Reporting to the Director of Annual Giving, the Annual Giving Officer (“AGO”) manages a large portfolio of donors (300+) with the goal of building lasting relationships and creating meaningful experiences through engaging communications and one-on-one interactions. They will solicit gifts primarily $5,000 and below plus develop personalized strategies for increasing year-over-year retention and upgrade of donors while also looking for referrals to build a pipeline for major gifts.  The AGO will partner with colleagues across the Advancement Division to coordinate prospect management activity. This role is responsible for assisting the entire Advancement team with reaching philanthropic goals.

The Annual Giving Officer (AGO) will play a critical role in annual fund revenue and strengthening and building the school's donor pipeline. This role will help the advancement team think strategically about donor engagement and how to enhance the relationship of donors increasing the likelihood of continued contributions. The AGO will collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving to build a comprehensive, multi-channel annual appeal process, with specific attention to mid-level and loyal donors. They will develop and lead implementation of strategy to engage, retain, and upgrade donors as well as work with the stewardship coordinator to oversee a comprehensive donor acknowledgement and recognition plan to support donors. Occasional travel to support regional events and to participate in team training is required. 

Key Logistical Points:

• Please upload your cover letter and resume as one PDF document, when prompted to upload your CV/resume.

• Location: Hybrid in Lander WY or remote near major airport

• Application Deadline: Open until filled. Review of applications will begin on February 18th.

• Questions: Please contact peopleteam@nols.edu

What does an Annual Giving Officer do?

This role is on our Advancement Team and will be involved in the following:

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward portfolio of 300+donors to support NOLS Fund goal (currently $3.5M.)

• Achieve annual fundraising and engagement goals by actively building relationships with a portfolio of prospects and donors.

• Identify and research prospects; qualify, cultivate and solicit prospects for increased leadership level commitments ($5,000); make leadership level asks; steward leadership donors; track results.

• Conduct donor visits, calls, and e-mails

• Solicit 6-9 prospects per month. Complete 75+ donor visits each fiscal year. Utilize engaging communications involving direct mail, phone, email, and possibly volunteers for solicitation or cultivation as appropriate.

• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of NOLS’ strategic priorities and goals.

• Support annual fund director with broader donor communications and mailings

• Draft donor correspondence.

• Report progress on goals and responsibilities to the department. Produce analysis of personal solicitation effectiveness.

• Develop a working knowledge of the fundraising database and other management information and tracking systems used by Advancement to effectively update and manage progress toward personal solicitation goals, including donor visits and contacts.

• Produce donor prospect reports, track progress, and report results.

Please note this list is not inclusive of all duties and responsibilities, but rather covers the most frequent tasks of the role.

What makes a great Annual Giving Officer at NOLS? 

We are looking for people who share our values and are keen to learn and develop their expertise. We are looking for candidates with the skills listed below. We expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills.

• Strong understanding of fundraising principles and techniques, including direct mail, online giving, and social channels. 

• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. 

• Excellent organizational skills, analytical skills, and attention to detail.

• Ability to work with a variety of constituencies, including donors, volunteers, and NOLS staff. A significant portion of our donor base is alumni. 

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and development databases. 

• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated. 

• Excellent problem solving and reasoning skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to meet fundraising goals and deadlines.

In your first 6 months, you will: 

• Review portfolio and start prioritizing for qualification vs cultivation etc.

  • Send introductory letter to donors

• Craft solicitation and proposals suitable for both personalization and semi-mass distribution

• Learn how to track contacts in database and begin making entries

• Collaborate with Director of Annual Giving on Founders Day needs, Spring and Summer solicitation packages

Who are we and what can we offer you?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that believes in the transformative power of leadership through wilderness education. We are dedicated to developing leaders by providing immersive experiences that challenge you to step beyond your comfort zone and unlock your full potential. Whether in remote backcountry settings or through courses near home, we equip people with the skills, resilience, and confidence to lead in all walks of life.

At NOLS, we’re driven by a commitment to education, adventure, and a deep respect for the wilderness. These values are at the heart of every experience we offer, empowering students to make meaningful connections with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Why is NOLS a great place to work?

• Awesome employees! Ask anyone at NOLS and they’ll likely say they work here because of the community.

• Fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands

• Discounts on NOLS Courses for you and your family

• Free equipment “rentals" at our various locations

• A flexible time off policy for all full-time regular employees, and accrued vacation for part-time regular employees

• Sick time for all employees

• 403(b) available to all employees, with an annual employer contribution

• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with 24/7 access with 5 sessions per issue to assist employees with work or life concerns.

How to Apply

It’s super easy! Just enter your email and click the “start your application” button at the top of the screen. 

Please upload your cover letter and resume as one PDF document, when prompted to upload your CV/resume.

In order to better understand our candidate pools and ensure we are attracting diverse candidates, Applied will ask you some demographic questions before you start your application. The responses are never tied to your application; we only see summary statistics. If you prefer, you can easily opt out of answering these questions.

Additional Information

NOLS currently can support remote employees with legal working rights in the following locations: Canada, provinces: British Columbia, and Ontario; Chile; India; Mexico; New Zealand; the US, states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

• NOLS participates in E-verify for U.S. employees, Certificado de Antecedentes for Chilean or Mexican employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.

• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with human resources and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe, and learning environment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.