Skip to main content

This job has expired

With world attention on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. By focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches, we tackle urgent threats with practical solutions. We are one of the world’s largest environmental organizations, with more than two million members and a staff of approximately 700 scientists, economists, policy experts, and other professionals around the world. We operate in 22 geographies with unique projects running across four programs. You will be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and results are a way of life.

EDF envisions a world in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected to the environmental challenges we face and are engaged in creating durable, equitable solutions. We seek talented candidates who share the Core Values that allow us to experiment courageously in our work while staying true to who we’ve been as an organization for 50 years. Are you a results oriented individual who is passionate about creating environmental solutions that make a lasting difference in the world? Do you respect diverse perspectives, talents and contributions? Do you value innovation and enjoy designing and using a wide range of problem-solving tools? Do you embrace environmental goals with a sense of optimism while taking into account real-world dynamics? If you have integrity and a strong desire to uphold a commitment to science, rigorous analysis, intellectual honesty and ethical action, then EDF is the place for you.

 

Overall Function

This is a unique opportunity for a development professional with success in both management and individual major gifts fundraising to become part of the development team at one of the nation’s premier environmental organizations.  The Director of Major Gifts will be responsible for ensuring that his/her team is as focused, productive and proactive as possible in order to meet or exceed their fundraising goals.

The Director of Major Gifts will be part of a national development team responsible for generating over $200 million in annual major gifts.  S/he will be responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 50 donors and prospects nationally, and for providing leadership, direction and day-to-day management.  Working closely with Senior Development professionals, Research, Events, Communications, Stewardship and Program staff, the Director of Major Gifts is expected to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individuals in support of Environmental Defense Fund’s national and international agenda.  

The Director of Major Gifts will report to the Vice President, Major & Principal Gifts.
Key Responsibilities

  • Execute a strategic plan for increasing the revenue generated from donors in a portfolio with a concentration on seven and eight figure gifts.  
  • Design and implement overall engagement and fundraising strategies as part of the national development team, in order to continue the exponential growth of revenue coming from individual gifts.
  • Generate approximately $10M per year in sustainable annual revenue, with appropriate increases in each subsequent year.
  • Lead and manage a team of major and/or principal gift officers, as well as support staff in generating revenue for EDF, motivating talent and guiding staff in reaching their goals and fundraising totals. Provide oversight of and assist in developing sophisticated communications and strategic work plans.
  • Identify, cultivate and steward major gifts prospects with an identified gift level of $1,000,000 and up.
  • Meet one-on-one with prospects/donors and coordinate program staff and volunteers in the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts prospects. Staff meetings and appropriately brief program staff for meetings.
  • Effectively represent and articulate the work of EDF, presenting a compelling case for support of the organization.
  • Stay abreast of changes and innovations in federal and state tax laws that may be relevant to major gifts prospects.
  • Oversee the drafting and editing of proposals and reports for potential donors, working closely with the donor communications department to ensure they are compelling, visionary program ideas to present to donors and prospects.
  • Assist in setting and meeting annual income goals for major gifts prospects and donors in portfolio.
  • Assist other development officers on special projects or efforts that contribute to the organization’s larger regional and national development goals.

Qualifications

  • At least 10 years of progressively responsible management positions in fast-paced fundraising organizations with demonstrated success as a front-line fundraiser.
  • Well-honed skills in developing donor cultivation and solicitation strategies.
  • A commitment to Environmental Defense Fund’s mission and values.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills; a high level of comfort with direct donor interaction, including discussions of personal and family finances.
  • Well-developed communication skills, including excellent writing ability and public speaking skills.
  • Knowledge of, and ability to use, fundraising databases.
  • Creativity, energy, confidence, and integrity. High level of discretion and respect for donor privacy.
  • Initiative and independence combined with the ability to work well as part of team.
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
  • A valid driver’s license and ability to drive.
  • Willingness to travel out of state.

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Get job alerts

Create a job alert and receive personalized job recommendations straight to your inbox.

Create alert