Title

Director of Philanthropy & Major Gifts.

About Ecology Project International

EPI is an international non-profit organization dedicated to addressing critical conservation issues through field-based partnerships between local experts and high school students. We engage adolescent youth from local communities and youth and teachers from around the world in applied hands-on science and conservation as they learn about and help protect threatened species and habitats. Through EPI’s programs in five countries throughout the U.S. and Latin America, participants are inspired and empowered to engage in conservation efforts at home and worldwide to become the next generation of conservation leaders. More information can be found at www.ecologyproject.org

Job summary

The Director of Philanthropy & Major Gifts will serve as the architect and leader responsible for EPI’s philanthropy program, with a primary emphasis on building and growing major and transformational gifts. This role will be the driving force behind cultivating long-term, high-impact relationships with individuals, families, corporations, and institutional partners who share EPI’s vision of empowering youth in conservation. While the Director will supervise the grants strategy, small individual donations, events, and corporate partnerships, the clear strategic priority of the position is the design and expansion of EPI’s major gifts pipeline ($10K–$1M+) and securing multi-year, transformational commitments. The Director provides vision and leadership, while the Development Manager and team manage day-to-day execution.

Key responsibilities and duties

Major Gifts Strategy & Leadership

Serve as the chief strategist for major and transformational gifts, positioning this program as the cornerstone of EPI’s diversified fundraising model.
Design and oversee a major gifts program ($10K–$1M+) aligned with EPI’s strategic priorities.
Build and manage a donor pipeline across the EPI community, including alumni, parents, eco-tourists, foundations, volunteers, and corporate partners.
Partner with the ED and Board to prepare and implement individual strategies for transformational gifts.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

Manage a personal portfolio of 30-50 major donors/prospects.
Develop and implement a prospect strategy with a particular focus on developing alumni, parents, and eco-tourist engagement into long-term supporters.
Ensure consistent, high-quality stewardship practices across all donor segments.
Launch and grow a planned giving/legacy program to strengthen long-term sustainability.

Corporate & Institutional Partnerships

Provide leadership for corporate fundraising efforts, focusing on CSR programs, zoos, aquariums, resorts, and conservation-oriented businesses.
Align corporate support with tangible conservation projects (e.g., Pacuare Reserve initiatives, Moody Gardens partnerships).

Grants, Small Donors & Events

Supervise the Development Manager, ensuring grants, small donor fundraising, and events are executed effectively.
Provide strategic guidance so these efforts complement and support the major gifts program.
Ensure integration of all fundraising channels into a cohesive donor experience.

Fundraising Leadership & Collaboration

Support Board and leadership staff in philanthropic engagement and major donor cultivation.
Collaborate with communications and program teams to develop high-impact donor materials and engagement experiences.
Foster a culture of philanthropy across EPI by mentoring staff, aligning programs with fundraising goals, and donor cultivation practices. Use data from EPI systems and analytics to inform strategy, forecast results, and evaluate progress.

Required qualifications and skills

5+ years in nonprofit fundraising with a strong track record in growing major and transformational gifts programs.
Demonstrated success in soliciting and closing six- and seven-figure commitments.
Experience leading grants strategy, small donations, events, and corporate sponsorship programs.
Strong knowledge of U.S. philanthropic trends and best practices. International fundraising knowledge and experience are assets.
Experience in supervisory roles with demonstrated ability to provide strategic oversight.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and dynamic environment.
Commitment to EPI's mission and values.

Competencies

Excellent communication, relationship-building, and storytelling skills.
Comfort working in a multi-country, conservation-focused nonprofit context.

Performance Indicators

Growth in number and value of major donors ($10K+).
Increase in multi-year commitments and transformational gifts.
Expanded corporate sponsorship portfolio (hospitality, conservation sectors).
Strong donor retention and stewardship satisfaction.
Successful supervision of the Development Manager and alignment of operational fundraising efforts with strategic goals.
Contribution to EPI’s diversified revenue goals for 2026–2030.

Reports to

The Director of Philanthropy & Major Gifts reports to the Executive Director.

Direct reports

The Director of Philanthropy & Major Gifts oversees three direct reports: the Development Manager, the Development Officer, and the Impact Giving Specialist.

Schedule & Location

The Director of Philanthropy & Major Gifts is a full-time role requiring 40 hours weekly, typically Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Travel is expected to program sites in Missoula, Montana, USA; La Paz, Baja California, Mexico; and San José, Costa Rica. The position also involves fundraising trips to the east and west coasts. If the candidate does not reside in Missoula, they should be willing to travel there at least once a year for 2 or 3 weeks. Employment is contingent upon verification of the candidate’s legal authorization to work in the USA.

Compensation

Local market-based starting salary range according to working location and DOE: USD $78,018.27 – 78,969.73. Additionally, this position is eligible for a generous benefits package that includes 32 days of paid time off, health insurance, a retirement plan, and funds for professional development.

EPI is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. All qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of these factors. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

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Director of Philanthropy & Major Gifts.