Posted on November 4, 2009

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Major Donor Manager, NA

The Climate Group, an international charity singularly dedicated to accelerating leadership on climate change, seeks an experienced professional to help develop and deliver our worldwide fundraising and development strategy. From our headquarters in London and offices in Brussels, Delhi, New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Melbourne we work closely and at the highest levels with a coalition of front‐runner businesses and governments to adopt and promote effective solutions to climate change. Our award‐winning website at www.theclimategroup.org describes our work in detail.

The Climate Group is supported by private donors, foundations and trusts, corporate sponsorships and donations, and government grants. We are seeking a Major Donor Manager to identify, cultivate and secure gifts of $25,000 and above, focusing on individual donors with capacity for six- and seven-figure gifts.

Position Summary: The Climate Group has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a Major Donor Manager to oversee a comprehensive individual giving program in North America with emphasis on major gifts. The Major Donor Manager will build and manage a portfolio of major gifts prospects and donors to include identifying and cultivating new prospects, soliciting established prospects, and stewarding donors appropriate to the priorities and goals of The Climate Group.

The Major Donor Manager will collaborate in the development and implementation of a strategic plan to support The Climate Group's global work programs and the organization's short and long-term growth. The Major Donor Manager will work collaboratively with the International Development team, reporting directly to Director of Resource Development based in New York and under the strategic supervision of the Head of Development based in London.

• Work with the International Development staff to develop plans and strategies for soliciting major gifts in support of The Climate Group's core case for support and global programs. Cultivate, solicit and close major gifts.
• Develop extensive knowledge of The Climate Group's international programs and projects, and match with donor interests.
• Conduct and accompany The Climate Group's Senior Management Team members on visits with potential donors and collaborate to create an effective support network to close gifts.
• Provide support including setting of goals and objectives, writing proposals, drafting introductory and follow-up letters and background materials.
• Utilize considerable initiative, independence, originality and responsibility for developing new methods and techniques for fund raising. Work closely with other members of the team in identifying and tracking major gift prospects.
• Act as representative of The Climate Group to articulate the mission, current developments and future plans to prospects and donors.
• Prepare and submit updates, reports and other communications to assist in building and strengthening relationships with major gifts prospects.
• Establish innovative recognition and engagement strategies for Major Donors based in North America and participate in a broad range of donor recognition activities and events having a strategic impact on the success of the major gifts program.
• Maintain prospect and donor portfolio and track progress on Raiser's Edge. Prepare reports for colleagues and volunteers on a regular basis.
• Contribute towards other development activities as needed and assigned.

• The Major Donor Manager reports to the Director of Resource Development based in North America and will work closely with the Head of Development based in Europe to implement the Global Major Gift Development Strategy.

• Demonstrated competence in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies and techniques, particularly in the area of major gifts.
• Successful experience closing complex five/six-figure commitments from individual donors.
• Superior presentation, networking and interpersonal skills, including the ability to deal effectively with diverse constituencies including donors, Board members, international staff and leadership in the field of climate change.
• Demonstrated knowledge of prospect research techniques, sources and methods for obtaining information about potential individual donors.
• Self‐motivation, discipline, and time management skills to regularly set and achieve work goals
• Self starter with the ability to maintain a high level of poise and professionalism in all circumstances
• Collaboration with others in a complex, matrix-structured, dynamic organizational environment
• Ability to engage senior managers and board members in donor visits, and to earn and maintain their confidence.
• Ability to work with a minimum of day-to-day supervision and comfortable with a team approach to fundraising.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• Understanding of and ability to articulate the mission and priorities of The Climate Group.
• Skill in conceptualizing, planning and implementing customized special events, such as dinners, luncheons, receptions, and private meetings
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple projects, exercise discretion and meet deadlines
• Familiarity with Raiser's Edge a plus

Education and Experience:
A bachelor's degree, and a minimum 3‐5 years demonstrated successful major gift fundraising experience, preferably in a complex organization is desired

• Must possess a high level of independence in accomplishing the responsibilities of the position
• Must be self‐directed and able to work with minimal supervision
• The variety of tasks makes it necessary for the person in this position to know how to use the appropriate guideline(s) for the circumstance(s)

• This position requires a high degree of professionalism and an ability to interact with a variety of individuals to significantly increase the visibility of The Climate Group
• Must be capable of conveying appropriate messages and representing The Climate Group to the wider community to encourage and facilitate interest in and support of the organization's mission and goals
• The Major Donor Manager is responsible for enhancing The Climate Group's ability to identify, establish, create and maintain strong relationships with donors

• This position requires the incumbent to communicate interdepartmentally via teleconferencing, which may require communication timed to accommodate international work hours
• The ability to coordinate a variety of tasks simultaneously is essential

A passion for involvement in environmental and climate change solutions is desirable.

The Climate Group is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.

Interested candidates should email their resume, with Major Donor Manager, NA, in the subject line to:

The Climate Group
E-mail: jobs@theclimategroup.org

Find out more by visiting the organization's web site»

Job Type: Development/Fundraising
Organization Type: Nonprofit Organizations