Major Gifts Manager

Job Summary: The Major Gifts Manager is responsible for helping secure the resources necessary to advance ALNC’s mission to nurture children, their well-being, and environmental sustainability through connecting and learning in nature. 

This position manages fundraising activities, including the formulation and implementation of annual and long-term strategic development plans and oversees the Major Gifts portfolio of Individual and Foundation donors/partners. The Development team supports the Nature Center’s $2M annual budget with approximately $600k in annual gifts with a goal of growing this amount. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a superior work ethic and have the ability to plan efficiently, manage effectively, communicate persuasively, and represent the Nature Center enthusiastically.

Key Responsibilities: 

Fundraising (70%)

• Manage a portfolio of 100-125 donors and achieve an annual revenue goal in the range of $350,000 - $500,000
• Create and coordinate annual development activities to raise support for ALNC’s programs and operations, including: 
• Retaining and stewarding current donors
• Identifying and soliciting new prospects
• Assisting with developing direct appeals
• Creating new solicitation and cultivation activities
• Conducting special campaigns (Capital, Planned Giving, Endowment, etc.)
• Create and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward Individual and Foundation donors  
• Individuals: Develop and maintain relationships with major donors, ensuring personalized/meaningful engagement  
• Foundations: Create meaningful and timely proposals/reports that align with the interests and priorities of private foundations
• Work with the Director of Marketing & Communications to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward Corporate partnerships and donors contacted through direct appeals   
• Corporations: Present opportunities for event/program sponsorships and track and deliver benefits
• Direct Appeals: Plan and implement semi-annual direct appeals to donors, program participants, and the general public  
• Engage in outreach/community relations to strengthen ALNC’s visibility in the community
• Assist in planning and implementing  ALNC annual fundraising events
• Work with the Board of Directors to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward their personal connections and advance their resources

Administrative/Planning (30%)

• Ensure fundraising database and additional tracking systems are being proactively utilized, maintained, and supported
• Update Development Plan annually 
• Ensure a cohesive and strategic approach to fundraising across the organization  
• Collaborate with other departments to gather programmatic information and impact stories for donor communication  
• Demonstrate or develop ability to accurately understand and maintain financials, budgets, and projections
• Event coordination of Cocktails in the Cattails, ALNC’s annual “friends” recognition event
• Manage the Development committee
• Play an active role on ALNC’s Leadership Team 
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

• 5 years of of demonstrated success in fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector
• Experience managing a donor portfolio 
• Experience working with CRM databases
• Exceptional organization, planning, and workload prioritization skills, accuracy, attention to detail, ability to multitask
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Critical thinking skills and the emotional intelligence to problem solve and work with diverse audiences 
• Ability to work independently and as a team 
• Understand and address challenges with sound judgement, high integrity and professional demeanor  
• Proficiency (or ability to learn) Google Workspace and the ability to master various software applications  
• Maintain Association of Fundraising Professionals’ code of ethical standards and confidentiality
• Commitment to valuing diversity and equity, and contributing to an inclusive culture  
• Experience in annual budget preparation 
• Willingness to work some nights and weekends

 Benefits: 

• Salary: $60,000-$80,000 depending on experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive benefits package including health and dental insurance (60/40 employer/employee), life/disability insurance, and 403(b) retirement plan with 3% company match
• 50% off enrollment and program fees for your children attending ALNC programming, including the Nature Preschool and Summer Camp
• Generous PTO policyFlexible schedule and work-from-home options for some shifts
• Fun, child-focused environment 
• Professional development opportunities

To Apply: 

Please send resume, cover letter, and three references to ALNC President and Executive Director, Betsy Parker, at betsyp@aldoleopoldnaturecenter.org by end of day on May 11th, 2025.