Careers at NCWF

Job Title: Major Gifts Associate
Salary: $50,000 to $60,000 per year based on experience and location
FLSA: Exempt
Location: Charlotte or Raleigh
Reports to: VP, Philanthropy and Communications

Position Overview

NCWF is seeking a Major Gifts Officer eager to learn and grow within the field of major gift fundraising. This role is ideal for someone with a marketing and communications background who is passionate about wildlife and excited to develop skills in relationship-based philanthropy. The Major Gifts Officer will engage donors through permission-based conversations, proactive outreach, and personal stewardship, ensuring a strong foundation for future major gifts.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Conduct cold calls and outreach to identify and qualify potential major donors.
• Meet with donors face-to-face at least 10 times per month to strengthen relationships.
• Steward donors through regular phone calls, emails, and invitations to special events.
• Assist in crafting donor engagement materials, impact reports, and proposals.
• Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, implementing tailored stewardship strategies.
• Help coordinate exclusive donor experiences, field visits, and events.
• Work closely with senior fundraising staff to learn best practices in major gifts fundraising.
• Maintain donor records and engagement activities in NCWF’s CRM system.

Qualifications

Experience

• Degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with donors.
• Willingness to conduct cold calls and proactive donor outreach.
• Interest in face-to-face donor engagement and stewardship.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and the outdoors.
• Highly organized, proactive, and eager to build relationships.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a growing team.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent listener with the ability to make meaningful conversation by asking engaging, permission-based questions.
• Good writing and storytelling skills
• Strategic thinking to align NCWF’s mission with funder priorities.
• Proficiency in leveraging AI tools for writing
• Proficiency in CRM systems. Experience with DonorPerfect a plus.
• Strong interpersonal skills to foster productive relationships with donors and volunteers

Education & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., nonprofit management, English, or marketing and communications).
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel statewide as needed.

Attributes

• Passion for conservation and commitment to NCWF’s vision and values.
• Creativity and adaptability to craft innovative giving opportunities.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical insurance
• Optional dental and vision insurance
• Employer-paid life and short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid 401k with employee investment option
• Employee-paid health and flexible spending accounts
• Paid vacation
• Paid maternity/paternity leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Flexible work schedule

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to NCWF VP of Philanthropy and Communications, Kate Greiner, at Kate@ncwf.org. LinkedIn Easy Apply will not be accepted. The position will remain open until filled. No phone calls. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

NCWF is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

COMPENSATION: Contract position with a competitive hourly rate
LOCATION: Greater Charlotte region
REPORTS TO: Great Outdoors University Director

Job Summary

Do you love and appreciate North Carolina’s wild lives, wild places and natural resources? Are you a leader or teacher who enjoys spending time with kids and jumps at the chance to spend time outdoors? Does helping connect kids with nature and outdoor adventures sound like fun to you? Then North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF) has the perfect opportunity for you to explore the natural world while inspiring future conservationists!

NCWF brings together citizens, outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and anglers, government, and industry to protect our state’s natural resources. Our work happens in the field, through conservation policy, educational engagement and outreach, youth outings, 1,500 volunteers, and collaboration with other conservation groups. 

Great Outdoors University (GoU) is a conservation-based experiential education program that brings outdoor adventures to kids ages 4-18 who have limited opportunities to explore and make discoveries about the natural world. We partner with youth organizations to provide day trips to parks, preserves, farms and other destinations within an hour’s drive of Charlotte. Excursions include fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, gardening, bird watching, archery, scavenger hunting, hands-on experimenting, and identifying wildlife and their habitat.

Field Trip Leaders must be strong role models and have excellent communication skills. They must interact appropriately and effectively with students, parents, volunteers and colleagues with various backgrounds and economic statuses. Ideal Field Trip Leaders are personable, welcoming, patient, kind, dependable, honest, flexible and mature.  

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead courses and activities outlined by Program Director or Field Trip Coordinator.
• Mentor kids to embrace personal responsibility and teamwork and master problem-solving abilities by learning hands-on outdoor skills. 
• Abide by and exemplify GoU’s four “rules” and behavior outlined in our Adult Code of Conduct.
• Work in cooperation with other Field Trip Leaders and partner organization staff and adults on assigned trips.
• Create positive and inclusive environments where kids can make discoveries, be creative, learn new skills and build self-confidence. 
• Impart science and math knowledge in a fresh and fun way.
• Educate youth about the importance of conservation. 
• Foster appreciation for continued learning. 

Qualifications and Experience

• General knowledge of North Carolina’s natural resources, flora and fauna. Expertise in related topics is preferred. 
• Teaching or other leadership experience (not necessarily in a classroom setting).
• Awareness of outdoor safety concerns and risk management.
• Awareness of and appreciation for individual uniqueness and diversity.

Position Requirements

• Signed NCWF Great Outdoors University Hold Harmless and Release and Code of Conduct forms (provided upon application approval). 
• Valid driver’s license and ability to drive.
• Willingness to travel throughout the Greater Charlotte area.
• Internet access and email account.
• Working cell phone with text messaging capabilities.
• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Criminal background check. 

To apply, complete the online application. No phone calls, please.