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 between $1,000 and $9,999 plus develop personalized strategies for increasing year-over-year retention and upgrading 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 contributes substantially to reaching philanthropic goals for the Advancement department.

Key Information

Application Deadline	31 July 2026	Target Start Date	14 September 2026
Location	NOLS HQ or Remote	Wage	$57K - $65K USD (Annualized)
Reports To	Director of Annual Giving	Department	Advancement
Position Type	Full Time, Exempt	Benefits Eligible	Yes

What does an Annual Giving Officer do?

The Annual Giving Officer (AGO) will play a critical role in annual giving revenue and strengthening and building the school's donor pipeline. The Annual Giving Officer is responsible for developing and implementing fundraising strategies for an assigned portfolio of donors. This position exercises substantial independent judgment in planning cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and donor engagement activities that directly support the organization's fundraising goals and long-term philanthropic growth. 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 donor visits, regional events, and to participate in team training is required. 

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

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of 300+donors to support the NOLS Fund goal.
• Personally solicit 6-9 prospects per month through phone, email, video, and in person visits as appropriate.
• Travel up to four times a year to support donor visits and related events.
• Manage proposal process for Annual Giving grant funders.
• Develop individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for assigned donors, exercising independent judgment regarding engagement methods, timing, and solicitation strategy.
• 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.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of NOLS' strategic priorities and goals.
• Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving to develop annual fundraising strategies, communication plans, and donor engagement initiatives.
• Play a key role in managing assigned components of two key annual giving campaigns: Founders Day and Year End.
• Maintain regular and systematic personal thank you calls and stewardship.
• Draft donor correspondence.
• Report progress on goals and responsibilities to the department. Analyze fundraising performance metrics and recommend strategic adjustments to improve donor retention, gift size, and campaign 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.

In your first 6 months, you will:

• Review and organize portfolio and start prioritizing outreach and appropriate touchpoints.
• Complete outreach for donors in renewal window.
• Complete thank you calls and notes for managed donors
• Craft 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 Year End needs
• Complete personal outreach as associated with Year End giving
• Review Annual giving grant funders and manage proposals due as needed.

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. While our ideal candidate comes with the skills listed below, we expect to provide training and development support in some of the areas.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills, and excitement to talk one on one with donors daily.
• 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, alumni, 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.

How to Apply

When prompted to upload your resume, please submit one PDF document that includes both your resume and cover letter combined.

If you have any questions during the application process, please reach out to the NOLS People Team at peopleteam@nols.edu.

Who is NOLS?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that strives to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. Our community—staff, students, trustees, and alumni—shares a commitment to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence. 

We believe that anyone can be a leader; it is our role to provide the environment and training to help people discover their full potential. We do that in classrooms close to home and in remote wilderness areas around the world. We are an organization with heart, expertise, and wildness, and these qualities help us support powerful, authentic experiences.

Why is NOLS a great place to work?

• Global Reach: With locations across the U.S. operations in six countries, and courses running in all 50 states and more than 10 countries, you'll be part of an organization with a truly worldwide impact.
• Course Discounts: Receive special pricing on NOLS courses for yourself and your family.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible Time Off: We offer a flexible time off policy that empowers employees to take the time they need for rest, adventure, and personal priorities without the constraints of traditional accrual systems.
• Employee Assistance Program: Access confidential, 24/7 counseling and support services to help you maintain balance and well-being.

Additional Information

To support pay transparency and equity, the posted salary range is fixed. We encourage you to explore our opportunities that fit your pay expectations. 

NOLS currently can support remote employees with legal working rights in the following locations: Canada; 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.

Pre-Employment Check

• 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 People Team 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NOLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions — including hiring, promotions, compensation, benefits, transfers, training, layoffs, and terminations — are made without regard to any protected status and are based on legitimate business needs, qualifications, and merit. 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.

Reasonable Accommodation

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 by emailing peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.