Major Gift Officer

Summary:

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) is a frontline fundraiser responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of individual donors and prospects with the capacity to give $10,000 or more annually. The MGO will develop and implement tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to deepen donor engagement and secure significant financial support for the Coastal Conservation League’s programs and initiatives. The MGO will be a mission-driven, results-oriented relationship builder who thrives on connecting people with meaningful opportunities to make a difference.

Essential Functions:

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–125 major gift prospects and donors.


• Develop and implement individual strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to meet annual and multi-year fundraising goals.


• Conduct regular in-person donor visits, with a goal of 15-20 meaningful visits per month.


• Prepare compelling donor materials including proposals, impact reports, correspondence, and briefings for leadership.


• Collaborate closely with the development team, program staff, and executive leadership to align donor interests with organizational priorities.


• Track all donor interactions, plans, and projections using the organization’s donor database (e.g., EveryAction or similar).


• Assist with planning and execution of donor events and campaigns that support major giving.


• Support the organization’s culture of philanthropy and actively participate in strategic planning and internal collaboration.


• Other duties as assigned.

Authorities:

• Makes decisions related to donor strategy and engagement within assigned portfolio.


• Authorized to represent the organization in donor meetings, events, and stewardship activities.


• May recommend gift proposal language, donor agreements, recognition plans, or donor cultivation pathways, subject to supervisor approval.

Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to think strategically and translate programmatic work into compelling donor messages.


• High level of discretion and respect for donor confidentiality.


• Comfort with using donor databases and research tools.


• Commitment to environmental conservation and the Coastal Conservation League’s mission.


• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently and collaboratively.

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and related experience.


• Minimum of 4-6 years of direct fundraising experience, including face-to-face solicitation and stewardship of donors at the $5,000+ level.


• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.


• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Experience working in environmental, advocacy, or nonprofit organizations.


• Familiarity with fundraising in South Carolina or the Southeastern United States.


• Experience using EveryAction or a comparable donor CRM platform.

Work Environment

The position operates in a professional office environment located in Charleston, SC.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, and climb stairs.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Travel

Regular local and occasional regional travel is required to meet with donors and attend events. Some evening and weekend work will be expected.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.  Other duties may be required in the job as requested by the Supervisor.

Benefits

The Coastal Conservation League offers a competitive suite of benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance; short- and long-term disability; life insurance, 403(b) retirement and generous paid time off policies.

Equal Opportunity

Cultivating a diverse and inclusive team is an essential component of the Conservation League’s commitment to advancing equity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

The Coastal Conservation League is an equal opportunity employer. The Conservation League does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit, and business need.