BACKGROUND
Earthjustice is the premier nonprofit, public-interest law firm dedicated to protecting our natural heritage, safeguarding our health, and promoting a clean, sustainable energy future. Founded in 1971, Earthjustice brings about far-reaching change by using the courts to enforce and strengthen environmental protections on behalf of hundreds of organizations and communities. We have provided legal representation—at no cost—to more than 1,000 clients ranging from national groups such as The Wilderness Society, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the National Audubon Society, to smaller community coalitions, such as the Alaska Center for the Environment and Friends of the Everglades.
Currently headquartered in Oakland, CA, today Earthjustice is a $35 MM national nonprofit with nine offices throughout the U.S. and 176 employees.
POSITION
Working from our headquarters, the Director of Major & Leadership Gifts is responsible for overall management of the Major Gifts program, which is charged with managing relationships with and securing support from donors and prospects capable of gifts of $5,000 - $1,000,000+ to meet Earthjustice’s resource goals.
The Director of Major & Leadership Gifts reports directly to the Vice President for Development, works closely with the President, and supervises a staff of five regional major gifts officers (three work from regional locations), a research analyst, and a major gifts administrative coordinator. In addition, this position is responsible for a portfolio of individual major donors. The Major Gifts program currently raises over $13 million annually with strong growth expectations.
Key responsibilities of this position include:
• Developing and implementing effective strategies to achieve annual and campaign goals for major and leadership gifts;
• Providing program leadership and management of the Major Gifts program, creating an environment of success for major gifts staff;
• Ensuring that new major donor prospects are identified and cultivated;
• Personally cultivating and soliciting major contributions individually or as part of a solicitation team;
• Preparing Major Gifts program revenue and expense budget goals in consultation with management. Monitoring major gifts revenue and reporting monthly on progress toward goals.
• Working with program staff, board members, and volunteers to cultivate and engage major and leadership donors.
KEY CHALLENGES
The Director of Major and Leadership Gifts, together with the directors of Planned Gifts, Public Support, and Foundation Relations, will work with the Vice President for Development to strategically grow a stable $35 million operation, approximately $6 million of which comes from direct mail and other public support programs, $8 million from foundation grants, $3 million from matured planned gifts and estates, $14 million from major and board gifts, and the remainder from attorney fees and case cost recovery.
In the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2012, total contributed revenue is expected to grow from new sources as well as from increased giving from existing sources. This growth will likely be driven by our expanding program work in the areas of climate change, environmental health, oceans, natural gas, as well as our long-standing work protecting public lands, wildlife, and, clean air and water. Earthjustice allocates the majority of its income to program services, litigation, policy, and public information.
The primary challenges facing the Director of Major & Leadership Gifts at Earthjustice include the following:
• Serve as a key leader in shaping a strategic fundraising plan for the next three years to meet the organization’s new program strategic plan.
• Foster and ensure productivity of the major gifts team by leading and coaching a competent and committed staff and establishing a stronger prospecting function.
• Ensure that major gifts staff are accountable for fundraising goals that are comparable to other major organizations.
• Continue to grow annual as well as special project funding from major donors.
• Increasingly engage board members and volunteers in qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts.
• Prepare for a major capital campaign anticipated to begin within the next 2-3 years.
OPPORTUNITY
With the current growth trajectory for the Major Gifts program (growing from $3 MM to $13 MM+ in six years!), the new Director of Major and Leadership Gifts will have the opportunity to take a high-performing team to the next level, leaving a lasting footprint on Earthjustice’s ability to deliver on our critical mission.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
• Sincere interest in environmental and conservation issues
• At least seven years progressively responsible fundraising experience with an emphasis on major gifts.
• Strong initiative and self-motivation, and a keen interest in leading an entrepreneurial team.
• Experience managing a high-performing fundraising team, with experience managing staff remotely preferred.
• Experience working with volunteers, volunteer leadership, and program staff
• Outstanding interpersonal skills; excellent research skills; superior written and oral communication skills; and relevant computer skills
• Bachelor’s degree required
COMPENSATION
Compensation for the Director of Major and Leadership Gifts includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience and an excellent package of employee and health benefits.
TO APPLY
Earthjustice has retained the services of SBR Executive Search. Please send your resume, expression of interest and salary history and requirements in a Word format to
Kara Leppert Teising, Partner
kteising@thinkingahead.com