Major Gifts Officer

Job Details

Job Location: Lincoln Campus - Lincoln, NE 68508Position Type: Full Time

Does the opportunity to devote your talents to a cause much greater than yourself excite you? Are you a donor-centric fundraiser who thrives at the intersection of purpose and performance? Do you believe in the power of experiences that inspire people to create a better world? The Arbor Day Foundation is a place where you can do work that matters, with people who care. As we say at the Foundation: life is short, love where you work.     

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. We foster a growing community of more than one million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by our bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees.     

Join the Arbor Day Foundation as a Major Gifts Officer to grow a portfolio of donors who believe in that vision and want to make a lasting difference for our planet. This is an opportunity for a relationship-builder and strategic thinker to connect passion to purpose, turning philanthropic intent into tangible impact.  
  
This role is ideally based in Lincoln, Nebraska, however, remote candidates in major wealth markets with access to travel hubs will be considered. Team members in Lincoln work in-office on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, with optional remote work on Wednesday and Friday. This position reports to the Director, Development.  

Travel Requirements: This position requires travel up to 20-30%: 4+ times a quarter for meetings, training, and Foundation events. Must have the ability to travel domestically and internationally, if applicable. Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle may be required.  

What You’ll Do  

• Build and manage a portfolio of 75–150 donors capable of giving $10,000+ annually, with a focus on growing leadership and transformational gifts of $25,000+.  
• Partner with internal research and data teams to identify, qualify, and cultivate new prospects using internal and external tools.  
• Achieve a first-year fundraising goal of approximately five hundred thousand, with an expectation to grow to $1M+ annually as the portfolio matures.  
• Advise donors on creative giving options, including non-cash gifts, DAFs, and planned giving.  
• Inspire donors through personal outreach, meetings, events, and compelling storytelling across channels (in-person, digital, phone, video, and written).  
• Collaborate with colleagues across Major Gifts, Marketing & Communications, and Program teams to align donor interests with the Foundation’s highest priorities.  
• Implement and refine moves management strategies that guide donors through every stage of engagement — from identification to solicitation to stewardship.  
• Contribute to the development of cases for support and compelling donor materials that inspire confidence and commitment.    

What You’ll Bring  

• A deep passion for the Foundation’s mission and a belief in the power of trees to create meaningful change for people and the planet.  
• Proven experience in building and managing donor relationships through all stages of the giving cycle.  
• Demonstrated success closing six- and seven-figure gifts and stewarding high-net-worth individuals.  
• Strong strategic and analytical skills - able to connect donor motivations to mission impact.  
• A data-driven mindset, using CRM systems and KPIs to guide decisions, track progress, and prioritize effectively.  
• Entrepreneurial energy - a self-starter who thrives in a growing, evolving environment and is motivated by building something lasting.  
• A donor-first approach, ensuring every interaction enhances the donor’s experience and deepens their connection to our mission.  
• Follow-through on opportunities and donor requests that provide a positive experience for donors and prospective donors, inspiring their commitment and generosity to the Foundation.    
• Collaborative spirit and appreciation for a team-based approach to fundraising success.  
• Experience or interest in global conservation and the opportunity to engage donors across diverse regions and cultures.  

Love Where You Work  

• Our work changes the world. We find deep purpose in our dai