Major Gifts Officer, East Coast

This position can be based in Washington, DC; Yarmouth, MA or remote on the US East Coast

Staff work a hybrid schedule with 2 days/week in the office 

The Major Gifts Officer will manage a portfolio of IFAW’s highest potential major donors and be an essential part of a dynamic and committed team of fundraising professionals and international program staff.  Reporting to the DVP Development, Major Gifts, the successful candidate will be someone who genuinely enjoys meeting with high net worth individuals and also strengthening relationships through events and travel (including some international travel to project sites).  The Officer will work directly with board members, senior staff, and program leaders in a highly collaborative environment and play a key role by securing the transformative gifts needed to complete our mission.  This position is envisioned as a remote work assignment, but preference is for individuals located in the DC Metro or NYC/Tristate region. Other portions of the East Coast are also a possibility but should ideally be within reasonable driving distance of a major airport to ensure you are able to travel to in-person meetings and events.

Role and Responsibilities 

• Develop an engaged community of influential IFAW supporters in the US, with an emphasis on major metropolitan areas – East Coast; including identifying and recruiting supporters to join IFAW’s Global Council and securing significant contributions to high-priority philanthropic campaigns
• Manage a portfolio of 100+ major gift supporters and prospects; develop and implement strategic moves plans to cultivate, solicit and steward gifts from donors capable of giving $100k+
• Identify and recruit supporters by conducting discovery calls and outreach to a nationwide prospect pool
• Leverage IFAW’s Global Council (VIP events, webinars, experiences) to engage and upgrade supporters at the $10k+ giving level
• Work closely with global Major Gifts team and Global Events Manager to execute cultivation plans, including providing strategic and logistical event support for gift officer colleagues
• Secure meetings with donors, tag team with others in Major Gifts for soliciting larger or complex gifts, and prepare senior leaders for compelling engagements with High Net-Worth Philanthropists
• Help catalyze a strong pipeline for future giving by conducting discovery and engagement calls to newly identified prospects
• Meet or exceed goals for donor contacts (visits in person or by phone or video), solicitations (including current use major gifts, campaign gifts, Global Council and more significant legacy gifts) and revenue for assigned regions (detailed Key Performance Indicators are set annually in consultation with DVP and progress is tracked monthly)
• Participate actively in regular major gifts team meetings and training opportunities
• Keep abreast of data protection laws, tax laws, finance and current fundraising trends
• This position is envisioned as a remote assignment; preference for candidates located in Washington, DC; NYC / TriState; or Southern Florida to enhance access to donors and in-person meetings.

Qualifications and Education Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred 
• Minimum 3-5 years comparable experience required
• Demonstrated track record as a relationship fundraiser capable of securing significant commitments and meeting ambitious goals
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills, team work ethic, ability to handle confidential information, excellent judgement, diplomacy and discretion
• Ability to be entrepreneurial, work independently and problem-solve with minimal supervision. 
• Willingness to travel - domestic and some international travel 

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people.    We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.