Application Guide

How to Apply for Major Gift Officer

at Clean Air Task Force

🏢 About Clean Air Task Force

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a highly respected nonprofit driving rapid global deployment of low-carbon technologies to combat climate change. With a focus on research, advocacy, and private sector partnerships, CATF offers a mission-driven environment where your work directly impacts zero-emissions future. Remote flexibility and a global team make it an attractive place for passionate professionals.

About This Role

As Major Gift Officer, you'll cultivate and steward major donors, building deep relationships to secure significant gifts for CATF's climate initiatives. This role is pivotal in funding research, advocacy, and technology deployment, directly accelerating the transition to a zero-emissions future. You'll work closely with the Director of Individual Giving to develop strategies that maximize donor engagement and impact.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the Director of Individual Giving to review portfolio progress, followed by researching and qualifying new major donor prospects. Afternoons could involve personalized outreach via video calls or emails to deepen relationships, and you might end the day by updating donor records in Salesforce and preparing a stewardship report for a recent $50k gift.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Clean Air Task Force Is Looking For

  • Proven track record in major gift fundraising, ideally in environmental or climate-focused nonprofits, with a portfolio of $25k+ gifts.
  • Excellent relationship-building skills, with ability to engage high-net-worth individuals and articulate complex climate solutions compellingly.
  • Strategic thinker who can develop and execute donor cultivation plans, leveraging data and moves management.
  • Comfortable working remotely with a distributed team, self-motivated, and adept at using CRM systems like Salesforce.

📝 Tips for Applying to Clean Air Task Force

1

Highlight specific major gift fundraising results (e.g., number of gifts closed, total raised, portfolio growth) in your resume.

2

Tailor your cover letter to CATF's mission, mentioning your passion for climate tech and low-carbon energy solutions.

3

Demonstrate knowledge of CATF's key focus areas: carbon capture, methane reduction, advanced nuclear, and zero-carbon fuels.

4

Prepare a sample donor stewardship plan or case for support to showcase your strategic thinking.

5

Use your network to find a connection to CATF for a referral or informational interview.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your alignment with CATF's mission to accelerate zero-emissions technologies and your personal commitment to climate action.", "Specific examples of major gift solicitations you've managed, including how you cultivated and closed gifts.", "Your understanding of CATF's unique approach: research-driven advocacy and private sector partnerships.", 'Your ability to work remotely and manage a donor portfolio independently while collaborating with a global team.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read CATF's latest reports on methane abatement, carbon capture, and advanced nuclear to understand their technical depth.
  • → Review their donor recognition programs and past major gift campaigns (e.g., annual reports, impact summaries).
  • → Explore CATF's blog and press releases to see how they communicate wins and challenges to supporters.
  • → Look into the backgrounds of current major gift officers and the Director of Individual Giving on LinkedIn.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach cultivating a major donor who has no prior relationship with CATF?
2 Describe a time you successfully moved a donor from a mid-level gift to a major gift. What strategies did you use?
3 How do you stay informed about climate technology trends to effectively communicate with donors?
4 Given CATF's remote structure, how do you plan to build relationships with donors and colleagues virtually?
5 What metrics do you use to track progress in a major gift portfolio, and how do you adjust your strategy based on data?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't send a generic cover letter; failure to mention CATF's specific focus areas suggests lack of genuine interest.
  • Avoid exaggerating fundraising numbers; be prepared to back up claims with concrete examples and metrics.
  • Don't neglect to discuss remote work experience; CATF is fully remote, so show you can thrive without in-person oversight.

📅 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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