West Coast Major Gift Officer

Who We Are

Friends of the Earth is a hard-hitting, progressive, environmental organization that pulls no punches and speaks sometimes uncomfortable truth to power. It’s an approach that has worked for five decades to produce important victories that help protect our planet and its people. We’re part of Friends of the Earth International, a federation of groups working in more than 70 countries on today’s most urgent environmental and social issues.

To accomplish our mission, Friends of the Earth is working at the nexus of environmental protection, economic policy and social justice to fundamentally transform the way our country and the world value people and the environment. 

Friends of the Earth’s Membership and Development team work to fund our mission of fighting for a healthy and just world. We achieve success by helping supporters of all levels deepen their relationship with the mission and organization by providing a high-level of customer service and thoughtful communication.

Position Summary

Friends of the Earth is seeking an experienced and dynamic Major Gift Officer to join our Philanthropy team with a focus on cultivating and securing major gifts from donors on the West Coast. This role will play a key part in expanding our organization’s major gifts program by building and stewarding strong relationships with high-capacity donors committed to environmental justice and systemic change.

The ideal candidate is a strategic relationship builder, cultivating long-term donor relationships aligned with organizational priorities, with proven success in securing gifts of $10,000 or more. They are a compelling storyteller who can clearly articulate Friends of the Earth's mission and impact, excel at donor-centered fundraising, and effectively manage a portfolio of major donor prospects and donors. This individual is goal-oriented and comfortable in leveraging philanthropy to advance meaningful environmental and social change.

The annual salary range for this full-time remote position is $87,000-$97,000. This position is part of the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union (NPEU) at Friends of the Earth. Offers are determined based on the relevant skills and experience required for the position.

Probationary Period: 

The first three (3) months of employment are considered a probationary period.

Essential Functions:

Donor Cultivation & Solicitation – 70%

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100-150 qualified major gift prospects and donors


• Using a Donor Engagement Plan, develop and implement personalized cultivation strategies for each donor, moving them through the donor pipeline from cultivation to solicitation to stewardship


• Conduct a minimum of 36 meaningful donor meetings annually across the West Coast region


• Secure major gifts through face-to-face solicitations and compelling written proposals


• Maintain accurate and thorough records of all donor interactions, strategies, and next steps in Raiser's Edge

Collaboration & Team Contribution – 20%

• Collaborate with the Director of Philanthropy to support the development of annual major gifts revenue goals and execute assigned strategies within the major gifts program


• Work closely with the Senior Midlevel Giving Officer to identify and transition midlevel donors ready for a major gift cultivation and solicitation


• Partner with Philanthropy Coordinator to identify and qualify major donor prospects from the broader membership


• Coordinate with the Gift Planning Advisor to identify and cultivate planned giving prospects within the major gifts' portfolio, in alignment with organizational strategy


• Collaborate with Development team partners to ensure major gifts efforts are aligned with   direct mail, digital fundraising, institutional giving, and data practices


• Collaborate with program staff and leadership to align donor interests with organizational priorities and create compelling funding opportunities


• Participate in team meetings, strategic planning discussions, and ongoing professional development

Metrics & Reporting – 10%

• Meet annual fundraising goals and contribute to ongoing growth efforts for major gifts revenue


• Track and report on key portfolio metrics, pipeline development, and donor engagement activities


• Maintain accurate and timely records of all donor communications and actions in Raiser's Edge


• Provide consistent updates to the Director of Philanthropy on portfolio status and progress toward goals

Required Qualifications:

• 4+ years of mission aligned fundraising experience, including at least 3 years working directly with major donors


• Candidates must be based in the San Francisco, Los Angeles or Seattle metro areas.
  


• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time throughout the West and Southwest regions of the U.S. to meet with donors


• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and other relevant fundraising or CRM systems


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively


• All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.  FOE does not sponsor any employment related visas. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years at an issue advocacy nonprofit


• Experience with databases, especially Raisers Edge

Perks and Benefits:

We’re proud to be a generous, people-first employer that invests in your growth and well-being. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally:

• 37.5-hour work week to support work-life balance


• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage (80% for eligible dependents)


• Disability and life insurance for added security


• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care


• 401(k) retirement plan with company match


• Generous paid time off, including:
  
  
  
  • 25 vacation days to start
  
  
  • 15 paid holidays
  
  
  • 20 sick days
  
  
  • 3 floating holidays
  
  
  • Summer Fridays (the last two Fridays in July and all Fridays in August)
  
  
  • Winter break (office closed between Christmas and New Year’s)
  
  
  • Parental leave, sabbatical options, and more
  
  
  
  


• Professional development and IT stipend


• Education reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Friends of the Earth is an equal opportunity employer who encourages applications from women, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of its staff.  In compliance with federal law, all people hired will be required to verify identity and complete eligibility verification upon hire.