Managing Director, Major Gifts, West

Job Title: Managing Director, Major Gifts, West

Department: Advancement

Location: Remote, with preference for those located near the Oakland, CA office. This position requires 30% - 40% of travel.

Reports To: Senior Managing Director, Major Gifts

Supervises: 3-6 Direct Reports

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future.

By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 700 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers.

We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: This is an opportunity to join the Advancement department of the country’s leading grassroots environmental organization. At a critical time for the planet, Sierra Club is running campaigns to address climate change, protect wilderness and wildlife, and advance healthier communities by rooting for justice and equity for all.

In this position, you will be part of a dynamic major gifts team raising upwards of $65 million dollars for our high‑impact campaigns from individual donors, family foundations, and institutional funders within the defined geographic region. This role is responsible for direct fundraising efforts of $25,000 or greater, as well as team management for the Western region Major Gifts staff.

This role coordinates with and involves Sierra Club Program staff, regional and chapter leaders, and activists in the major gift fundraising process, as well as other members of the Advancement department. Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required. 30‑40% of travel is encouraged when safe and strategic.

• Drive the strategies and plan to identify, cultivate, upgrade, and/or solicit retained and new donors, with an eye to building a strong pipeline of qualified major donors. Maintain an emphasis on high‑net‑worth individuals with the capacity to give $100,000 or greater. 30‑40% travel is expected.
• Serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of approximately 100 current and prospective supporters. Engage supporters through phone, video conference, in‑person meetings, and digital engagement. Connect supporters’ philanthropic priorities with the organization's most critical programs and ambitions.
• Manage and mentor a team of gift officers and associates.
• In partnership with Advancement Leadership, Major Gifts, and other colleagues, create annual fundraising goals and the strategy for achieving them.
• Ensure that each supporter and prospect has a clear strategy for cultivation and solicitation leading to upgraded giving over time. Track progress toward team and individual goals including interactions with an account, gifts, and pledges in the CRM (Salesforce).
• Works closely with the research team, local leadership, and other departmental staff to identify prospects and develop strategies for the cultivation and solicitation of philanthropic support.
• Designs and implements donor outreach efforts to diversify the major donor base.
• Works with other Advancement, Program & Communication staff, as well as Chapter staff and volunteer leadership, to help develop and implement Major Gift programs, events, communications, and materials.
• Support leadership engagement as needed to advance relationships and secure new and renewed support.
• Maintain knowledge and expertise in environmental issues,…