Managing Director, Major Gifts, West

Job Title: Managing Director, Major Gifts, West Department: Advancement Location: Remote, with preference for those located near the Oakland, CA office. This position requires 30% - 40% of travel.  Reports To: Senior Managing Director, Major Gifts Supervises: 3-6 Direct Reports  Context:  At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 700 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees. Scope: This is an opportunity to join the Advancement department of the country’s leading grassroots environmental organization. At a critical time for the planet, Sierra Club is running campaigns to address climate change, protect wilderness and wildlife, and advance healthier communities by rooting for justice and equity for all. In this position, you will be part of a dynamic major gifts team raising upwards of $65 million dollars for our high-impact campaigns from individual donors, family foundations, and institutional funders within the defined geographic region. This role is responsible for direct fundraising efforts of $25,000 or greater, as well as team management for the Western region Major Gifts staff. This role coordinates with and involves Sierra Club Program staff, regional and chapter leaders, and activists in the major gift fundraising process, as well as other members of the Advancement department.  Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required. 30-40% of travel is encouraged when safe and strategic. Job activities include but are not limited to:

Drive the strategies and plan to identify, cultivate, upgrade, and/or solicit retained and new donors, with an eye to building a strong pipeline of qualified major donors. Maintain an emphasis on high-net-worth individuals with the capacity to give $100,000 or greater. 30-40% travel is expected.

Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of approximately 100 current and prospective supporters. Engage supporters through phone, video conference, in-person meetings, and digital engagement. Connect supporters’ philanthropic priorities with the organization's most critical programs and ambitions. 

Manage and mentor a team of gift officers and associates. 

In partnership with Advancement Leadership, Major Gifts, and other colleagues, create annual fundraising goals and the strategy for achieving them. 

Ensure that each supporter and prospect has a clear strategy for cultivation and solicitation leading to upgraded giving over time. Track progress toward team and individual goals including interactions with an account, gifts, and pledges in the CRM (Salesforce).  

Works closely with the research team, local leadership, and other departmental staff to identify prospects and develop strategies for the cultivation and solicitation of philanthropic support.

Designs and implements donor outreach efforts to diversify the major donor base. 

Works with other Advancement, Program & Communication staff, as well as Chapter staff and volunteer leadership, to help develop and implement Major Gift programs, events, communications, and materials. 

Support leadership engagement as needed to advance relationships and secure new and renewed support. 

Maintain knowledge and expertise in environmental issues, the Sierra Club's priorities, and concerns to identify and develop funding opportunities.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

Demonstrated success in development and major gift fundraising, including a strong background in the cultivation and solicitation of six-figure gifts or greater to nonprofit organizations or similar equivalent experience. 

Success managing and mentoring major gift officers with demonstrated fundraising growth. 

Leading on Equity. You model effective equity analysis and practice and operationalize equity, and have embedded justice and equity throughout team/department policies, structures, culture, and programs. 

Highly skilled at prioritizing and meeting deadlines. 

Excellent written and oral communication skills. Consistently produces and oversees the production of error-free work products individually and through staff. Consistently uses tact and diplomacy in dealing with confidential and sensitive matters.

Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.

Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

Proficiency with fundraising database applications (Salesforce a plus), Google Workspace, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint to build effective, compelling marketing and communications pieces. 

Knowledge and experience with fundraising for environmental issues. 

Experience integrating equity and inclusion initiatives into fundraising plans. 

Proven record of effectively working with volunteers on fundraising and partner engagement.