Senior Director of Major Gifts

Position Title:

Senior Director of Major Gifts

Position Location:

Remote and flexible within the U.S., near a major airport to support regular travel. Approximate

Start Date:

August 26, 2026 Who We Are

The Conservation Lands Foundation (CLF) is a national non‑profit organization headquartered in Durango, Colorado. CLF is a team of 25 with staff based in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, D.C. Established in 2007, CLF was founded on the belief that our public lands are best protected when a national network of local advocates is working to advance a shared conservation vision.

CLF works hand‑in‑hand with 90 grassroots groups—our Friends Grassroots Network—to protect the National Conservation Lands, our nation’s newest system of conserved lands and waters under the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) jurisdiction. These lands encompass 38 million acres and 8,700 miles of National Monuments and National Conservation Areas, Wilderness and Wilderness Study Areas, Wild and Scenic Rivers, and National Scenic and Historic Trails.

National Conservation Lands are primarily located across the Western United States and Alaska.

To harness the power of community‑led advocacy and the Friends Grassroots Network to protect, restore, and expand the National Conservation Lands managed by the BLM through education, advocacy, and partnerships.

Managed by the Chief Development Officer, the Senior Director of Major Gifts is a senior frontline fundraising role responsible for expanding CLF’s major gifts program and increasing overall fundraising capacity in support of the organization’s $8.5M budget. This role is focused on generating net‑new funding through the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of new donors and upgrades, as well as re‑engaging lapsed supporters.

While the Senior Director will manage a select portfolio of existing donors, success in this role will be defined by the strength of the pipeline built and the ability to drive sustained, multi‑year revenue growth. The ideal candidate brings both strategic thinking and strong tactical execution, is comfortable operating in an evolving environment where systems and processes continue to improve, and is energized by building relationships, developing funding pathways, and closing gifts.

This is a high‑impact opportunity to partner closely with leadership and play a central role in shaping the future of CLF’s major gifts program.

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit new individual donors and family foundations with the capacity to give $25K+ annually.
• Re‑engage lapsed and under‑developed donors and move them toward renewed investment and upgrades through personalized engagement plans.
• Develop and execute strategies that drive multi‑year commitments and increase giving.

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 50–75 donors and prospects, maintaining a focus on consistent and meaningful touchpoints.
• Cultivate and build strong, trust‑based relationships that deepen engagement and investment across the donor base.
• Partner closely with the CDO on top‑tier prospects and donors (100k +), providing the necessary research and coordination to facilitate high‑level solicitations.

• Contribute meaningfully to CLF’s major gifts revenue, building toward a portfolio generating $1.5M+ annually over time through disciplined stewardship and solicitation.
• Maintain clear next steps and consistent forward movement across the portfolio.
• Collaborate with the development team to ensure revenue targets are met.

• With support from the CDO and other members of the Development team, design and host small, targeted donor gatherings in key regions.
• Use in‑person engagement as a core strategy for prospect development and relationship growth.

• Partner with the CDO, Board, Emeritus Board, and Leadership Circle members to open new doors and drive new donor engagement.
• Translate programmatic priorities into clear and…