Philanthropy Officer

Company Description McKenzie River Trust is an accredited, non-profit land trust that protects over 11,000 acres of land in western Oregon, including forests, rivers, wetlands, and coastlines that support clean water, fish, wildlife, and for public benefit. We partner with public and private landowners to conserve land through fee-title acquisitions and conservation easements, protecting cherished lands and water for future generations.

Our vision: Clean, free-flowing rivers. Plentiful salmon runs. Vibrant farms and forests that provide livelihoods and habitat. From the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, we envision a future in which conservation lands are at the core of community efforts to sustain clean water, abundant fish and wildlife, and diverse natural resource economies in western Oregon. 

Role Description McKenzie River Trust is seeking a relationship-driven fundraiser to serve as Philanthropy Officer and play a key role in expanding and deepening philanthropic support for land conservation across western Oregon. Reporting to the Philanthropy Advisor, this position is responsible for managing and advancing a portfolio of individual donors and prospects through personalized, strategic engagement.

The Philanthropy Officer will focus on building strong, long-term relationships with individual donors as well as foundation and corporate partners, guiding them through the full fundraising cycle. This role is hands-on and externally focused, with clear responsibility for advancing giving conversations and generating philanthropic revenue to support McKenzie River Trust’s mission.

The ideal candidate is an organized, proactive fundraiser who enjoys relationship building, communicating impact, and working toward clear fundraising goals. They will thrive in a collaborative environment and play a key role in strengthening McKenzie River Trust’s philanthropy pipeline during a period of organizational growth. 

Requirements, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated success building and managing relationships with individual donors and prospects.
• Working knowledge of Salesforce or other CRM and data-informed fundraising practices.
• Proven ability to guide donors through the full fundraising cycle.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and connect donors to conservation impact.
• Strong time and project management skills.
• Ability to develop and execute individualized donor engagement strategies.
• Experience conducting donor meetings, site visits, and in-person engagement activities.
• Comfort working collaboratively with senior leadership and board members on donor engagement.
• Organized, detail-oriented approach to managing multiple donor relationships and priorities.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across an organization.
• Familiarity with conservation, land trusts, environmental nonprofits, and/or mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Comfort working outdoors and giving tours of conservation properties with donors/supporters at all ability levels.
• Certified in CPR and First Aid, or willingness to receive certification.
• Knowledge in land protection, stewardship, and restoration principles or willingness to learn from other MRT staff.
• A valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preference of 3 years of professional experience in philanthropy, development, fundraising, or related field
• Demonstrated success generating philanthropic revenue for an organization
• Willingness and ability to travel within western Oregon for donor meetings, tours, site visits, and events
• Commitment to McKenzie River Trust’s mission and values

To Apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/g28V_gjt