Application Guide

How to Apply for Major Gift Officer

at Clean Air Task Force

🏢 About Clean Air Task Force

Clean Air Task Force is unique for its technology-agnostic approach to climate solutions, focusing on rapid deployment of low-carbon technologies rather than advocacy alone. Working here means contributing to tangible, scalable climate impact through innovative strategies that bridge policy, technology, and philanthropy.

About This Role

This Major Gift Officer role involves managing 100-150 high-capacity donors ($50,000+ annually) through personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies. It's impactful because securing six- and seven-figure gifts directly funds CATF's technology deployment initiatives, accelerating the transition to a zero-emissions future.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves strategizing donor outreach for 5-7 portfolio donors, drafting personalized proposals based on CATF's latest technology initiatives, documenting donor interactions in Salesforce, and collaborating with program experts to create compelling engagement opportunities. You might also prepare briefings for leadership donor meetings and analyze portfolio performance metrics.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Clean Air Task Force

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Clean Air Task Force Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of major gifts experience with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individual donors
  • Demonstrates expertise in Salesforce CRM for detailed donor tracking, moves management, and portfolio analytics
  • Possesses exceptional interpersonal skills to build authentic relationships with high-net-worth individuals passionate about climate technology solutions
  • Can translate complex climate technology concepts into compelling donor proposals and engagement opportunities

📝 Tips for Applying to Clean Air Task Force

1

Quantify your major gifts achievements specifically—mention portfolio size, average gift amounts, and total funds raised in previous roles

2

Highlight any experience with climate, energy, or technology philanthropy to show domain relevance

3

Demonstrate your Salesforce proficiency by mentioning specific features you've used for donor management (e.g., reports, dashboards, campaign tracking)

4

Research and reference specific CATF initiatives like their work on superhot rock geothermal or zero-carbon fuels in your materials

5

Show how you've personalized donor strategies—provide examples of tailored cultivation approaches for different donor types

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience managing portfolios of 100+ major donors and securing six-figure+ gifts', "How you've successfully translated technical program information into compelling donor proposals", 'Your approach to building long-term relationships with high-capacity donors through personalized stewardship', "Why CATF's technology-focused climate strategy resonates with your fundraising philosophy"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → CATF's specific technology programs (superhot rock geothermal, zero-carbon fuels, advanced nuclear)
  • → Their major donors and funding partners mentioned in annual reports or press releases
  • → Their unique 'technology-agnostic' approach versus other climate organizations
  • → Recent policy wins or technology deployments they've contributed to

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for moving a new prospect from identification to a six-figure gift
2 How would you explain CATF's work on carbon capture or advanced nuclear to a potential major donor?
3 Describe a time you had to collaborate with technical experts to develop a donor proposal
4 How do you use Salesforce to manage and analyze a portfolio of 150 donors?
5 What strategies would you use to engage donors who are passionate about technology solutions rather than traditional climate advocacy?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using generic fundraising language without specific examples of major gifts success
  • Focusing on advocacy or awareness fundraising rather than major gifts cultivation
  • Not demonstrating knowledge of CATF's specific technology focus areas
  • Failing to show how you'd manage a large portfolio systematically in Salesforce

📅 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!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →