Major Gifts Officer

California Native Plant Society

Major Gifts Officer growing donor support for CNPS, a California native plant conservation nonprofit. Managing major donor portfolios, solicitations, stewardship, and fundraising strategy.

Posted 8/10/2026full-timeSacramento • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $90,161 - $97,161 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing major donor relationships and developing tailored fundraising strategies to achieve revenue goals. Proficient in utilizing CRM systems for tracking donor activities and performance metrics while ensuring effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising ExperienceDonor Portfolio ManagementCRM Systems ProficiencyWritten And Verbal CommunicationStrategic Planning

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Major Gift SolicitationDonor Cultivation StrategiesRevenue Goal AchievementProposal DevelopmentPerformance Analysis

Soft Skills

Highly OrganizedSelf-MotivatedCollaborationAttention To DetailSound Judgment

Tools & Technologies

CRM Systems

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree PreferredValid California Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Donor EngagementFundraising StrategiesDEIJ IntegrationDonor Pipeline PlanningRevenue Forecasting

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage and grow a portfolio of 75+ major donors and prospects as the primary relationship manager
Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies
Make and manage annual solicitations of $5,000+ aligned with performance metrics
Achieve annual revenue goals for the assigned major donor portfolio
Plan, support, and execute donor cultivation opportunities, including field trips, events, and virtual engagements
Identify midlevel donors and new major gift prospects to build the donor pipeline
Develop donor communications, proposals, reports, impact updates, and stewardship materials
Use CRM systems to track progress, manage portfolios, and report key performance indicators
Analyze portfolio performance and adjust strategies to meet or exceed revenue goals
Partner with the Development Director and Executive Director on transformational donors
Advise senior leadership on donor interests, cultivation opportunities, and engagement strategies
Participate in donor pipeline planning and revenue forecasting
Refine major gifts program processes, tools, and best practices, including DEIJ integration
Participate in team planning and contribute to Development team goals

Requirements

What you’ll need

6–8 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience
Demonstrated success personally soliciting and closing gifts of $5,000+
Experience building and managing a donor portfolio and advancing relationships through in-person and virtual engagement
Ability to collaboratively develop fundraising strategies, manage complex donor relationships, and achieve revenue goals
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail
Highly organized and able to manage multiple donor relationships and priorities simultaneously
Experience using CRM systems to plan, manage, and track donor activities
Self-motivated and able to work independently while aligned with team goals
Strong collaboration with staff and volunteer leaders
Sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism
Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis
Valid California driver’s license required
Ability to work standard Monday–Friday hours, with occasional donor meetings outside these hours
Willingness to travel regularly, up to 40%, within California

Benefits

Comp & perks

Starting annual salary between $90,160 and $97,160
Up to 3.8% performance-based annual salary increase
100% coverage of employee premiums for health, life, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plan with up to 6% matching contributions, available immediately upon employment
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Dependent Care Account (DCA)
Transportation Savings Account (TSA)
13 holidays
12 sick/wellness days
15 vacation days
12 weeks of supplemental, paid parental leave after one year of employment
CNPS-issued laptop
$750 home office stipend
$60/month telework stipend
Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) support for employees and their families
Annual $500 professional development budget and 32 hours for professional development opportunities
Attendance at semiannual staff team-building events
Complimentary CNPS Society membership
Work travel reimbursed