Philanthropy Officer

American Prairie Foundation•Bozeman, MT

4d•$69,000 - $85,000

About The Position

The Philanthropy Officer builds relationships with donors and prospects who share American Prairie’s vision and secures major gift support for the Forever Wild comprehensive campaign. The role manages a portfolio of 80–120 donors and prospects, personally soliciting major and planned gifts, primarily at the $50,000+ level. It emphasizes discovery, qualification, and cultivation to build a strong pipeline, while working closely with Philanthropy and Marketing colleagues and receiving guidance from senior team members. Success is measured by fundraising results, pipeline growth, and donor relationships. First-year expectations allow for a ramp-up period, with a goal of 75% of the full-year expectation, potentially prorated based on the start date. From the second year, expectations include securing five-figure commitments, qualifying at least 35 new prospects annually, cultivating a portfolio with capacity to give $10,000 to $250,000+, and meeting an annual goal of $500,000+ for 2027, subject to review and adjustment. Portfolio gifts of $10,000 to $49,999 count toward the goal, and the officer contributes to Philanthropy team goals and performance indicators. The position is based in Bozeman, Montana, with remote work considered. It is full-time, averaging 40 hours per week. Significant travel is required, approximately 15–25% of the time, with occasional evening and weekend commitments. Non-traditional and long hours may be required; employees based outside Mountain Time are expected to work core hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MT, with the rest of the schedule flexing around donor and employee time zones.

Requirements

At least 3 years of directly related philanthropy experience, including personal solicitation of major gifts.
A record of securing gifts at the $25,000–$100,000 level and a desire to grow toward larger, more complex asks.
Strong discovery and cultivation skills, including the ability to qualify prospects and advance relationships.
Solid understanding of moves management, philanthropy ethics, and donor-centered fundraising practices.
Ability to collaborate with volunteers, colleagues, and leadership.
Clear, confident written and in-person communication skills and a proactive approach to building relationships.
Organized, motivated self-starter who can manage competing priorities accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to work non-traditional and long hours; employees based outside Mountain Time are expected to work core hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MT.
Ability to travel significantly, roughly 15–25% of the time (about 40–70 days annually), including occasional evening and weekend commitments for donor meetings and events.
Valid driver’s license and ability to drive as part of work travel.
Enthusiasm for and positive representation of American Prairie’s mission, values, goals, and culture.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Salesforce or a comparable CRM.
Experience working within a comprehensive fund development program.
Bachelor’s degree.
Knowledge, understanding, and familiarity with conservation-focused missions or organizations.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects using a moves management approach, engaging through visits, phone and email outreach, events, and hosted visits to American Prairie properties.
Lead discovery outreach to qualify new prospects and advance them toward cultivation and solicitation.
Prepare and present gift proposals, partnering with senior philanthropy staff and leadership on larger or more complex asks.
Develop a strong working knowledge of American Prairie’s programs and initiatives, including the Forever Wild campaign, and provide regular updates to portfolio donors.
Work with Philanthropy Operations and Marketing to identify prospects through volunteer networks, Salesforce, wealth screening tools, and additional research.
Maintain accurate and current donor records in Salesforce, including meeting dossiers, contact reports, solicitation plans, and activity tracking.
Partner with volunteer hosts, including the Forever Wild campaign committee, to organize local and regional friendraising events.
Work with the Marketing team to inform organizational communications and collateral and align messaging with philanthropy priorities.
Secure five-figure commitments, identify major gift prospects giving below capacity, and help portfolio donors remain engaged and increase their giving over time.
Contribute to the Philanthropy team’s goals and key performance indicators.