Major Gifts Officer

~ Conserving Birds of Prey Worldwide ~

The Peregrine Fund is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact for raptor conservation and people around the world that touches down on five continents and all 50 United States. Founded in 1970, the mission of The Peregrine Fund is to conserve birds of prey worldwide.

We do this by using science-based decision tools to prevent the extinction of endangered raptors, protect intact areas of high raptor conservation value, and resolve landscape level threats that affect multiple species. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce.

The Peregrine Fund offers competitive compensation, a 403(b) retirement savings-plan with a direct employer contribution for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and a significant opportunity for proven performers for promotion from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

Position Overview

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) works closely with the President, the VP for partnerships, the Director of Operations and the development staff to identify research, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors. Additionally the MGO is expected to support proposal development for individuals and foundations as well as assist in all fundraising activities.

Essential Functions:

The MGO will identify, evaluate, cultivate and solicit major gift donors for restricted, annual, special project funding or other revenue needs of The Peregrine Fund. She/he will Develop and execute cultivation plans for major gift prospects. This includes creating opportunities to engage donors and prospects with conservation program leaders or the President, as appropriate.

Responsibilities

• Travel regularly alone or with the President, program leader or other staff to develop relationships with and raise money from major donors and other prospects
• Prepare solicitation proposals
• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects
• Help establish fundraising goals for Major Gifts to ensure close coordination of annual and major giving efforts
• Achieve annual revenue goals for areas of responsibilities
• Work with development colleagues and volunteers to identify and rate new prospects
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date tracking of all major gift prospects and provide input on other fundraising areas
• Attend and assist with development-related events as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Major gifts fundraising experience
• Experience in asking for and closing major gifts of $25,000 or more
• Experience in managing and tracking multiple prospects and donors
• Experience building and maintaining long-term relationships with fundraising constituents including individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Experience working with word processing, database management, and spreadsheet software
• Demonstrated commitment to the conservation of nature
• The successful applicant will be required to complete a background screening before final offer of employment is made

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field(s) strongly preferred
• Experience, coursework, or other training in current trends in charitable giving in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts or planned giving
• Knowledge of birds and particularly birds of prey

Working Conditions:

• Frequent travel on short notice
• Work long and flexible hours as needed including potential opportunities to travel internationally
• Work environment involves infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain while traveling