Major Gift Officer

Job Summary In this role, you will oversee strategy, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for a personal portfolio of approximately 70 donors and prospects giving $10,000 or more. Our philosophy is to build strong, trusting relationships with the donors (and prospects) in order to fulfill their interests and inspire their continuing and growing investments in WRI. You will effectively utilize moves management systems in support of advancing direct solicitations of the major gifts portfolio. You will be responsible for meeting an annual revenue target with a focus on unrestricted funding and blended gift opportunities, including restricted support for program support and planned giving. You will report to the Director of Individual Philanthropy and collaborate with others on the Individual giving team and program staff across the Institute. You must have ability to undertake regular travel within the United States. This position is remote due to Covid-19, but you will be based at WRI's office in Washington, DC once restrictions have lifted. Job Responsibilities * Maintain a personal portfolio of ~ 70 major gift donors and prospects (defined as those currently giving or having capacity to give $10,000+ annually). Set and meet annual income revenue for full portfolio * Serve as the primary relationship manager for this portfolio of donors and prospects, ensure that each major donor and prospect has a clear strategy and timeline for cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Track and maintain relationship record (using Salesforce) of all interactions * Develop solicitation strategies in that maximize opportunities for unrestricted and flexible support, including WRI's new planned giving program * Work with colleagues to create compelling proposals and to translate institutional and program plans and work into compelling products that will compel donor support * Work with the Individual Philanthropy team's mid-donor manager to determine mid-level donors who might move to major gift portfolio. Qualify new donor prospects to build major gift portfolio * Represent and articulate the work of WRI, presenting a compelling case for support of the organization * Stay informed of changes and innovations in federal and state tax laws that may be relevant to major gifts prospects * Assist the Director of Individual Philanthropy on special projects or efforts that contribute to the Institute's organization's larger national and international development goals * Provide surge support around events and other donor engagement opportunities Job Qualifications * Master's degree in a relevant field (or a Bachelor's degree with 2 additional years of experience) * Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated success as a front-line fundraiser, successfully cultivating and closing major gifts of $10,000+ from individuals/family foundations * Experience building a portfolio of donors and successfully converting prospects to donors * Experience soliciting and securing planned gifts and/or managing a gift planning program * An understanding of and passion for environmental issues and a commitment to WRI's mission and values * Well-honed skills in developing donor cultivation and solicitation strategies * Outstanding interpersonal skills; a high level of comfort with direct donor interaction, including discussions of personal and family finances * A metrics-driven, entrepreneurial mindset that informs strategy and work * Well-developed communication skills, including excellent writing ability, public speaking skills, and an ability to listen * Creativity, curiosity, energy, confidence, and integrity. High level of discretion and respect for donor privacy * Initiative, independence, and tenacity, combined with the ability to work well as part of team * US work authorization is required for this position Potential Salary $79,000 - $106,000. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. How to Apply Please submit a resume with cover letter. Applicants must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered. Program Overview The Individual Philanthropy Sector is part of WRI's broader Development Program. In this capacity, the sector works with WRI's Global Board, executive leadership, and program staff to strategize and build relationships with individual and family foundation donors and prospects who want to help the Institute deliver results and bring about a more equitable and sustainable world. The Individual Philanthropy Sector is a growing and evolving program organized around major gifts ($10,000+), mid-level gifts ($1,000-$9,999), and annual fund gifts (<$1,000). There is overlap with the Institute's new planned giving program. A major priority for the Individual Philanthropy team is raising approximately $3,000,000 annually in unrestricted funding. WRI's reputation and visibility is at an all-time high, which is resulting in new opportunities for the Individual Philanthropy team to work across the Institute to generate more flexible and program-centric gifts from individual and family foundation donors
WRI Overview World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade in order to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. We are passionate. We value our diversity of interests, skills and backgrounds. We have a flexible work environment. And we share a common goal to catalyze change that will improve the lives of people. Our shared ideals are at the core of our approach. They include: integrity, innovation, urgency, independence and respect. The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps and analysis to solve the world's greatest environment and international development challenges, and improve people's lives. We work with leaders in government, business and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact. We have been growing rapidly: our staff has doubled in size over the past 5 years and our operating budget is now $150 million. Founded in 1982, WRI has a global staff of 1,000+ people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa ,  Brazil , China ,  Europe ,  India ,  Indonesia ,  Mexico and the United States as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions. WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices.

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