Cincinnati Nature Center
Cincinnati Nature Center is seeking a dynamic, motivated Major Gift Officer to play a central role in the success of our $60
million From Great to Extraordinary campaign.
Cincinnati Nature Center (CNC) is entering a transformative moment. Through our $60 million From Great to Extraordinary
campaign, we are shaping the future of conservation, education, and community connection for decades to come. This is
more than a fundraiser’s job; this is a rare opportunity to partner in a generational vision.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a dynamic, motivated Major Gift Officer to join our development team and play a central role in the success
of this campaign. The right candidate is someone who:
– Doesn’t just meet expectations, they set them.
– Has proven (or potential) major-gift savvy, and wants to grow into something extraordinary.
– Thrives in a mission-driven, values-centered environment.
– Is strategic, resourceful, relationship-oriented — and energized by forging deep donor partnerships that stand the
test of time.
If you are ready to leverage your fundraising talents toward a cause that matters, and if you are seeking a role that’s more
than a job — this is the moment to join CNC.
Key Responsibilities
As Major Gift Officer, you will:
– Manage a focused portfolio (approximately 85 high-potential prospects), building and deepening relationships with
individuals capable of major and lead-level gifts.
– Own the full donor lifecycle for your portfolio: identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, closing, and high-touch
stewardship.
– Develop and execute personalized moves-management and donor-engagement strategies.
– Engage proactively as part of the greater development team, working with senior leadership, board members, and
volunteers, to coordinate major-gift activity and support campaign goals.
– Contribute to planned giving and legacy-giving initiatives (e.g., support for the legacy society).
– Represent CNC with professionalism, integrity, and passion in one-on-one donor meetings, site tours, stewardship
events, and at community and campaign functions.
– Act as a thoughtful ambassador for CNC’s mission, articulating the long-term transformational vision of our work,
and inspiring donors to invest in its future.
What We’re Looking For: Ideal Candidate Profile
You bring:
– Demonstrated ability (or strong potential) to cultivate and close major gifts; comfort working with high-net-worth
individuals or families.
– Strategic mindset: capacity to assess donor capacity, map moves-management plans, personalize donor
engagement, and steward relationships over time.
– Strong interpersonal skills: ability to build authentic relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, and leadership;
exceptional listening, communication, and emotional intelligence.
– Independence and initiative: you are self-driven, disciplined, creative, and thrive in a collaborative but agile
environment.
– Mission alignment: deep passion for conservation, environmental stewardship, and community impact.
– Flexibility and resilience: comfort with some ambiguity, shifting priorities, and the natural unpredictability of donor
relations and campaign work.
– Professional maturity: integrity, judgment, accountability — someone who treats donor relationships as long-term
partnerships, not transactions.
(While early- to mid-career applicants with demonstrated major-gift promise are welcome, we expect the selected candidate
to be ready to perform at a high level from day one.)
Why This Role Stands Out
– Campaign-level impact: You won’t be just another MGO; you’ll be a key contributor to a transformational $60 M
campaign that will shape CNC for decades.
– Meaningful mission & legacy: Work for an organization that creates real impact, for conservation, community,
nature, and future generations.
– Growth potential: As CNC evolves, there will be opportunities to grow in responsibility, leadership, and influence.
– Collaborative yet nimble team: Join a tight-knit, experienced development team that values autonomy, initiative,
and strategic thinking.
– Autonomy and support: While you’ll be part of a strong team and reporting structure, you’ll have the independence
and creative freedom to build donor relationships and strategies.
How to Apply
Please go to www.cincynature.org to submit a cover letter describing your interest in this moment at CNC, your fundraising
philosophy, and a resume highlighting relevant major-gift experience or potential. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling
basis; we encourage early submission.
About Cincinnati Nature Center
Cincinnati Nature Center, founded in 1965, is a nationally recognized leader in environmental education and conservation
with: 18,000+ member households, over 350,000 visitors per year, 120+ regular staff, 450+ dedicated volunteers, a $8M
operating budget, a strong endowment, and two properties in Clermont County east of Cincinnati totaling about 1,800 acres.
If you’re ready to be part of a team that’s all about fostering a love of nature, apply today and let’s get the next great
outdoor adventure started! The position is currently open and will be filled as soon as the right candidate is found.
Cincinnati Nature Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to fair employment practices including conducting business without discrimination based on race, color,
religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, and any other protected class.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Senior Major Gift Officer and as a member of the Development team, the full-time Major Gifts Officer is
responsible for maintaining and growing a solid base of individual donors. During the transformative $60 million From Great
to Extraordinary campaign, the Major Gift Officer (MGO) plays a crucial role in securing the philanthropic leadership
necessary to realize CNC’s long-term vision. This position is responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 85 high-potential
prospects. The MGO will deploy a strategic, full-lifecycle fundraising approach, from identification and qualification
through cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, including legacy and planned-giving engagement.
Direct reports: None
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
MAJOR GIFTS (80%)
– Manage a portfolio of 85+ individuals building and maintaining strong relationships leading to increased giving—reacquire
past donors and acquiring new donors
– Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, close and steward major gifts through direct personal contact and visits
– Execute moves management approach to your portfolio and develop custom strategies for each donor to generate new
and higher levels of giving, recording detailed relationship activities in CRM system (Altru)
– Offer tailored giving options that align with donor interests and financial goals
– Organize and support donor recognition events and legacy society gatherings.
– Coordinate an effective program for recognition, involvement, and stewardship of major and special gifts
– Meet annual goals for meaningful connections, solicitations, closed gifts, amount raised
– Work collaboratively with senior leadership, board members, and volunteer committees to align donor strategy with
campaign goals.
– Maintain meticulous donor records and engagement tracking in the CRM system.
– Partner with Senior Major Gift Officer, Director of Development, and campaign leadership to shape and refine major-gift
and legacy-giving strategies.
– Provide input on prospect research, wealth-capacity assessments, donor segmentation, and pipeline development.
– Participate in campaign planning, gift-pipeline forecasting, and periodic review of portfolio performance.
PLANNED GIVING (20%)
– Manage the legacy-giving program (e.g., Rowe Legacy Society), including planning and executing stewardship,
recognition, and donor cultivation specific to planned gifts.
– Engage with prospective legacy donors to discuss and cultivate planned gifts, such as estate gifts, bequests, donoradvised
funds, and other long-term giving vehicles.
– Work with leadership and legacy-giving committees to develop and implement a comprehensive legacy-giving strategy,
tailored to donor interests and the long-term needs of CNC.
– Create and maintain legacy-donor communication and stewardship plans to deepen donor commitment over time and
ensure appropriate recognition and engagement.
OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED
– Partner with Senior Major Gift Officer, Director of Development, and campaign leadership to shape and refine major-gift
and legacy-giving strategies.
– Provide input on prospect research, wealth-capacity assessments, donor segmentation, and pipeline development.
These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position.
This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned herein.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES
SKILLS
– Understanding of (or willingness to learn) planned and legacy giving vehicles, such as estate gifts, bequests, donor-advised
funds, etc.
– Proficient in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and other related software
– Experience with MS Office products required ,and experience with Blackbaud software a plus, willingness to learn other
software as needed
– Use of copy machines, postage machines, telephones, and other general office equipment
– Collaborative working style utilizing strong organizational and customer service skills
– Demonstrated and thorough knowledge of current development practices
– Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; high emotional intelligence; professionalism and excellent
judgment.
– Strategic thinker: capacity to assess donor capacity, craft moves-management strategies, and steward long-term donor
relationships.
– Self-driven, organized, and able to work autonomously while collaborating as part of a small and dynamic, mission-driven
team.
– Demonstrated experience or strong potential in major gift fundraising, with ability to manage a portfolio, build
relationships, and close gifts.
ABILITIES
– Be a passionate advocate for nature to articulate the mission of Cincinnati Nature Center
– Engage with high-net-worth individuals or families; ability to develop and articulate compelling, donor-centered
proposals.
– Communicate effectively and professionally, including oral, written, and listening methods
– Manage time and multiple priorities to meet deadlines
– Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts
– Exhibit good judgment, honesty, integrity, and responsibility
– Flexible and resilient working in a dynamic campaign environment, including willingness to participate in off-hours
events, donor meetings, tours, and stewardship activities.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
– High school diploma and commensurate experience or Bachelor’s degree preferred
– Prior major-gift or high-net-worth donor experience strongly preferred but not strictly required, ideal for early- to midcareer
fundraisers with demonstrated potential.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
– This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting,
reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual
acuity.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
– Combination of office-based work and occasional fieldwork: donor site visits and tours may involve walking on nature
trails and other field-related activities.
– Ability to engage in donor outreach and stewardship events, possibly outside typical office hours (evenings/weekends).
– Local, in-town travel required. Some travel to regional conferences may be required. When a Nature Center vehicle is
not available, the use of personal vehicle (reimbursed at IRS IRS-recommended rate) may be needed for Cincinnati Nature
Center business.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL POSITIONS
– Mission Support: Inspiring Conservation through personal experiences, education, and care for the land.
– Essential Qualities: Must enjoy nature, be energized by finding creative solutions, and possess a sense of humor,
creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
– Background Checks: Employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of BCI and FBI background
checks. Background checks are conducted in compliance with applicable federal and state law, under code 5104.013.
– CPR & First Aid: Certification must be obtained and maintained throughout employment.
– Professional Learning, Development, and Required Training: Employees shall engage in ongoing professional learning
and development as well as shall complete ongoing required training relevant to safety, certification, and best business
practices.
– Special Events: From time to time, employees shall be required to support special events which may fall outside of the
normal work schedule including weekends/evenings.
***
