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Strategist, Principal Gifts (New Donor Acquisition)
Ocean Conservancy
USD 96-96 / hour
Posted on Apr 12, 2026
POSITION TITLE: Strategist, Principal Gifts (New Donor Acquisition)
DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Development
REPORTS TO: Vice President, Major and Planned Giving
STATUS: One-year contract, Part-time (25 hours per week)
LOCATION: Remote from AK, CA, DC, FL, MD, OR, TX, VA, WA, WV
ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY
For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.
POSITION SUMMARY
Ocean Conservancy is seeking a strategic and entrepreneurial Principal Gifts Strategist to expand our community of ocean champions. This part-time (25 hours per week), one-year position focuses on new donor acquisition—building enduring relationships with individuals whose philanthropy can power transformative progress for the ocean.
The Principal Gifts Strategist will identify and engage high-net-worth individuals new to Ocean Conservancy, cultivating their interest in our mission and securing principal-level commitments ($1M+ over time). With performance-based renewal potential, this position offers a unique opportunity to build the next generation of ocean philanthropists supporting solutions to climate change, ocean health and marine biodiversity.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build and manage a portfolio of 50–75 new principal gift prospects through targeted research, outreach and qualification.
- Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies that yield at least $3M in asks and $1M in booked revenue in the first year.
- Partner closely with executive leadership, program experts and gift officers to align donor interests with Ocean Conservancy’s highest-impact funding priorities.
- Create tailored proposals and engagement materials that translate complex ocean science and policy work into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
- Use strategic travel and virtual engagement to deepen relationships and advance donor partnerships.
- Maintain accurate donor records, moves management plans and performance metrics in the CRM system.
- Represent Ocean Conservancy’s mission, vision and values in donor conversations, presentations and events.
- Contribute to a collaborative, learning-oriented and results-driven fundraising culture.
REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of 7 years of fundraising experience, with a strong record of securing major or principal gifts of $500K+; experience in prospecting or new donor acquisition preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to connect donors’ philanthropic values to high-ROI mission outcomes.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with comfort facilitating discussions around mission-critical and complex environmental work.
- Self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit; able to prioritize, manage time effectively and meet ambitious targets in a part-time schedule.
- Skilled in donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge NXT or similar) and prospect research tools.
- Deep commitment to Ocean Conservancy’s mission to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges—delivering science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the communities that depend on it.
Performance Metrics - Success in the first year will be measured by:
- Securing $3M in qualified solicitations and $1M in new revenue.
- Adding a minimum of 50 newly qualified prospects to Ocean Conservancy’s principal gifts pipeline.
- Building sustainable, mission-aligned donor relationships that strengthen Ocean Conservancy’s capacity for long-term ocean protection.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Advanced degree preferred but not required.
COMPENSATION
Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected minimum hourly rate is $96 per hour. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.
TO APPLY
If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.
HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT
Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.