POSITION SPECIFICATION
Major Gifts Officer
Earthwatch Institute International
Maynard, Massachusetts
The Situation
Earthwatch Institute International was founded in 1972 to be a self-sustaining, 501(c)3 organization whose primary purpose was to support serious scientific research by allowing concerned citizens to accompany scientists into the field and participate in research projects. Since then Earthwatch has grown into a major force in the international environmental community with an expanded three-part mission of education, conservation, and research. An underlying value is that good science leads to conservation, and that conservation is served by raising public awareness of the relevant science.
Earthwatch is seeking to strengthen its fundraising effort by hiring a major gifts officer to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of individual donors as well as new corporate and foundation contributors.
Attractions
The new major gifts officer will be joining a team of creative, energetic, and engaged people. Management is flexible and encourages new ideas and teamwork.
The portfolio of major gift prospects is virtually untapped. The new major gifts officer will be able to create his/her own systems and will be given great latitude to accomplish the work.
Travel, particularly to visit prospects on the West Coast, will be an important part of the major gifts officer’s duties. Other travel may include donor trips to research sites.
Morale is high among the Earthwatch staff (around 55). People love the work and are engaged in the subject matter. Staff is encouraged to go on site visits and participate in research trips.
The position offers excellent opportunities for professional growth.
The attractive, open office space in a refurbished 18th century mill (formerly headquarters to Digital Equipment Corporation) serves the informal, friendly work environment.
Critical Issues
Because of its history of relying on earned income for operations, Earthwatch’s fundraising effort is under-developed. The new major gifts officer will have to start from scratch in some respects.
The database of donors is difficult to use. Donor records have been preserved, but they are hard to track in the current system.
The board of directors is not a fundraising board. The board and senior staff need to be coached and mentored in soliciting major gifts.
Earthwatch is a dynamic, changing organization. This quality makes it an exciting place to work, but it can also be a "moving target." The major gifts officer will need to be flexible and enjoy this environment while staying focused on specific goals.
The Position
Reports to: Vice president, development. Works closely with president, development committee chair, and the board of directors in major gift fundraising. Accompanies senior science staff on prospect calls and solicitations.
Summary: The successful candidate will be well versed in and committed to conservation issues with networks among national and international conservation supporters and organizations. Outgoing and energetic, he/she will bring strong skills in the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts and planned gifts from individual donors.
This position will work closely with the VP, Development, President, and the Development Committee Chair of the Board of Directors to implement the development plan with particular emphasis on major and planned gifts from individuals, but will also be involved in corporate and foundation giving. Primary responsibilities include direct, personal cultivation of Board members, other major donors, and prospects, including regular travel to visit donors throughout the U.S.
Board of Directors
Work with VP to cultivate and support members of the Board of Directors
Provide staff back-up for Board Development Committee and Chair’s Council
Assist Board with strategies for Board donor events
Major Gifts
Develop strategies for major donors, including recognition and stewardship activities, and personalized action plans
Work with VP, President, and Board to identify, cultivate, and follow-up with donors and prospects, managing the MOVES database
Visit individual donors to cultivate, solicit, and steward, as appropriate
Visit with corporate and foundation donors and prospects, as appropriate
Work with VP and President to strategize and help implement VIP travel for selected high-level donors and prospects
Development General
Participate actively in development/membership/marketing team meetings
Represent development at other meetings, as appropriate
Keep VP informed of progress and activities
Contribute skills to other development, membership, and marketing efforts as needed
Qualifications
Interpersonal skills: Outgoing, energetic, and self-motivated person with ability to multi-task effectively; ability to build an extensive network of acquaintances and to purposely capitalize upon these relationships, being attentive to individual differences and needs; ability to create enthusiasm and drama around the EWI mission and to optimize the use of appropriate executive and program staff with donors and prospects; sense of humor.
Professional skills: at least 8 years experience in fundraising/development including major gifts, annual fund, planned giving, Board interaction and support; donor tracking and database management; excellent organizational and communication skills (verbal and written).
Candidates and sources, please communicate with:
Bob Sellery or Katie Wilson, Robert Sellery Associates, Ltd.
1050 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., 10th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20036.
Email: wilson@sellery.com,
sellery@sellery.com
FAX 202.333.1167
Telephone: 202.331.0090
All inquiries will be kept in strict confidence.
R
OBERT SELLERY ASSOCIATES, LTD.
