The Pacific Research Institute (PRI) is a California-based think-tank championing freedom, opportunity, limited government, and personal responsibility. We are “policy entrepreneurs putting ideas into action.” PRI provides practical, market-based solutions on issues affecting California and the nation. The Institute’s research focuses on education reform, health care and medical innovation, economic and fiscal policy, the environment, urban renewal, and California-focused issues.

Job Description

PRI is seeking a full-time Major Gifts Officer for our development team. This role is a vital part of the organization, responsible for driving PRI’s growth by cultivating and stewarding relationships with major donors and prospects. The position will focus on executing high-level fundraising strategies, managing a portfolio of individual and foundation supporters, and articulating the impact of PRI’s research to stakeholders. The Officer will design personalized stewardship plans, lead prospecting and solicitation efforts, and represent the Institute at key events. The ideal candidate must have a professional, assertive mindset, excellent communication skills, and a passion for market-based policy solutions.

This is a full-time position based in Pasadena (or remote in California) and will report to the Vice President of Development. Travel is required 30-50%, with occasional travel required to PRI’s office and meetings/events on nights and weekends. PRI is an equal-opportunity employer.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout employment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Portfolio Management: Identify, qualify, and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and current donors to meet annual revenue goals
  • Solicitation & Stewardship: Develop and execute personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies for individual donors and private foundations
  • Event Revenue & Sponsorships: Lead event promotion and recruitment efforts to ensure high-level attendance; actively solicit and secure corporate and individual event sponsorships
  • Strategic Research: Conduct in-depth research on prospective donors to identify alignment with PRI’s specific policy initiatives and projects
  • Personalized Donor Engagement: Drive donor engagement by crafting tailored email updates and strategic meeting requests to secure one-on-one interactions
  • Event Leadership: Lead donor-centric briefings and facilitate high-level interactions at PRI retreats, dinners, and policy forums
  • Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with the Vice President of Development and team to refine organizational fundraising goals and long-term donor pipelines
  • Database Strategy: Oversee the strategic use of the donor database to track moves management, ensuring all interactions and touchpoints are recorded accurately
  • Outreach Programs: Assist with targeted outreach campaigns, including phone programs and digital solicitation efforts, to upgrade mid-level donors
  • Brand Representation: Act as a primary liaison for PRI, effectively communicating the Institute’s research on education, healthcare, and economic policy to sophisticated audiences
  • Proposal Development: Assist in the creation of grant applications and project-specific funding requests for foundation partners

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of nonprofit fundraising experience
  • Strong understanding of and commitment to free-market principles
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to take personal ownership of assignments
  • Highly motivated, strong work ethic, personal initiative, and hands-on approach
  • Ability to balance multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment
  • A deep understanding of and demonstrated commitment to classical liberal economics and values
  • Experience in working with databases (Raiser’s Edge experience is a plus)
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Ability to travel up to 50%
  • BA/BS degree required in the area of nonprofit management or fundraising, public policy, economics, or a related field

Other Desired Skills

  • Working knowledge of current California and federal policy issues, politics, and legislative processes
  • Familiarity with PRI’s recent state and national policy research

Total Compensation Package

  • Competitive salary ($85,000-$120,000 commensurate with experience)
  • Generous vacation package – 15 days annually to start
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Health insurance premiums are covered at 100% by the company
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Professional, cohesive team of like-minded individuals inspiring market-based policy change

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter summarizing your interest in the position and past relevant experience
  • A list of three references
  • Salary requirements

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Angela Hight, Project Manager, who is managing the search process: [email protected].

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

Talent Market, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.