Major Gifts Manager

Job Title:

Major Gifts Manager

Program: Development

Employment Type: Salary | Full-time

Reports to: Deputy Development Director

Direct Reports to this position: Development Associate

Salary Range: $76,000 - $85,000

Location: Tucson Preferred, Open to Remote for the Right Candidate

Is this position in the Bargaining Unit? No

The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization, believes the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence of a vast diversity of wild animals, plants and people. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction.

We do so through science, law, activism and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that humans, other species and all communities need to survive and thrive. We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive.

This position provides a unique opportunity for an energetic, experienced nonprofit professional with fundraising experience to join a successful development team in a supervisory role while advancing the Center’s mission to protect imperiled wildlife and wild places. The Major Gifts Manager plays an integral part in the major gifts program, collaborating with the Chief Development Officer and Deputy Development Director to develop and deliver high‑quality donor plans, experiences, and communications that inspire substantial giving.

• Develop, document, and track cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation plans for individual major donors, legacy donors, family foundations, and prospective donors.
• Organize and support major‑donor solicitation activities, including donor meetings, experiences, and proposals to help secure major gifts.
• Compile, draft, format, and distribute informational content that inspires donors to give.
• Collaborate with senior development leadership, grant writers, and the operations team to cultivate and solicit funds from major donors, foundation funders, and prospects before, during, and after events, webinars, and campaigns.
• Utilize Center research tools and entrepreneurial sourcing to produce concise, compelling proposals, talking points, and other communications that inspire giving.
• Provide high‑level stewardship support by drafting and sending personalized communications and reports.
• Respond promptly to breaking news to secure funding from major donors and foundations for urgent campaigns.
• Conduct donor prospect research, identify high‑impact prospects, and prepare dossiers to support MGOs prospecting.
• Assist the Chief Development Officer with planned gifts through research, meetings, and stewardship support for legacy gifts.
• Meet donors via phone, Zoom, or face‑to‑face to cultivate and secure major gifts.
• Send timely, thoughtful responses on behalf of leadership to donors’ questions and feedback.
• Oversee the quality of Development Associates’ communications for major donors.
• Support the major gifts team with a wide array of initiatives and activities as assigned.

• 5–7+ years of experience engaging donors or clients.
• Strong short‑form email writing; able to convey emotional intelligence, clarity, and accuracy.
• Proficient in drafting detailed, persuasive reports or proposals of varying length.
• Self‑confident, self‑motivated, accountable, with a strong drive to propel projects forward.
• Excellent relationship‑building skills; comfortable speaking directly with donors by phone or in person.
• Positive team player with willingness to support senior leadership while working independently.
• Experience in major‑donor moves management is preferred but not mandatory.
• Highly analytic, detail‑oriented, and organized; ensures high‑level accuracy in complex tasks.
• Markup/mandated expertise in donor relationship management databases.
• Proficiency with donor research and project‑management platforms.
• Strong affinity for the Center for Biological Diversity’s mission.

Must use standard office equipment (computer,…