Advancement Director

Sierra Club

. Manage a portfolio of high-potential prospects and donors .

Posted 9/30/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $100,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in major gift fundraising, including identifying, cultivating, and soliciting high-net-worth individuals and institutional donors. Proficient in developing strategies that align donor interests with organizational needs while maintaining strong relationships and effective communication.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gift FundraisingDonor Engagement StrategiesFundraising Best PracticesFundraising Database ProficiencyEnvironmental Issues Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Identifying ProspectsCultivating DonorsSoliciting GiftsWriting ProposalsCampaign PlanningFinancial Planning ConceptsBuilding Revenue PipelineStewarding DonorsDeveloping Major Gift ProgramsCommunicating Complex Issues

Soft Skills

Emotional IntelligenceRelationship BuildingFlexibilityMultitaskingGrowth-Oriented Approach

Tools & Technologies

Fundraising DatabasesMS Office Applications

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver’s LicenseProof of Auto Insurance

Industry Keywords

Philanthropic ProcessesEnvironmental JusticeSocial JusticeNonprofit SectorHigh-Net-Worth Individuals

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage a portfolio of high-potential prospects and donors
Identify and cultivate new prospects
Engage prospects and donors through face-to-face meetings, phone, video conferences, digital engagements, and written communications
Solicit assigned donors for gifts of $25,000 and more
Develop and implement strategies for prospects, connecting donor priorities with Sierra Club programs and campaigns
Leverage donor engagement events in the West and Northwest regions
Prepare and send donor correspondence, written solicitations, and proposals
Maintain in-depth knowledge of the organization’s activities, priorities, and needs
Match prospective donors’ interests with organizational and campaign needs
Record interactions and relationships in the donor database
Drive strategies to identify, cultivate, upgrade, and solicit donors
Build a pipeline of qualified major donors and high-net-worth individuals capable of giving $25,000 or more
Maintain expertise on environmental issues including climate change, clean energy, land, water, and wildlife conservation
Collaborate with Campaign and Chapter staff to develop and implement major gift programs, initiatives, events, and materials
Travel across the country, typically 30–50% of the time
Report to the Managing Director, Major Gifts, West

Requirements

What you’ll need

Senior-level, extensive experience, or equivalent combination of experience and education in development and major gift fundraising
Strong background identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting six-figure and higher gifts to nonprofit organizations or similar equivalent experience
Ability to build a portfolio of prospects and grow a revenue pipeline through active identification, qualification, and cultivation strategies
Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, planned giving, financial and/or estate planning concepts, and campaign planning
Success identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual and institutional donors at major and principal gifts levels
Ability to inspire high-net-worth individuals and institutional funders to provide significant financial support
Deep understanding of philanthropic processes and individual giving behaviors
Experience working with organizational leadership, preferably in a nonprofit setting
Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
High emotional intelligence and flexibility
Ability to experiment, learn, revise strategies, prioritize, multitask, and meet deadlines and fundraising goals
Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills
Ability to communicate complex environmental and social justice issues to diverse audiences
Proficiency with fundraising databases and MS Office applications
Passion for the Sierra Club’s commitment to environmental and social justice
Ability to integrate into regional and national Advancement teams
Ability to travel 30–40% of the time as needed across the country
Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required
Commitment to deepening understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility
Constructive, growth-oriented approach, can-do attitude, humor, and kindness

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Retirement savings 401(k) plan
Competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience
Collective bargaining unit representation and contract terms
Visa sponsorship may be available for nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met