Gifts Officer

Pacific Forest Trust (PFT) delivers landscape-scale private forest conservation in the West and develops innovative incentives for private forest conservation at the national level. We do so in ways that reward private landowners for managing for public benefits, i.e., clean water, a healthy climate, and habitat for abundant native wildlife. Our work sustains rural communities and restores resilient forest landscapes across ownership boundaries. PFT is recognized nationally as a leader in developing new payment systems for ecosystems services, from climate to carbon, working forest conservation easements, watershed and habitat services, and sustainable, renewable biomass energy. PFT has led the conservation of over 360,000 acres of forestland and stewards conservation easements on over 130,000 acres. PFT also owns 2,300 acres and manages 15,000 acres for sustained forest, timber, water, and habitat values. Our projects are outstanding not only for their scale but for their landscape impacts and high standards for delivering multiple public benefits. PFT is thrice accredited by the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission. Learn more at PacificForest.org.

About this Opportunity

Pacific Forest Trust’s Development Team is looking to add a new member who will share a passion for our work and commitment to sustaining and increasing individual giving at all levels. If you are looking to be part of a team of professionals who enjoy their work, are dedicated, and desire to work in a supportive environment, then we may be a good fit for you.

Reporting primarily to the Director of Development and ultimately in support of PFT’s Strategic Directions for growth and impact, the Gifts Officer is responsible for the cultivation and stewardship of existing donors and the identification, cultivation and retention of new donors. This role involves building, supporting, and maintaining relationships with individuals to secure substantial financial contributions. The ideal candidate must demonstrate outstanding professionalism, discretion, self-motivation, strategic thinking, organization, attention to detail, good judgment, creativity, and excellent written and oral communication skills. Listening and people skills are essential for success in this role.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead in stewardship of PFT’s donors, providing regular cultivation for each level of donor in consultation with the Director of Development/President. This includes regular updates and progress reports to major donors, demonstrating the impact of their contributions and the organization’s effective use of funds.
• Recommend and help implement strategies to enhance and grow existing donors’ levels of giving.
• Inform and educate donors about various gift offerings that will address their philanthropic and financial goals while providing support for PFT.
• Maintain accurate donor information in the PFT database: contacts, gifts; interests and other key information.
• Obtain donor testimonials for use in direct mail, PFT web pages, and other marketing materials.
• Create/write compelling fundraising proposals and presentations tailored to individual donors, highlighting the alignment between their philanthropic goals and PFT’s mission.
• Research & evaluate individual donors’ financial capabilities.
• Help identify, recruit, and grow new supporters for PFT with a focus on adding members at PFT’s major giving level.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of federal and state tax and legal issues related to charitable giving, especially planned giving approaches.
• Support and participate in face-to-face meetings with existing PFT donors to solicit and steward their support.
• Collaborate with the President and Director of Development to analyze demographic and other data, identifying the most appropriate prospects within the donor base and community for major and planned gifts.
• Maintain a deep understanding of PFT programs and activities. Support and attend PFT donor cultivation and other events.
• Fulfill any other duties and responsibilities, as assigned by the Director of Development.

Reports to

The Gifts Officer reports to the Director of Development and works collaboratively with the Development and Communications Team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience.
• Proven track record of successfully soliciting and securing gifts from individuals; experience with planned giving or foundations a plus.
• Strong oral and written communication as well as listening skills. Must be a self-starter, demonstrating strong initiative and strong capacity to manage time and competing priorities; able to meet timelines/deadlines.
• Strong persuasive writing and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate the organization’s mission and impact effectively.
• Strong initiative, perseverance, and resilience.
• Personable and flexible.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in handling sensitive donor information.
• Comfortable and effective working in a small, busy organization, and being a team player supporting others within the team.
• Committed to PFT’s mission.

Location: San Francisco main office preferred, though candidates will also be considered for our Portland office. Some travel is required primarily within California and Oregon.

Benefits and Compensation

• This is a full-time position offering a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Salary: 75,000 – 95,000. Salary is determined by a number of factors including education, experience, skills, training, and location.
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off (vacation, holidays and other)
• Retirement plan

To Apply

Submit resume and cover letter to [email protected] and indicate “Gifts Officer” in the subject line.