Major Gifts Officer

Position Overview:

Our City Forest is seeking an enthusiastic Major Gifts Officer to develop and implement an individual and major gifts program. This position will be responsible for identifying, managing, and cultivating both individual and corporate prospects and donors by clearly communicating the mission and needs of Our City Forest while understanding the intent and motives of potential donors. The ideal candidate enjoys working in a team-based environment, is versatile and flexible, and has proven experience in the fund development field.

Responsibilities (partial list):

• Develop a major gifts plan, including goals and initiatives
• Secure major gifts at the $10,000 to $100,000 level with the expectation of raising a minimum of $350,000 within 12 months.
• Set up and manage donor software to track and cultivate donors and prospects, including a donor database and wealth-screening tools.
• Understand OCF programs and initiatives by meeting regularly with the staff team to align efforts and inform goals.
• Create and implement asset-giving options for trusts, wills, and stocks.
• Identify corporate prospects and seek gifts for program needs and general support
• Make direct, face-to-face solicitations, and assist the board and other staff with their solicitations.
• Assure donor acknowledgements through public and private recognition.

Desired Qualifications & Attributes

• You have at least 4 years of nonprofit fundraising experience with a track record of securing individual, corporate, and major gifts.
• You are a people person with an outgoing nature.
• You are passionate about helping the environment - and it shows.
• You have a reputation of honesty and integrity.
• You are comfortable using a donor database, conducting prospect research, and using wealth-screening tools.
• You establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
• You have excellent writing and speaking skills to compel individuals to action
• You understand the need to be organized, prepared, and detail-oriented, while also following through on promises.
• People are inspire inspired by your determination and the vision you present, and are motivated
• to support it.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years experience in fundraising, including corporate and major gifts.
• An understanding and appreciation for the work of nonprofits.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain a range of diverse relationships.
• A natural passion for improving community health and our environment.
• Knowledge of fundraising software.
• Experience achieving fundraising goals and managing a donor portfolio
• Excellent organizational and tracking skills to support the work.
• Track record of modeling and creating a professional work environment that supports collaboration in meeting organizational goals.
• A desire to work with a team of like-minded nonprofit professionals working hard to make a difference.

Terms and Salary

• This is a half-time position to start - 20-hours per week
• Salary range is $38,000 to $48,000 ($76,000 to $96,000 FT equivalent)
• Remote work is allowed with periodic in-person meetings
• Performance assessments are conducted at 90 days after hire

Application Instructions

• Please email your resumé and a thoughtful cover letter to rberry@ourcityforest.org
• Provide 3 professional references (none will be contacted without your permission)
• Indicate your available start date.

About Our City Forest

Our City Forest (OCF) is an award-winning San José-based urban forestry nonprofit with a focused mission around growing the urban forest in under-canopied and low-income neighborhoods. Since 1994, OCF has been an environmental justice leader for San José, while also training new generations of urban forestry experts. OCF has secured grants and donations to mobilize 150,000+ volunteers and train 650 low-income young adults to assist neighborhoods, schools, agencies, and businesses, all under the tutelage of OCF’s professional staff team of arborists and urban foresters. OCF’s resources and collaborative partnerships have added 75,000+ large shade trees and 25,000+ shrubs to our urban forest. A signed stewardship agreement is obtained for every tree through OCF’s community-based stewardship program, and follow-up is provided for 3 years to help ensure successful establishment. OCF also provides an array of related services including tree care, volunteer training, tree cultivation, information and referral, and environmental education. Visit: www.ourcityforest.org

Non-Discrimination: OCF programming and personnel decisions are guided by an OCF Diversity & Equity Pledge. OCF is an Equal Opportunity Employer which ensures that hiring decisions are not made based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any legally protected group status.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team!