Philanthropy Officer

Point Blue Conservation Science • Petaluma, CA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Philanthropy Officer manages and grows a portfolio of individual major donors and prospects to achieve fundraising goals identified in Point Blue's annual budget and strategic plan, with a particular focus on unrestricted giving. Serving as the primary Point Blue contact for their donor portfolio, this role develops and implements strategies that deepen donor engagement and increase philanthropic support. The Philanthropy Officer will steward a portfolio of existing donors while proactively identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting new major gifts and planned giving prospects, building a robust pipeline of future support. This role offers the opportunity to partner closely with experienced fundraising professionals, organizational leaders, scientists, and conservation practitioners while helping expand Point Blue’s impact and shape the future of its philanthropic program. Through personalized donor engagement opportunities and field experiences, the Philanthropy Officer plays a key role in connecting supporters to the science, partnerships, and on-the-ground actions that make Point Blue’s work possible.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal donors, including securing gifts of at least $25,000 and building a strong pipeline of new relationships and increased philanthropic support.
• Knowledge of current trends in charitable giving, donor relationship management principles and best practices, and event planning best practices.
• Excellent relationship-building skills, including the ability to build rapport, listen effectively, use diplomacy and tact, and engage diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and quality, and exceptional follow-through.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated success in clearly and concisely translating complex ideas and strategic priorities to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to safeguard confidential donor information.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, cloud-based collaboration tools, and fundraising CRMs (Raiser’s Edge/NXT preferred).
• Ability to comfortably and graciously engage with high-net-worth individuals at events and other donor engagement settings.
• Experience serving as relationship manager for board members and understanding the unique stewardship needs of these key philanthropic partners.
• Valid California driver’s license and favorable driving history, and proof of auto insurance.
• A minimum of 5 years of fundraising experience with a focus on major gifts from individuals for non-profit organizations.

Nice To Haves

• Passion for and interest in wildlife conservation and the environment; strong consideration for candidates with knowledge of conservation science and ecology.
• This position requires a combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 individual donors and prospects with the capacity to give $10,000+ annually.
• Cultivate, solicit, steward, and deepen relationships with donors and prospects to achieve annual fundraising goals, including securing 5- and 6-figure gifts and identifying planned giving opportunities for the Tern Society legacy giving program.
• Grow and strengthen the portfolio through a combination of transitioned donor relationships, newly identified prospects, and self-generated leads.
• Use research, networking, referrals, and partnerships with board members, volunteers, staff, donors, and other community connections to identify, qualify, cultivate, and solicit new major gift prospects.
• Maintain an active donor engagement and moves management pipeline, including regular face-to-face visits, compelling field-based donor experiences, personalized outreach, timely follow-up, and consistent progression of prospects through identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Collaborate closely with Directors of Philanthropy (senior major gifts fundraising colleagues), other Development team members, program staff, board members, and volunteers to strengthen fundraising outcomes through coordinated donor relationship management and a collaborative team-based approach.
• Develop knowledge of Point Blue’s mission, programs, and strategic priorities.
• Partner with program staff, where appropriate, to create meaningful field experiences and other engagements and align donor interests with funding opportunities.
• Craft and execute solicitation strategies for individual donors – write briefings, prepare correspondence, set meetings, lead solicitations, follow up on all solicitations, and steward the donation and the ongoing relationship.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor and prospect records in Raiser's Edge NXT and use the CRM to manage portfolio activity, track opportunities, inform fundraising strategies, and share information with internal collaborators.
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of donor relationships, donor data management, and philanthropic agreements.
• Utilize events and field experiences, including both land- and sea-based opportunities, to engage Point Blue donors and prospects across portfolios: Serve as project manager and logistical lead for select donor/funder cultivation events and field experiences, coordinating participation across portfolios and managing scheduling, program staff coordination, donor communications, and event execution.
• Assist in the design, preparation, and implementation of signature donor events and other cultivation, stewardship, and donor engagement activities.
• Participate in fundraising events and other opportunities to engage, cultivate, and network with prospective and current donors.
• Manage special projects, initiatives, and research assignments that support Development team goals and organizational priorities.
• Support new fundraising initiatives and donor engagement activities as organizational needs and priorities evolve.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Vacation in the amount of eighteen (18) days each calendar year
• Twelve (12) sick days
• Eight (8) paid holidays per calendar year
• Comprehensive benefit package including employer paid medical and dental for staff and 75% for dependents
• Life insurance
• Long- and short-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) retirement plan with discretionary matching contributions from Point Blue

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior