The Individual Gifts Officer (IGO), based remotely on the West Coast, is a key, forward-facing player on African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)'s Development team. Coming onto the team with a passion for conservation, this role will focus on two primary objectives. First, to steward and grow the mid-level ($1K- $10K) donor portfolio. The IGO will serve as a forward-facing representative of AWF to individuals in this market, throughout the process of identifying prospects, cultivating relationships and soliciting gifts. The IGO will take a leadership role in developing and implementing a positive donor experience for these individuals, from effective acquisition of new donors to renewing and upgrading our most loyal donors. Second, the IGO should be adept at identifying potential Major Donors to be pursued by the Major Giving Officer to be located and serving the same region. The IGO will work closely with all Development team members to create effective cultivation and engagement strategies that chaperone donors through a pipeline.
Responsibilites
- Manage a dynamic portfolio of around 600 individual prospects and donors who are currently giving or have the capacity to give $1,000-$9,999 annually
- Collaborate closely with west-coast based Major Giving Officer on cultivation strategies for Mid-Level donors with potential to upgrade to major giving capacity ($10K+) and usher those individuals through aforementioned pipeline
- Develop and implement fundraising strategies in partnership with the Director of Development Operations and the east-coast IGO to upgrade donors from Membership to Mid-Level.
- Serve as the primary solicitor for the west-coast portion of the Safari Partners portfolio and work closely with east-coast IGO to craft engagement strategy and advise on marketing collateral with the goal of conversion to Mid-Level donors.
- Understand and effectively communicate AWF’s unique value to African conservation, its goals, as well as details about its programs, with clarity and a demonstrated passion for the organization’s mission.
- Plan and execute quarterly face-to-face visits with donors in the portfolio. Work with Development team to strategically plan travel based on geographical region and potential for upgrade.
- Engage with donors via personalized emails and phone calls (when visits are not feasible due to budgetary or capacity restraint), sharing programmatic updates based on their individual interest and key AWF organization news.
- Attend conservation and wildlife centered events as an AWF representative to meet potential new donors and partner organizations plus stay apprised of news from the conservation field and its players.
- Utilize our donor database (Raiser’s Edge), in adherence with Data Services’ SOPs, to record all donor interactions and become familiar with the mid-level portfolio’s giving cycle.
- Work collaboratively and consistently with AWF field staff, Communications, Media and Advocacy teams to maintain up-to-date project knowledge through travel, phone meetings and monthly check-ins.
- Travel to Washington, DC office at least twice throughout the fiscal year to spend time with Development team, evaluate pipeline and strategize growth.
- Manage travel logistics for themselves and on occasion other staff members – when appropriate –ensuring we are within budget requirements
Qualifications
- A demonstrable passion for conservation and specifically in the people, environment and wildlife of Africa.
- Demonstrable experience in successfully fundraising for a major regional, national or international organization with responsibilities for individual, corporate or foundation solicitations.
- Bachelor’s degree with at least 1-2 years of fundraising experience.
- Ability to travel outside of the LA area at least 10% of the time.
- Effective verbal & written communication skills to communicate AWF’s programs and mission.
- Ability to use technology and internet-based methods for research and communication.
- Autonomous work ethic and team player.
- Efficient multi-tasker and flexible in working towards Development goals
- Creative problem solving skills to engage and cultivate relationships with donors along the pipeline.
- Outstanding oral and written communication and research skills required.
- Excellent interpersonal skill, able to relate to people from various geographic and economic backgrounds.
- A high level of professionalism, compassion, and integrity.
|
