Job Title: Associate Advancement Director - West

Department: Office of Advancement

Location:Hybrid. Candidates must be located in the San Francisco, CA area. Up to 2-3 days per week in person at our offices in Oakland, CA. 

Reports To: Sr. Managing Director, Major Gifts

Context: At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of togetherness. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel inequity, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our democracy. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it.

Sierra Club is comprised of staff across the country and a network of local chapters that support our grassroots engagement. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with two labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope: This is an opportunity to join the Advancement team of the country’s leading grassroots environmental organization. At a critical time for the planet, Sierra Club is running highly effective campaigns to address climate change, protect wilderness and wildlife, and advance healthier communities by rooting that work in justice and equity for all. 

We are seeking an Associate Advancement Director responsible for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting gifts of $25,000 and greater. In this position, you will be part of a dynamic team of gift officers raising upwards of $65 million dollars for our high-impact campaigns from individual donors, family foundations, and institutional funders within the defined geographic region. The Associate Advancement Director, West, will manage accounts throughout the region via engagement and stewardship. 

Valid driver’s license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required. 30-40% of travel is encouraged when safe and strategic.

Job activities include but are not limited to:

1. Donor Portfolio Management
2. Communicate with supporters and prospects through in person and virtual meetings. 30-40% travel is expected. 
3. Engage with supporters and prospects through phone, video conference, digital engagements, and writing based on a clear strategy for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 

1. Relationship Management
2. Serve as the primary relationship manager for this portfolio of prospects, developing and implementing a clear written donor strategy leading to upgraded giving over time by connecting the donor’s philanthropic priorities with the organization's most critical programs and ambitions. Capture all interactions and relationships in the CRM record.

1. Collaboration
2. With the Sr. Managing Director, Major Gifts, create and manage organizational budget; track and report on progress to goal including gifts and pledges, as well as regional expenses.
3. Works closely with the research team, regional leadership and staff to identify prospects and develop strategies for the cultivation and solicitation of philanthropic support.
4. Coordinates major gift activities with the work of the regional field offices including Chapter staff, regional campaign and program staff, and Chapter leadership.

1. Strategic Planning & Execution
2. Drive the strategies and plan to identify, cultivate, upgrade and/or solicit retained and new donors, with an eye to building a strong pipeline of qualified major donors. Focus on discovery and cultivation and solicitation of high-net-worth individuals with the capacity to give $25,000 or greater. 
3. Works with other Advancement, Program & Chapter staff, as well as other Sierra Club staff, to help develop and implement Major Gift programs, initiatives, general events, and materials.
4. Support leadership’s engagement, as needed, to secure new, upgraded and renewed gifts.
5. Plans and leads donor events, where appropriate.

1. Knowledge Base
2. Maintains knowledge and expertise in environmental issues, the Sierra Club's priorities and concerns. Helps to identify and develop funding opportunities.

The successful candidate must have the following skills and experience:

1. Experience in development and major gift fundraising, including a strong background in the cultivation and solicitation of five-figure gifts to nonprofit organizations or similar equivalent experience.
2. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet deadlines and fundraising goals.
3. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
4. Proficiency with fundraising database and MS Office applications to build compelling marketing and communications pieces.
5. Committed to evolution. You are aware of your group identities and how they have shaped your life and experiences at work. You have an analysis of how racism and other forms of oppression in society impact relationships, systems, and culture. You bring experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues across group identities and position/role. 
6. Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

$88,000 - $92,700 a year

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $88,000 - $92,700 annually.

This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit and is subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between Sierra Club and Progressive Workers Union or Sierra Employee Alliance, depending on location.

This is a category 4, exempt, represented position.

Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization. Sierra Club employees are not eligible to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program.

Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club Human Resources in consultation with the employee’s manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition. The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.

To Apply

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

We are accepting applications until this position is filled. 

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.

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