Advancement Director

Summary

Join the Sierra Club's Advancement team as an Advancement Director, focusing on cultivating major gifts ($25,000+) in the Western U.S. This role involves managing a portfolio of high-potential donors, engaging them through various channels, and developing strategies for increased giving. You will collaborate with senior leadership to identify new prospects and implement fundraising plans. The position requires significant travel (40-50%) across the country. Success in this role demands extensive experience in major gift fundraising, strong relationship-building skills, and a passion for environmental and social justice. The Sierra Club offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Requirements

• 7-10 years of senior-level experience or equivalent combination of experience and education in development and major gift fundraising, including a strong background in the identification, qualification and cultivation and solicitation of six and higher figure gifts to nonprofit organizations or similar equivalent experience
• Proven ability and inclination to build a portfolio of prospects and grow a revenue pipeline through active identification, qualification and cultivation strategies
• Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, planned giving, financial and/or estate planning concepts, and campaign planning
• Personal success identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual and institutional donors at the major and principal gifts levels, and ability to inspire high-net-worth individuals and institutional funders to provide significant financial support to an organization
• Experience working with organizational leadership, preferably in a non-profit setting
• Ability to develop strong, positive, and constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders; high emotional intelligence and flexibility, with the ability to continually experiment, learn, and revise strategies; and the exceptional ability to juggle a heavy volume of diverse projects
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines and fundraising goals
• Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills
• Proficiency with fundraising databases and MS Office applications
• Passion for the Sierra Club’s commitment to environmental and social justice
• Positive energy and good humor that engenders enthusiasm and collaboration
• Ability to travel 40-50% of the time as needed across the country
• Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required

Responsibilities

• Personally manages a portfolio of high-potential prospects and donors
• Engages with prospects and donors through face-to-face meetings, phone, video conference, digital engagements, and writing based on a clear strategy for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Solicits assigned donors for gifts of $25,000 and more
• In collaboration with the Sr. Managing Director, Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) and other Advancement Team members, identifies and pursues new prospects, developing and implementing a clear strategy for each prospect, leading to new and increased giving over time
• Leverages donor engagement events to identify, cultivate and solicit new and existing prospects and donors
• Prepares and sends donor correspondence, including written solicitations and proposals
• Develops and maintains an in-depth knowledge of the organization’s activities, priorities and needs
• Captures all interactions and relationships in the donor database in a timely manner
• Drives strategies and plans to identify, cultivate, upgrade and/or solicit new donors, with an eye towards building a strong pipeline of qualified major donors and high-net-worth individuals with the capacity to give $25,000 or greater
• Maintain knowledge and expertise in environmental issues broadly, including climate change, clean energy, land, water and wildlife conservation
• Work with Campaign and Chapter key staff to help develop and implement relevant major gift programs, initiatives, events, and materials

Preferred Qualifications

• Committed to evolution. You are aware of your group identities and how they have shaped your life and experiences at work. You have an analysis of how racism and other forms of oppression in society impact relationships, systems, and culture. You bring experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues across group identities and position/role
• Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings 401(k) plan
• $95,000 - $112,000 a year