About PERC
The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) is the national leader in market solutions for conservation, with over 40 years of research and a network of respected scholars and practitioners. Through research, law and policy, and innovative field conservation programs, PERC explores how aligning incentives for environmental stewardship produces sustainable outcomes for land, water, and wildlife. Founded in 1980, PERC is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and proudly based in Bozeman, Montana.
This is a transformational time at PERC. Our nimble team is growing in all departments to support our ambitious goal of inspiring a new era of conservation in America based on incentives and innovation. Read more.
About the Role
As our full-time Donor Engagement Officer, you’ll be on the front lines of inspiring generosity for the future of our environment. You’ll connect visionary supporters with the work they care about most—whether it’s market-based wildlife recovery, public lands management, developing innovative new conservation tools or saving the Great Salt Lake.
This is a unique opportunity for a relationship-driven professional with a background in sales, business development, or fundraising who is ready to channel their talents into something with lasting impact. At PERC, you’ll be part of a small but mighty team that works collaboratively, moves quickly, and believes deeply in the power of ideas to change the world.
The Donor Engagement Officer will work closely with and report directly to the Chief Operating Officer / Head of Development.
What You’ll Do
- Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects who are passionate about protecting the environment in innovative ways
- Design thoughtful engagement strategies that align donor interests with PERC’s mission and programs
- Lead personalized outreach, one-on-one meetings, and stewardship experiences from the Rockies to Capitol Hill
- Partner with senior leadership and program staff to communicate impact and opportunities
- Collaborate across departments to strengthen our culture of philanthropy and momentum for growth
Who You Are
- You’re a natural relationship builder who thrives on connection and conversation.
- You have 5+ years of experience in sales, business development, or fundraising, and you know how to close a deal with heart and authenticity
- You’re energized by big ideas and care deeply about the outdoors, conservation, and freedom
- You bring creativity, curiosity, and confidence to your work, and you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves
- You value results and relationships equally and understand how both contribute to lasting impact
Qualifications
- 5 -10+ years relevant experience in direct fundraising, with an emphasis on major gift development at a nonprofit organization, or similar related experience
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- High emotional intelligence, ability to engage new people, and read the room
- Proven track record of securing increased philanthropic investments as well as knowledge and ability to engage executives and board members in a moves management strategy
- Strong affinity for the outdoors and market-based conservation
- Desire to work as part of a team, support the success of others, and build internal relationships
- Self-motivated and able to work independently
- Strong time management skills and ability to take an organized approach to work
- Must have a valid driver’s license
Desired skills
- Background using Salesforce
- Understanding of public policy related to conservation
- Personal interest in outdoor pursuits
Travel Requirements
Regular travel by car and airplane is required; approximately 30% travel is expected
Location Details
- Remote work is welcome and encouraged for strong candidates
- Proximity to a major airport is important for remote candidates
- Team is currently based in Bozeman, Montana and Dallas, Texas
- Candidates in or near these cities are a plus, but not required
- We are able to hire in most contiguous U.S. states, with the exception of:
- California
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
- New York
- New Jersey
Perks of working at PERC
- Great health (platinum, gold, and silver plans), vision, and dental benefit choices for employees and family with majority covered by employer
- Flex /FSA or HSA offered
- 5% 401(k) PERC contribution
- PERC contributed life insurance
- Voluntary additional life insurance
- Voluntary accident insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid vacation and sick days
- 14 paid holidays
- Discounted gym membership
- Sabbatical after 10 years of service
- Ability to work with an impactful conservation organization, dedicated to positive environmental outcomes
To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Cover letter including:
- An introductory paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to PERC’s mission and how you came to those beliefs
- Salary requirements
- Resume
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.
Questions can be directed to Katy Gambella, Director of Outreach at Talent Market, 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 is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit 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.
