Major Gifts Officer

Philanthropy Northwest; Port Angeles (WA); Remote; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in marine education is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to lead fundraising efforts for a transformative project. This pivotal role involves identifying and cultivating relationships with major donors, developing strategic fundraising initiatives, and managing a portfolio of donor relationships. The position is primarily remote, with occasional travel to Port Angeles and in-person meetings in the Seattle area. Join a passionate team dedicated to creating an inclusive environment and making a significant impact in marine education. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record in fundraising, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible work hours

Work-related meals covered

Travel expenses covered

Tailored benefits package

Qualifications

• 5+ years of fundraising experience securing major gifts of $25,000+.
• Skilled at building relationships and turning conversations into support.

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective major donors.
• Develop personalized strategies for managing major gifts prospects.
• Plan and execute donor engagement events to foster relationships.

Skills

Fundraising

Relationship Building

Strategic Thinking

Communication

Organizational Skills

Job description

Port Angeles, WA (Remote from within WA)

State: WA

Position Information

Employment Type: Full time

Experience Level: Professional

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000

Job Category:

Organizational Overview:

Feiro Marine Life Center seeks an experienced Major Gifts Officer to play a pivotal role in completing our capital campaign for the new Marine Discovery Center—the Olympic Peninsula's future premier hub for Pacific Northwest marine education, opening in 2028.

You will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors while working closely with our Executive Director, Board, and Campaign Committee to secure gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners. You'll champion behind-the-scenes fundraising efforts in Port Angeles while leading your own portfolio in the Seattle area.

This Seattle/Puget Sound-based position requires managing a donor portfolio and conducting in-person meetings with Seattle-area supporters, while collaborating remotely with our Port Angeles headquarters. Occasional travel to Port Angeles is required.

This unique 30-hour/week opportunity is ideal for an experienced fundraiser who works independently and values work-life balance. We encourage passionate, strategic fundraisers who connect effectively with donors to apply and help bring this transformative marine education project to life!

Role Responsibilities:

1. Major Donor Relationship Development and Management

• Identify and cultivate relationships with new prospective donors not yet connected to the organization.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of major gifts prospects, developing personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Conduct face-to-face meetings annually with donors throughout Washington State, with particular focus on the Seattle area.
• Partner with the Executive Director to strategically engage with top donor prospects.

Strategic Campaign Leadership

• Develop and implement effective systems for deepening major donor partnerships.
• Bring innovative and creative approaches to fundraising strategy to help complete the capital campaign.
• Create compelling proposals and other fundraising materials.
• Track progress toward fundraising goals and provide regular reports to leadership.

Donor Engagement Activities

• Plan and execute cultivation and stewardship events to engage prospective and current donors.
• Develop creative opportunities for donor engagement with the Marine Discovery Center project.
• Create and implement strategies for introducing new audiences to the organization's mission.

Stewardship and Administration

• Manage gift agreements and ensure proper donor recognition.
• Collaborate with program staff to connect donors with projects that match their interests.
• Oversee donor stewardship processes to maintain strong, ongoing relationships with contributors.

Candidate Qualifications:

The ideal candidate for this position would be:

• A skilled relationship builder who excels at turning conversations into meaningful support.
• A fearless fundraiser with 5+ years of fundraising success securing major gifts ($25,000+).
• A strategic thinker and creative innovator who thrives on new challenges and projects.
• Comfortable working independently while maintaining strong ties with the coastal team.
• Able to listen attentively and align donor interests with organizational mission.
• Organized and self-motivated, managing multiple relationships independently.

Compensation and Benefits:

This is a 30 hours per week, .75 FTE position reporting to the Executive Director. The position will be predominantly remote with occasional travel to Port Angeles and other locations throughout Western Washington, and frequent in-person donor visits in the Seattle area. The expected salary range is $70,000-$80,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Feiro Marine Life Center will negotiate a benefits package tailored to the priorities of the person who takes this position. Work-related meals and travel expenses will be covered by the organization. Feiro staff have multiple primary work locations, and can negotiate your remote work needs as part of the benefits package.

At Feiro Marine Life Center, we create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued. As an equal opportunity employer reflecting our region's rich cultural diversity, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, believing diverse perspectives strengthen our mission to connect people with the marine environment.

Online applications only; please no email or paper submissions. You will be asked to upload a resume and cover letter. In your cover letter, please describe how your experience, skills, and interests align with the goals for this position as described in this announcement. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For priority consideration, please apply by May 9, 2025. Early applications are strongly encouraged.