Location: Hybrid; based in West Concord, MA with regional travel Position Type: Full-time, Exempt Reports to: Director of Communications and Development Salary Range: Starting at $65,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience, with performance-based annual bonus potential up to $50,000

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

OARS 3 Rivers is the watershed organization for the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers (SuAsCo), working to protect, improve, and preserve these rivers and their watershed for all people and wildlife. Our vision is a watershed with resilient streams and rivers that provide healthy wildlife habitat, clean water, natural beauty, education, and recreational opportunities for all. We are a science-based, inclusive, and innovative nonprofit that combines advocacy, education, ecological restoration, and community engagement to achieve this vision. As a growing force for environmental change, OARS is leading the charge toward a healthier, more connected watershed in the face of climate change and regional development.

JOB OVERVIEW

OARS 3 Rivers seeks a proactive, results-driven Major Donor Officer to join our growing team. Reporting to the Director of Communications and Development (DCD), the Major Donor Officer will lead efforts to cultivate and secure major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations with the capacity to make four-, five-, and six-figure contributions. This is a pivotal moment for OARS: recent growth in visibility, programming, and grant funding has positioned the organization for an ambitious leap in philanthropic support, with annual fundraising needs expected to double from $750,000 in 2025 to $1.5 million by 2027. The Major Donor Officer will play a central role in making this growth possible, managing a robust donor portfolio, developing strategies for individual and foundational giving, and helping drive our mission forward. This is a hybrid position, with staff typically working 2–4 days per week from our West Concord, MA office. The role requires frequent in-person donor meetings across the SuAsCo watershed and Greater Boston area, as well as occasional evening and weekend commitments for events and cultivation opportunities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Gifts Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Partner with the DCD to design and implement an individual giving strategy aligned with OARS’ strategic growth goals.
• Develop and maintain a dynamic portfolio of 100–150 current and prospective donors with giving capacity at the four-, five-, and six-figure levels.
• Build, assess, and refine the portfolio in coordination with the DCD to ensure optimal donor engagement and revenue outcomes.
• Establish and meet annual revenue goals for each donor and for the major gifts program overall.
• Design and implement a robust moves management plan for cultivating and soliciting major gifts.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Conduct 10–12 donor meetings monthly, primarily in-person, to build relationships and solicit gifts.
• Prepare personalized proposals, presentations, correspondence, gift agreements, and stewardship communications.
• Support the donor engagement efforts of the Executive Director and Board members through briefings, meeting coordination, and follow-ups.
• Manage peer-to-peer fundraising and donor engagement activities in collaboration with DCD.
• Cultivate and secure planned gifts as appropriate.

Development Operations & Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Accurately record all donor interactions and plans in OARS’ CRM system (Bloomerang).
• Analyze donor data and generate reports to track progress toward goals.
• Collaborate with other departments (Ecological Restoration, Education, Water Quality, Community Engagement) to align funding priorities and messaging.
• Contribute to a collaborative team culture in a small office where flexibility, initiative, and teamwork are essential.
• Attend staff and committee meetings and perform additional duties as assigned.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Skills & Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of successful frontline fundraising experience with major donors in a nonprofit with a $1M+ budget.
• Proven track record securing five- and six-figure gifts from individuals and foundations.
• Strong storytelling, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Experience creating compelling proposals and presentations.
• Ability to maintain high standards of integrity, discretion, and professionalism in donor relationships.
• Proficient in donor CRM systems (Bloomerang experience preferred), Microsoft Office Suite, and virtual collaboration tools.
• Understanding of and enthusiasm for OARS’ mission and programs.

Personal Attributes

• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with a goal-oriented mindset.
• Flexible, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Comfortable with regional travel (up to 75%) and evening/weekend events.
• Familiarity with the Greater Boston philanthropic community a plus.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary range starting at $65,000–$75,000, based on experience.
• Annual performance bonus up to $50,000 based on fundraising goals achieved beyond baseline.
• Benefits include flexible hybrid work schedule, generous paid time off, professional development support, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of the region’s rivers and communities.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

OARS does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We recognize that individuals from underrepresented groups may not meet every listed qualification, and we strongly encourage you to apply if you believe you have the potential to succeed in this role and contribute meaningfully to our mission. Your perspective and lived experience are valuable to us.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your cover letter and resume to Matt Brown, Executive Director of OARS 3 Rivers, at: MBrown@oars3rivers.org

Application deadline: May 30, 2025 The Environmental SPO plays a key role in shaping the Trust’s environmental giving strategy in Arizona and Indiana and manages strategic giving programs in the White River and Verde River Watersheds. They serve as a member of the Trust’s grants team and work closely with potential applicants and grant recipients to identify high impact giving opportunities for the Trust. This SPO also serves as a representative of the Trust in Indiana and Arizona and participates in events to foster community and grantee relations. This SPO would be based in either Indianapolis or Phoenix, depending on the candidate’s preferred location, and reports to the vice president of programs.

Job Functions

Strategic Philanthropy

• Build and maintain trusting, transparent relationships with current and potential environmental partners in Indiana and Arizona.
• Serve as the Trust’s internal expert on environmental giving, environmental conservation best practices and local and regional environmental issues.
• Oversee environmental proposal reviews and present funding recommendations.
• Monitor and evaluate environmental grants and strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with grantees and community partners in Arizona and Indiana to collect and interpret local and national environmental and philanthropic trends to inform Trust giving.

Community Outreach

• Serve as a liaison and provide support to the nonprofit environmental community in Indiana and Arizona.
• Represent the Trust at grantee and community-related events.
• Participate regularly in community and professional organizations, seminars, forums, and meetings related to the Trust’s work and interests.
• Assist with communications promoting the mission and work of the Trust to the broader community.

Job Qualifications

• Has a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years relevant work experience.
• Has a professional background and/or volunteer experience in environmental conservation.
• Demonstrate experience and commitment to working with community partners to advance sound environmental conservation practices.
• Exhibit outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Research and digest community level data to effectively inform strategy.
• Work well in a team environment with shared roles and responsibilities.
• Relate to a diverse range of audiences in both the public and private sector.

Working Conditions

The Trust currently utilizes a hybrid schedule, working in the office at least three days a week and remotely for the rest. In-office time is used primarily for team meetings and formal and informal collaboration. When in the office, standing for short periods of time, minor lifting and walking are occasionally required. The position requires approximately 10% travel, which includes periodic trips to Arizona or Indiana (based on the incumbent’s primary location) and/or to professional conferences. The incumbent will be required to visit current and potential grantees in Indiana and Arizona.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated starting salary of at least $125,000. The ultimate salary will be determined based on the skills and experience of the candidate and the Trust’s equitable pay practices.

The Trust provides comprehensive health insurance plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer a robust retirement savings plan with automatic employer contributions, a generous match rate and access to free financial planning support.

About the Trust

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust seeks to help people in need, especially women, children and families; to protect animals and nature; and to enrich community life, primarily in Phoenix and Indianapolis. The Trust has awarded nearly $380 million in grants and student scholarships since its inception in 1997.

How to Apply

Join us in making a difference in environmental conservation. Apply now to become a key part of our team. Submit a resume and cover letter to hiring@ninapulliamtrust.org by Friday, May 30, 2025.