Application Guide

How to Apply for Major Gifts Officer

at Rails to Trails Conservancy

🏢 About Rails to Trails Conservancy

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation’s largest trails organization, with a grassroots community of over 1 million supporters dedicated to building a nation connected by trails. Founded in 1986, RTC reimagines public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike, and be active outdoors, promoting healthier, greener living. Working here means joining a passionate team that transforms unused rail corridors into vibrant trails, making a tangible impact on communities nationwide.

About This Role

As a Major Gifts Officer, you will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, foundation, and corporate donors capable of giving $10,000 or more. You will manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, working closely with senior leadership and program staff to significantly increase major gift revenue. This role is pivotal in expanding RTC’s national philanthropic support and deepening engagement with philanthropists passionate about trails, active transportation, outdoor recreation, public health, and climate resilience.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching prospective donors, preparing personalized cultivation materials, and scheduling meetings with high-net-worth individuals or foundation representatives. You could also collaborate with program staff to gather impact stories, update the donor database, and strategize with the development team on upcoming solicitations. Occasionally, you might travel to meet donors in person or attend RTC events to deepen relationships.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Rails to Trails Conservancy Is Looking For

  • Proven track record in major gifts fundraising, with experience securing gifts of $10,000+ from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
  • Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to engage and inspire high-net-worth donors, foundation leaders, and corporate partners.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for a portfolio of donors.
  • Passion for RTC’s mission and comfort working remotely while collaborating with a national team and traveling to meet donors as needed.

📝 Tips for Applying to Rails to Trails Conservancy

1

Highlight specific examples of major gifts you have personally secured, including the gift amount, donor type, and your role in the process.

2

Demonstrate your ability to build and manage a portfolio by describing how you’ve identified, cultivated, and stewarded donors over time.

3

Show your passion for trails, active transportation, or outdoor recreation by connecting your personal interests to RTC’s mission in your cover letter.

4

Research RTC’s current campaigns and strategic initiatives, and mention how you would engage donors around these priorities.

5

Emphasize your experience working remotely and collaborating with colleagues across geographies, as this role is remote and national in scope.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience securing major gifts of $10,000+ and your ability to manage a donor portfolio from identification through stewardship.', 'Your understanding of and passion for RTC’s mission, including how trails connect to public health, climate, and community vibrancy.', 'Your strategic approach to donor cultivation, including how you personalize engagement and align donor interests with organizational priorities.', 'Your ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and program staff to leverage their expertise in donor conversations.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore RTC’s website, especially their mission, history, and current strategic initiatives like the Great American Rail-Trail.
  • → Review RTC’s annual reports and financial statements to understand their funding sources and recent major gifts.
  • → Research key staff members, especially those in leadership and development, to understand their backgrounds and priorities.
  • → Look into RTC’s recent news and press releases to stay updated on campaigns, partnerships, and impact stories you can reference.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you identify and qualify new major gift prospects for RTC, especially those with an interest in trails, active transportation, or conservation?
2 Describe a time you successfully solicited a six-figure gift. What was your strategy, and how did you steward the donor afterward?
3 How would you engage RTC’s senior leadership and program staff in major gift conversations to strengthen donor relationships?
4 What metrics or methods do you use to track and manage a major gifts portfolio to ensure you meet revenue goals?
5 Why are you passionate about RTC’s mission, and how would you convey that passion to potential donors?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on fundraising mechanics without demonstrating genuine passion for RTC’s mission and the impact of trails.
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of major gifts secured, including specific amounts and donor types.
  • Neglecting to show how you would collaborate with internal stakeholders, such as program staff and senior leadership, in donor cultivation.

📅 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 Rails to Trails Conservancy!

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