Careers
Donor Engagement Officer
About PERC
The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) is the national leader in market solutions for conservation, with over 40 years of research and a network of respected scholars and practitioners. Through research, law and policy, and innovative field conservation programs, PERC explores how aligning incentives for environmental stewardship produces sustainable outcomes for land, water, and wildlife. Founded in 1980, PERC is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and proudly based in Bozeman, Montana.
This is a transformational time at PERC. Our nimble team is growing in all departments to support our ambitious goal of inspiring a new era of conservation in America based on incentives and innovation. Read more.
Position Description
The Donor Engagement Officer is a key member of the development team, working primarily with PERC’s individual donors to build meaningful relationships that result in increased support through direct solicitation. This new role will work in partnership with the Development Manager to increase giving and share the impact of investments in PERC. This is a dynamic role, best suited to an ambitious, driven individual who shows a genuine interest in people and a deep appreciation of the impact of philanthropy. The position will be responsible for identifying individuals to add to a moves management-based portfolio and cultivating and soliciting those donors across the full-giving cycle. The Donor Engagement Officer will work closely with and report directly to the Chief Operating Officer / Head of Development.
Responsibilities / Activities of the Job
Fundraising Strategy
- Collaborate with the Chief Operating Officer/Head of Development to develop and implement a strategic individual major giving plan
- Qualify current and prospective donors for engagement, utilizing internal and external data analysis
- Partner with program teams to understand funding needs, opportunities, and challenges
- Build relationships with partners to maximize fundraising success and develop awareness of PERC within key communities
- Develop data-driven insights to improve fundraising effectiveness
- Remain current on giving trends, new opportunities, and general sector updates
Donor Relations and Solicitation
- Actively identify and manage individuals to include as part of a portfolio of approximately 120 current and prospective donors, from identification and relationship development to solicitation
- Lead on solicitation of gifts from portfolio members, including additional team members as appropriate, as part of development team revenue targets
- Develop individual engagement strategies for each member of the portfolio, as part of a moves management strategy
- Partner with internal teams, board, and current supporters to identify new prospective donors and lead on research and engagement aligned with their interests and capacity
- Share thoughtful stories and updates with donors to ensure they understand the impact of their support
- Partner with Head of Development to identify and secure legacy society support
Donor Communications
- Draft proposals, update letters, and related materials for major donors
- Write internal reports on stewardship progress, notable updates, and giving metrics
- Partner with internal development and communications team members to develop collateral, design and execute on events, and other opportunities to engage supporters
- Maintain robust records of activities and communications in database and file systems
Qualifications
- 5-10 years relevant experience in direct fundraising, with an emphasis on major gift development at a non-profit organization, or similar related experience
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- High emotional intelligence, ability to engage new people, and read the room
- Proven track record of securing increased philanthropic investments as well as knowledge and ability to engage executives and board in a moves management strategy
- Strong affinity for the outdoors and market-based conservation
- Desire to work as part of a team, support the success of others, and build internal relationships
- Self-motivated
- Strong time management skills and ability to take an organized approach to work
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Desired Skills
- Background using Salesforce
- Understanding of public policy related to conservation
- Personal interest in outdoor pursuits
Travel Requirements
Regular travel by car and airplane is required
Working Conditions
- Business office environment with moderate noise
- Will sit or stand at a desk
- Work on a computer, use a telephone and other general office equipment
- Lift and carry up to 25 pounds
Location
This is a full-time, exempt position ideally based in Bozeman, Montana. We are open to remote positions for exceptional candidates in select major metro areas.
Perks of Working at PERC
- Great health (platinum, gold, and silver plans), vision, and dental benefit choices for employees and family
- Flex/FSA or HSA offered
- 5% 401(k) PERC contribution
- PERC contributed life insurance
- Voluntary additional life insurance
- Voluntary accident insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid vacation and sick days
- 12 paid holidays
- Discounted gym membership
- Ability to work with an impactful conservation organization, dedicated to positive environmental outcomes
To Apply
Please submit your resume and cover letter to employment@perc.org.
Not sure you meet all the job qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend not to apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification when, in fact, they often do. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and strongly encourage you to apply.