June 17, 2026

Director of Major Gifts 

The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is seeking a dynamic Director of Major Gifts to accelerate our fundraising impact and expand the reach of the OEC, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund (OECAF), and affiliated partners. 

This role is centered on action—cultivating and stewarding middle and major donors through consistent, high-quality engagement. The Director of Major Gifts will execute a high volume of one-on-one donor meetings, build meaningful relationships, and cultivate prospects into donors. 

You’ll also design and execute strategic events that attract, engage, and convert new donor prospects, creating opportunities to expand our donor base and deepen support. 

Successful candidates are proactive, organized, and energized by getting out in the field, building connections, and turning conversations into lasting investments in our mission. You’ll collaborate closely with a talented Advancement team, including the VP of Advancement, Grants Director, and Membership Engagement Manager, reporting to the Managing Director of Individual Giving. 

Key Responsibilities 

Manage & Grow a Donor Portfolio 
Develop and execute strategies to engage and grow a portfolio of mid-level and major donors, including corporate prospects. 

Drive Donor Engagement 
Build strong relationships through consistent outreach, with a focus on regular one-on-one meetings and meaningful, personalized stewardship. Craft clear, compelling communications and engagement strategies that demonstrate the impact of each donor’s support. 

Active Donor Solicitation  
Maintain an active cadence of donor visits and direct solicitations, moving prospects through the cultivation pipeline to close gifts. 

Plan High-Impact Events 
Design and host events—including small gatherings and political fundraisers—to attract new prospects, demonstrate impact, and deepen donor engagement. 

Collaborate for Impact 
Partner across teams and support board members and volunteer fundraisers to expand networks and elevate fundraising results across OEC and its affiliates. 

Engage New Prospects Growth 
Identify and pursue new donor prospects through events, research, data insights, and proactive outreach. 

Key Qualifications 

• Non-profit and/or political fundraising experience 

• Direct experience doing one-on-one donor solicitations and managing donor relationships. 

• Experience planning and executing events that attract, cultivate, and convert prospects 

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to clearly convey impact. 

• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results 

• Proficiency with fundraising databases and using data to inform donor strategy 

• Self-starter who is proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively 

• Committed to building an inclusive organization that reflects all Ohioans 

Preferred 

• Strong understanding of using data to identify, qualify, and prioritize prospects 

• Portfolio and moves management for middle and major donors, with a strong track record securing major gifts and/or political contributions   

Compensation and benefits   

The salary range for this position is $73,000 – $80,000 and is within the bargaining unit represented by OEC Workers United. Excellent benefits include 100% employer-paid health, vision, dental, and life insurance; flexible and dependent care spending account; generous paid time off; 12 weeks paid parental leave; and employer-matched retirement fund.  

Additional Details  

The OEC’s headquarters is in Columbus. The location of the Director of Major Gifts is preferred in Columbus, but potentially flexible within the State of Ohio. Some travel will also be required. Typically travel will be day trips within Ohio, but will occasionally include overnight or out-of-state travel for conferences and meetings with donors, etc.   

About the OEC  

The Ohio Environmental Council and its affiliated organization, the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund, envisions a clean, healthy Ohio where our democracy empowers all communities to thrive in harmony with the environment. The mission of the OEC is to protect the environment and health of all Ohio communities through legal and policy advocacy, decision-maker accountability, and civic engagement. For nearly 10 years, the OEC Action Fund has built the political power of Ohio’s environmental movement. Visit the OEC Action Fund’s website to learn more about its work.  
 
The OEC seeks to hire staff and contractors that reflect the communities and perspectives that comprise Ohio. The OEC is an equal opportunity employer, and candidates of all backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.  

How to Apply  

Submit your cover letter, resume, development writing sample, and references via the Director of Major Gifts job posting. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.