Application Guide

How to Apply for Major Gift Officer

at Friends of the Earth

🏢 About Friends of the Earth

Friends of the Earth is a bold, progressive environmental organization that has been fighting for environmental justice and sustainable reforms for over 50 years. As part of a global federation in more than 70 countries, they tackle urgent issues at the nexus of environmental protection, economic policy, and social justice, unafraid to speak truth to power.

About This Role

As a Major Gift Officer, you'll be a frontline fundraiser responsible for building strong relationships with donors and strategically moving mid-level supporters into major gift giving. Your work directly fuels Friends of the Earth's campaigns and advocacy, ensuring they have the resources to continue their impactful environmental and social justice work.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with reviewing your donor portfolio and sending personalized emails or making calls to schedule virtual meetings with potential major donors. You'll spend time researching and qualifying mid-level donors, preparing tailored cultivation materials, and meeting with prospective donors via video calls to share the impact of their gifts. You'll also collaborate with the Membership and Development team to coordinate communication strategies and track your progress in the CRM.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Friends of the Earth Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in nonprofit fundraising, specifically in major gifts or donor relations, with a track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to build authentic relationships with diverse donors and articulate the organization's mission compellingly.
  • Strategic thinker who can identify, qualify, and cultivate potential major donors from a mid-level donor pool.
  • Passionate about environmental issues and social justice, with an understanding of the progressive advocacy landscape.
  • Self-motivated and organized, comfortable working remotely and managing a portfolio of donors independently.

📝 Tips for Applying to Friends of the Earth

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific fundraising metrics, such as dollars raised, number of major donors managed, or successful moves management.

2

In your cover letter, demonstrate your knowledge of Friends of the Earth's campaigns and recent victories, and connect them to your own passion for environmental justice.

3

Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience working remotely or your ability to be self-directed and proactive.

4

Research the organization's unique approach—they're not afraid to take controversial stances—and show you're comfortable with that.

5

If you have experience with donor database software (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge), mention it specifically, as it's often a key requirement.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your alignment with Friends of the Earth's mission and your understanding of their 'hard-hitting' approach to advocacy.", 'Your specific experience in major gift fundraising, with concrete examples of successfully cultivating and soliciting gifts.', 'Your ability to build meaningful relationships with donors and your strategy for moving mid-level donors to major giving.', 'Your excitement about working remotely and your ability to manage your own portfolio and goals independently.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Visit Friends of the Earth's website to learn about their current campaigns (e.g., climate, biodiversity, environmental justice) and recent successes.
  • → Read their annual report or financial statements to understand their funding sources and how major gifts contribute.
  • → Check out their newsroom and press releases to see how they position themselves in the media and what issues they're currently championing.
  • → Look up their leadership team and any recent statements from the Executive Director to get a sense of the organization's voice and priorities.
Visit Friends of the Earth's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience with major gift fundraising. What strategies have you used to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors?
2 How do you approach building relationships with donors who may be passionate about environmental issues but have varying political views?
3 This organization often takes progressive stances that can be controversial. How would you communicate our mission to donors who might disagree with some of our positions?
4 Given that this is a remote role, how do you plan to stay organized and motivated, and how would you maintain strong relationships with donors without in-person meetings?
5 Friends of the Earth is part of a global network. How would you leverage that international perspective in your donor communications?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus only on your general fundraising experience without connecting it to the mission and specific role of this organization.
  • Avoid using generic language about 'saving the planet' without showing you understand their unique, hard-hitting approach and their emphasis on social justice.
  • Don't overlook the remote aspect – be sure to address how you'll manage your time and build relationships without face-to-face interaction.

📅 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 Friends of the Earth!

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