Application Guide

How to Apply for Major Gift Officer

at Clean Air Task Force

🏢 About Clean Air Task Force

Clean Air Task Force is a unique climate-focused nonprofit driving rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies for a zero-emissions future. Unlike traditional environmental organizations, CATF takes a technology-agnostic, pragmatic approach to climate solutions, working across sectors like energy, transportation, and industry. Someone might want to work here to be at the forefront of climate innovation with an organization that combines scientific rigor with real-world impact.

About This Role

As a Major Gift Officer at Clean Air Task Force, you'll be responsible for cultivating and securing significant philanthropic contributions (typically $10,000+) from individual donors to fund critical climate technology initiatives. This role is impactful because you'll directly enable CATF's work on breakthrough technologies like carbon capture, advanced nuclear, and clean fuels that could transform our energy systems. You'll build relationships with high-net-worth individuals passionate about climate solutions and translate CATF's technical work into compelling funding opportunities.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with potential major donors to discuss specific CATF technology initiatives, collaborating with program staff to understand latest developments for donor updates, and strategizing cultivation plans for high-capacity prospects. You'd spend significant time researching donor interests, preparing tailored proposals, and documenting interactions in the CRM while working remotely with team members across different US time zones.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Clean Air Task Force Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of major gifts experience in climate, energy, or environmental philanthropy (not just general nonprofit fundraising)
  • Demonstrates ability to explain complex climate technologies to non-technical donors and connect them to funding opportunities
  • Has experience building relationships with high-net-worth individuals in climate tech, clean energy, or impact investing circles
  • Can work independently in a remote setting while collaborating with technical staff across time zones

📝 Tips for Applying to Clean Air Task Force

1

Highlight specific experience with climate/energy donors - quantify your success with major gifts in this sector

2

Demonstrate understanding of CATF's technology-agnostic approach by mentioning multiple technology areas they work on (not just one)

3

Show how you've translated technical information into donor-friendly language in past roles

4

Include examples of remote relationship-building and stewardship with major donors

5

Reference specific CATF initiatives or reports you've reviewed to show genuine interest

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience with climate/energy philanthropy specifically (not just general nonprofit fundraising)', "How you've successfully explained complex technical concepts to donors in past roles", 'Your strategy for identifying and cultivating major donors interested in technology-based climate solutions', "Why CATF's pragmatic, technology-focused approach resonates with you personally"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → CATF's specific technology portfolios (carbon capture, advanced nuclear, superhot rock geothermal, clean fuels)
  • → Their recent major reports like 'The Case for Carbon Capture' or work on methane emissions
  • → Their funding partners and existing donor base from their annual reports
  • → Their unique position in the climate space compared to other organizations

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach cultivating a donor interested in carbon capture versus one interested in advanced nuclear?
2 Describe a time you had to explain a complex technical concept to a major donor - what was your approach?
3 How do you stay current on climate technology developments to be credible with donors?
4 What metrics would you track to measure success in this remote major gifts role?
5 How would you collaborate with CATF's technical staff who are focused on research rather than fundraising?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic fundraising experience without climate/energy sector specificity
  • Focusing only on one technology area when CATF works across multiple solutions
  • Not demonstrating understanding of major gift cultivation cycles in a remote setting
  • Using overly emotional environmental messaging rather than pragmatic, solution-focused language

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Clean Air Task Force!

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