Major Gifts Officer

Rails To Trails Conservancy; Washington (District of Columbia); Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is seeking a dynamic Major Gifts Officer to advance its mission by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors capable of $10,000+ gifts. You will manage a portfolio of 100+ major donor prospects and collaborate with senior leadership to grow RTC's national philanthropic support.

The role emphasizes relationship-building through in-person visits, virtual meetings, and donor events, with responsibilities to secure $1M+ annually and to communicate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in major or mid-level fundraising.
• Proven success securing five- and six-figure gifts or comparable revenue-generating outcomes.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to travel regularly for donor meetings and events; up to 20% domestic travel expected for this role.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 100+ major donor prospects and 10+ institutional funders.
• Secure an annual $1M+ in total revenue.
• Develop cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to deepen donor engagement and investment.
• Solicit and close major gifts and meet annual revenue goals.
• Qualify new major gift prospects and strengthen the pipeline.
• Build meaningful donor relationships through in-person, calls, virtual visits, and events.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience

Tools

CRM systems

Donor management tools

Job description

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation's largest trails organization-with a grassroots community of more than 1 million strong—dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in Baltimore, Ohio, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org. Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter).

Job Summary

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Major Gifts Officer to help advance the organization's mission. The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual, foundation, and corporate donors capable of making gifts of $10,000 and above. Working closely with senior leadership, program staff, and development colleagues, the Major Gifts Officer will develop and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects while helping expand RTC's national philanthropic support.

This position is part of RTC's long‑term strategy to significantly increase major gift revenue and deepen engagement with philanthropists who are passionate about trails, active transportation, outdoor recreation, public health, climate resilience, and community development.

Job Location

This position may be based anywhere within the United States. The position is eligible for a fully remote work schedule. The position salary is benchmarked to the Washington D.C. market and may be adjusted for candidates hired outside the benchmarked area.

Job Duties

Portfolio Management and Donor Cultivation (50%) and Revenue Generation (50%)

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 100+ major donor prospects and current supporters, as well as 10+ institutional funders.
• Secure an annual $1million+ in total (unrestricted and restricted) revenue.
• Develop and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies designed to deepen donor engagement and increase philanthropic investment.
• Solicit and close major gifts, with responsibility for achieving annual individual and portfolio revenue goals.
• Qualify new major gift prospects and continually strengthen the pipeline by identifying donors with the interest and capacity to increase their support.
• Build meaningful, long‑term relationships with donors through in‑person meetings, calls, virtual visits, events, and other personalized engagement.
• Develop a deep understanding of RTC's organizational priorities, programs, and funding opportunities and effectively communicate their impact to donors.
• Connect donors with RTC programs, projects, staff, and leadership through personalized engagement opportunities, including donor visits, project tours, and virtual experiences.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for significant and transformational gifts by matching donor interests and capacity with RTC's highest‑priority funding opportunities.
• Maintain a working knowledge of planned giving and confidently incorporate planned giving opportunities into donor conversations when appropriate, helping supporters explore ways to extend their impact through legacy gifts.
• Maintain timely and accurate records of donor interactions, strategies, proposals, and next steps within the CRM.
• Partner with the major gifts team to regularly review portfolio performance, refine strategies, identify opportunities, and forecast anticipated revenue.
• Participate in and occasionally lead Trailblazer Society and other donor events that connect supporters with RTC's on‑the‑ground work and mission.
• Partner with the Fundraising Associate to leverage proposal materials, prospect research, donor briefings, and stewardship resources.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities and will report to the Vice President of Development

Requirements

Basic Qualifications and Personal Attributes

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Five or more years of experience in major or mid‑level fundraising.
• Demonstrated success securing five- and six‑figure gifts or comparable revenue‑generating outcomes.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
• Strong strategic thinking and donor‑centered fundraising approach.
• Ability to travel regularly for donor meetings and events; up to 20% domestic travel expected for this role.
• Experience working with CRM systems and donor management tools.
• Self‑motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Commitment to RTC's mission and values.

Must have access to a quiet, professional workspace suitable for focused work, virtual meetings, and confidential conversations.