Philanthropic Advisor - Individual Giving

Rare

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Rare's Individual Giving team works to build a growing base of philanthropic support from high-net-worth individuals who share our commitment to people and nature. The team operates within a collaborative, mission-driven development environment and partners closely with senior leadership, trustees, and program staff to connect donors to Rare's most compelling conservation and climate work. We are seeking an entrepreneurial and relationship-driven Philanthropic Advisor to build and expand individual major gift fundraising across the Northeast, with a primary focus on New York City and Boston. This role is ideal for someone energized by building donor relationships from the ground up, navigating philanthropic networks with confidence, and translating complex conservation outcomes into compelling donor narratives. Reporting to the Vice President of Individual Giving, the Philanthropic Advisor will manage a portfolio of approximately 100–150 donors and prospects, with a focus on securing six- and seven-figure gifts. This is a highly external-facing, individual contributor role requiring frequent in-person engagement, independent judgment, and a strong results orientation. The Philanthropic Advisor will expand Rare's visibility in one of its most significant wealth markets while working in close partnership with colleagues across development, programs, and senior leadership.

Requirements

6–8 years of fundraising or relationship management experience, with demonstrated success in major gifts and donor portfolio management.
Demonstrate a track record of securing and upgrading five-figure gifts and qualifying prospects toward six- and seven-figure commitments
Possess excellent communication, relationship-building, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate Rare's mission into compelling donor narratives
Be comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment while collaborating effectively across teams
Have proficiency with CRM systems; Salesforce experience is preferred
Show willingness to travel frequently within New York City and Boston, with periodic broader regional travel (~20%) and trips to Rare's Arlington, VA headquarters
Hold a Bachelor's degree (required)

Nice To Haves

Experience in conservation, climate, sustainability, or global development (preferred but not required)
Familiar with philanthropic, business, or civic networks in New York City or Boston (preferred)

Responsibilities

Identify, engage, and qualify high-net-worth individuals across New York City, Boston, and the broader Northeast
Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects with six- and seven-figure gift capacity
Partner with trustees, board members, and existing donors to generate introductions and new leads
Conduct prospect research and leverage networks to continuously expand the donor pipeline
Manage a portfolio of approximately 100–150 donors and prospects
Develop and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each relationship
Upgrade donors to higher giving levels and multi-year commitments
Track all donor engagement, pipeline activity, and gift progression accurately in Salesforce CRM
Expand Rare's presence within Northeast philanthropic, business, and civic networks
Represent Rare at donor events, convenings, and regional gatherings
Support and host donor engagement opportunities including salons, briefings, and cultivation events
Conduct regular in-person and virtual donor meetings throughout the region
Partner with development colleagues, program staff, and senior leadership to align donor interests with organizational priorities
Prepare proposals, briefings, and donor communications to support major gift solicitations
Provide regular pipeline and portfolio updates to the Vice President of Individual Giving
Collaborate with the broader development team on integrated fundraising strategies