifts will work closely with a talented Advancement team, including the VP of Advancement, Grants Director, and Membership Engagement Manager. The Director of Major Gifts will report to the Managing Director of Individual Giving. 

Job Responsibilities 

As the Director of Major Gifts, your responsibilities will include: 

• Developing and executing strategies to engage and grow a portfolio of mid-level and major donors, including corporate prospects. 


• Build strong relationships through consistent outreach, with a focus on regular one-on-one meetings and meaningful, personalized stewardship.


• Crafting clear, compelling communications and engagement strategies that demonstrate the impact of each donor’s support. 


• Maintaining an active cadence of donor visits and direct solicitations, moving prospects through the cultivation pipeline to close gifts. 


• Designing and hosting events—including small gatherings and political fundraisers—to attract new prospects, demonstrate impact, and deepen donor engagement. 


• Partnering across teams and support board members and volunteer fundraisers to expand networks and elevate fundraising results across OEC and its affiliates. 


• Identifying and pursuing new donor prospects through events, research, data insights, and proactive outreach. 

Qualifications 

Key qualifications 

• You have at eight years of non-profit and/or political fundraising experience. 


• You have successful experience conducting one-on-one donor solicitations and managing donor relationships.


• You have demonstrable event planning and project management experience.

• You have effective written and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills. 

• You have demonstrable proficiency with fundraising databases and technology. 

• You have effective time management skills, including prioritizing and managing multiple projects independently. 

• You have experience finding effective solutions to problems. 

• You have the ability to work collaboratively or independently and fill gaps when needed. 

• You approach your work with a flexible, positive attitude, and the spirit of “yes”. 

• You have the ability to adapt quickly to change. 

• You share our commitment to ensuring an inclusive organization that is representative of all Ohioans. 

Preferred qualifications  

• You have experience working with nonprofit and government organizations or advocacy groups.  


• You have experience with portfolio and moves management for middle and major donors.


• You have a strong track record of securing major gifts and/or political contributions.

• You have strong analytical skills with sophisticated understanding of how to use data for donor qualification and strategy. 

• You have working knowledge of 501(c4) and political fundraising regulations 

• You have demonstrated a commitment to continued professional growth and development. 

• You have the ability to plan, track, and manage a budget successfully. 
  

• You can travel within the state, and available for occasional overnight or out-of-state travel for meetings and conferences. 

Compensation and benefits  

The salary range for this position is $73,000 – $80,000 and is within the bargaining unit represented by OEC Workers United. Excellent benefits include employer-paid health, vision, dental, and life insurance; flexible and dependent care spending account; generous paid time off; paid parental leave; and employer-matched retirement fund. 

Additional Details 

The OEC’s headquarters are located in Columbus, Ohio. While Columbus is the preferred location of the Director of Major Gifts, consideration may be given to candidates based elsewhere in the state. Some travel will also be required, including occasional overnight or out-of-state travel for conferences and meetings with partners, donors, etc. 

About the OEC 

The Ohio Environmental Council and its affiliated organization, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, envisions a clean, healthy Ohio where our democracy empowers all communities to thrive in harmony with the environment. The mission of the OEC is to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement. For nearly 10 years, the OEC Action Fund has built the political power of Ohio’s environmental movement. Visit the OEC Action Fund’s website to learn more about its work. 

The OEC seeks to hire staff and contractors that reflect the communities and perspectives that comprise Ohio. The OEC is an equal opportunity employer, and candidates of all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply. 

How to Apply 

Submit your cover letter, resume, development writing sample, and references via the Director of Major Gifts job posting on BambooHR. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.