Philanthropy Officer

JOB PURPOSE: The Philanthropy Officer builds relationships with donors and prospects who share American Prairie’s vision and turns that connection into major gift support for the Forever Wild comprehensive campaign. The position cultivates a portfolio of 80–120 donors and prospects and personally solicits major and planned gifts, mostly at the $50,000+ level. The work emphasizes discovery, qualification, and cultivation to build a strong pipeline. Working closely with colleagues across Philanthropy and Marketing, and guided by senior team members, the position helps grow a community of donors deeply invested in a vision of connecting people to the short grass prairie. .

Success in this role is measured by fundraising results, pipeline growth, and the strength of donor relationships. Because meaningful philanthropic partnerships take time to build, first-year expectations reflect a ramp-up period with an expectation of reaching 75% of the full-year goal (may be prorated based on start date). Full expectations begin in the second year and include:

• Major gifts: Secures five-figure commitments and identifies major gift prospects giving below capacity.
• A growing pipeline: Qualifies at least 35 new prospects each year through active discovery outreach, and cultivates a portfolio of 80–120 donors and prospects with capacity to give $10,000 to $250,000+ with an annual goal of $500,000+ for 2027 (subject to annual review and adjustment based on revenue needs and portfolio development).
• Deepening donor commitment: Keeps portfolio donors engaged and giving, and helps them increase their investment over time. All portfolio gifts of $10,000 to $49,999 count toward the position’s goal.
• Shared success: Contributes to the Philanthropy team’s goals and key performance indicators.

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES: Fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship 100%

Manages a portfolio of donors and prospects using a moves management approach. Engagement includes in-person and virtual visits, phone and email outreach, events, and hosted visits to American Prairie properties, all aimed at deepening donors’ connection to the mission and their philanthropic support.

• Leads discovery outreach to qualify new prospects and advance them toward cultivation and solicitation, with a focus on building a strong, sustainable pipeline.
• Prepares and presents gift proposals, partnering with senior philanthropy staff and leadership on larger or more complex asks.
• Develops a strong working knowledge of American Prairie’s programs and initiatives, including the Forever Wild campaign, and shares regular updates with portfolio donors.
• Works with the Philanthropy Operations and Marketing teams to identify prospects using volunteer networks, Salesforce, wealth screening tools, and additional research.
• Keeps donor records in Salesforce accurate and current, including meeting dossiers, contact reports, solicitation plans, and activity tracking.
• Partners with volunteer hosts, including the Forever Wild campaign committee, to organize local and regional “friendraising” events that introduce American Prairie to new prospective donors.
• Works closely with the Marketing team to inform organizational communications and collateral, and to keep messaging aligned with philanthropy priorities.

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm for and positive representation of American Prairie’s mission, values, goals, and culture.
• At least 3 years of directly related philanthropy experience, including personal solicitation of major gifts.
• A record of securing gifts at the $25,000-$100,000 level, and a desire to grow toward larger, more complex asks.
• Strong discovery and cultivation skills, including the ability to qualify prospects and move relationships forward.
• Solid understanding of moves management, philanthropy ethics, and donor-centered fundraising practices.
• Collaborative team member who works well with volunteers, colleagues, and leadership.
• Clear, confident communicator in writing and in person, with a proactive approach to building relationships.
• Organized, motivated self-starter who manages competing priorities with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experience with Salesforce or a comparable CRM preferred

Ability to work non-traditional and long hours. If based outside of Mountain Time, core hours of 10 a.m. -to 2 p.m. MT is expected. The schedule outside core hours flexes to donors’ and employee time zone, with occasional evening and weekend commitments for donor meetings and events.

Significant travel is required, roughly 15-25% of the time (about 40-70 days a year), with trips usually lasting 2-3 days. Travel peaks in spring (April through June) and late summer through fall (August through November), when it may reach up to two weeks a month. Expect more travel during the onboarding period while you build relationships and get to know the landscape and team.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive as part of work travel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience working within a comprehensive fund development program.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge, understanding, and familiarity with conservation-focused missions or organizations.