Logo
Earthjustice

Principal Gifts Officer I

Earthjustice, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022

Save Job

Description Earthjustice is the nation’s leading environmental law organization. We wield the power of law and the strength of partnership to protect people’s health, preserve magnificent places and wildlife, advance clean energy, and combat climate change. We are here because the Earth needs a good lawyer.

Role Overview The Principal Gifts Officer I (PGO) reports to the Director of Principal Gifts and is a member of the Principal Gifts team. The PGO manages a portfolio of 25–30 (Ultra) High Net Worth donors and prospects capable of outright commitments of $5M+ or annual commitments of $1M+ and is responsible for achieving a minimum fundraising target of $3 million per year.

What You’ll Do

Manage an active portfolio of 20–25 principal gift donors and advisors; build relationships through personal visits, phone calls, written contact, events, and engagement with Earthjustice leadership.

Develop and implement strategies that lead to transformative gifts in support of annual revenue and multi‑year capital campaign targets.

Meet revenue, solicitation, visit, and outreach goals set in the annual work plan and regularly discuss progress with supervisors.

Build and manage a portfolio of 30–35 principal prospects for active engagement and contribution to annual fundraising targets.

Serve as a strategic partner to leadership and staff to identify and cultivate prospective principal donors.

Contribute to the creation of personalized funding collateral, budgets, and correspondence.

Collaborate with the Gift Planning team to develop complex non‑cash funding strategies for Ultra High Net Worth donors.

Promote an interdisciplinary culture of philanthropy and foster a respectful, productive work environment.

Pursue professional growth opportunities relevant to industry trends, program priorities, and organizational values.

Actively engage in professional development and contribute to a culture of learning by building skills and sharing knowledge.

What You’ll Bring

Eight+ years of demonstrated success in major gifts fundraising focusing on prospect identification, relationship building, and solicitation.

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with CRM databases.

Experience with current trends in major and principal gifts and gift planning.

Proven experience directly soliciting and closing seven‑figure gifts from individuals.

Proven experience in developing and implementing initiatives supporting multi‑million‑dollar capital campaigns and annual fundraising targets.

Ability to synthesize complex program information and translate it into a compelling case for external audiences.

Well‑developed written and oral communication, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Effectiveness in interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships with donors, volunteers, and staff.

Commitment to Earthjustice’s values of Justice, Excellence, Inclusion, and Partnership.

Physical Requirements

Sit for extended periods with occasional standing and walking.

Type, file, and/or handle office equipment.

Lift and carry materials.

Read documents, conduct computer work, and review documents.

Conduct consultations, meetings, and have telephone communications.

Salary & Benefits We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits in a casual and congenial work environment.

Salary ranges (based on location):

New York, NY: $177,800 – $197,500.

Washington, D.C.: $168,900 – $187,700.

Remote: $151,100 – $197,500 (specific location dependent).

To Apply Submit a resume and cover letter via Jobvite. Applications submitted by

January 5, 2026

will be given priority; after the priority deadline, applications may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the role is filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Information about our hiring process and tips for success can be found at

https://earthjustice.org/about/jobs/hiring-process . If you are having technical difficulties submitting your application, reach out to

[email protected] .

Please Note The statements herein describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for personnel so classified.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other factor that is not related to the position.

#J-18808-Ljbffr