Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Environmental Defense Fund
Job overview
The Senior Principal Gifts Officer at Environmental Defense Fund is a senior fundraising role responsible for managing major donor portfolios and significantly increasing major gift revenue to support the organization's environmental mission.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves managing a portfolio of 20-30 major donors, generating $10-15M annually, developing and executing strategic fundraising plans, cultivating and soliciting seven and eight figure gifts, coordinating with program staff and volunteers, and leading fundraising strategies across the organization.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $170,000-$185,000 USD, a strong total rewards package including robust benefits and professional development opportunities.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have at least 12 years of frontline fundraising experience with proven success in donor cultivation and solicitation, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, knowledge of fundraising databases, and a commitment to EDF's mission.
Career development
The role offers professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization and potential leadership responsibilities including managing other colleagues.
Work environment and culture
EDF values inclusivity, cultural competency, and a collaborative environment where people from diverse backgrounds feel connected and empowered to address environmental challenges.
Company information
Environmental Defense Fund is a leading environmental organization focused on national and international environmental issues, generating over $300 million annually in major gifts.
Team overview
The Senior Principal Gifts Officer will work closely with senior development professionals, research, events, communications, stewardship, and program staff as part of a national development team.
Job location and travel
The position is remote within the US or hybrid from any EDF US office, with some travel required.
Unique job features
This role is distinguished by its focus on securing very high-level major gifts and its integration with a large, well-funded environmental organization with ambitious growth plans.
Company overview
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is a leading non-profit organization focused on environmental advocacy and policy. They work on critical issues such as climate change, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable agriculture, leveraging science, economics, and partnerships to create lasting solutions. EDF generates revenue through donations, grants, and partnerships with businesses and governments. Founded in 1967, EDF played a pivotal role in banning DDT in the U.S. and continues to influence environmental policy globally.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight extensive frontline fundraising experience, especially managing high-net-worth donor portfolios and securing seven- and eight-figure gifts, as these are central to the Senior Principal Gifts Officer role at Environmental Defense Fund.
Emphasize your strategic planning skills for donor engagement, your ability to generate multi-million dollar sustainable revenue, and your experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams including communications, events, and program staff.
Apply through multiple platforms such as the Environmental Defense Fund’s official careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility and increase chances of getting noticed.
Connect with current development team members or leadership at Environmental Defense Fund on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on their recent fundraising campaign successes or expressing admiration for EDF’s environmental impact to start conversations.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description like 'major gifts fundraising,' 'donor cultivation,' 'strategic plan,' 'seven-figure gifts,' 'fundraising databases,' and 'stakeholder engagement' to ensure your resume passes initial screenings.
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