Major Gifts Officer

About the role

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) will join Island Institute’s Philanthropy team to expand individual and family‑foundation support. Based primarily at home, the MGO will work from the Rockland office several times each month, driving major‑gift revenue that fuels the organization’s climate‑resilient coastal initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a strategic plan to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of five‑ to seven‑figure gifts.
• Manage a portfolio of high‑capacity individuals, guiding them from prospect identification through solicitation and post‑gift acknowledgment.
• Collaborate with the Director of Philanthropy – Individual Giving and the broader fundraising team to meet annual and long‑range revenue targets.
• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, moves management, and pipeline status in Salesforce.
• Represent Island Institute at events, travel to off‑site locations (including by boat or plane), and work extended hours as needed.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree with at least four years of fundraising experience, including two years focused on major gifts.
• Proven success securing five‑ to seven‑figure donations and meeting quantified fundraising goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to articulate the organization’s mission compellingly.
• Highly organized, deadline‑driven, and comfortable working both independently and within a collaborative team.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Salesforce or a comparable donor‑management database.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.