Senior Development Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and has since become one of the world's leading conservation organizations. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries, collaborating with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and promote sustainable solutions. The organization is grounded in scientific research and driven by collaborative efforts to conserve biodiversity, support resilient communities, and address climate change. WWF boasts nearly 1 million members in the United States and over 5 million globally, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The Senior Development Officer at WWF will play a crucial role in managing a portfolio of individual and family donor relationships, focusing on securing significant philanthropic support for WWF-US’s strategic priorities. This position emphasizes a relationship-based approach to donor engagement, which includes cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors to contribute to sustained revenue growth and long-term donor engagement. The Development Officer will be responsible for developing and executing individualized donor strategies that align with WWF’s fundraising priorities, ensuring that the organization meets its financial and engagement goals. Performance metrics will include achieving a rolling average of $1M–$2M in new and renewed philanthropic revenue, maintaining meaningful interactions with donors, submitting tailored proposals, and building a robust pipeline of major gift opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Senior Development Officer include managing a portfolio of approximately 75–100 individual and family donor relationships, prioritizing those with the capacity and inclination to give at the $100K+ level. The officer will develop and implement donor engagement strategies, achieve financial goals by securing and growing gifts, maintain an average of 8-10 meaningful interactions per year with each assigned donor, and submit at least 12–18 tailored proposals annually. Additionally, the officer will ensure effective stewardship and documentation of donor engagement in the CRM, collaborate with colleagues across Development and program teams, support programmatic alignment with donor interests, and contribute to team goals and culture through active participation in strategy discussions and collaborative fundraising efforts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Senior Development Officer position should possess a Bachelor's degree and have at least 6 years of experience in major gifts fundraising or a closely related relationship management process. They should demonstrate knowledge of the principles and best practices of non-profit major gifts development, possess strong customer service and sales skills, and have a passion for WWF’s mission along with knowledge of conservation issues. The ideal candidate will be flexible, responsible, and able to balance multiple activities while working effectively as part of a team. Strong written and verbal communication skills, self-motivation, and the ability to thrive in a consensus-building culture are essential. Candidates should also exhibit intellectual curiosity and a sense of humor, along with proven project management skills and the ability to meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree is required for the Senior Development Officer position, with a focus on fields related to fundraising, communications, or a similar area that supports the skills necessary for major gifts fundraising. Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant fields may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of experience in major gifts fundraising or a closely related field. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing donor relationships and securing significant philanthropic contributions, particularly at the $100K+ level. Experience in developing and executing donor engagement strategies and familiarity with CRM systems for donor management are also important.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with donors and internal teams. Additional language skills may be considered beneficial, particularly if they align with WWF’s global initiatives and donor base.

Additional Notes:
The preferred location for this position is Washington DC, but candidates based in the NYC metro area will also be considered. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., as this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Relocation assistance is not provided. The World Wildlife Fund promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.