Summary
Description
High Country News is seeking a mission-driven, experienced, and ambitious teammate to serve as our Charitable Gifts Advisor. The ideal candidate will bring a deep interest and understanding of HCN’s mission to inform and inspire people to act on behalf of the West’s diverse natural and human communities and communicate that passion with donors. This position drives donor discovery, donor cultivation and the acquisition of high-level gifts and planned gifts and takes responsibility for meeting annual fundraising goals.
The ideal candidate is adept in cultivating and nurturing relationships with donors and fostering a culture of respect and appreciation that leads to increased donor engagement and long-term support. They have a demonstrable background in building relationships with donors and grant-making bodies through personalized communications and a proven record of collaborative working as a member of a dispersed and diverse fundraising team.
Duties/Outcomes
The Charitable Gifts Advisor will work under the direct supervision of the head of the Fundraising Department, currently the Executive Director & Publisher. Duties will include:
- Responsible for meeting annual fundraising goals through major gifts solicitation
- Manages a fluid caseload of donors and donor prospects which will change as donors reach stable giving and move to Publisher’s Circle and as other high-capacity donor prospects move into the portfolio
- Cultivates authentic donor relationships through personal visits, phone calls, video meetings, and mailed and email correspondence
- Creates custom donor plans and donor offers
- Plans regional trips to meet with major donors in person, occasionally including the Executive Director, board members or an editorial staff member
- Travel to donor visits and HCN meetings and events throughout the year
- Prospecting – collaborates on strategies developed by leadership but with a focus on execution and follow-through
- Researches and helps identify potential major donors among donor bases; implements strategies for reaching prospects and increasing their giving over time
- Maintains donor records for own portfolio, updates contact information and keeps donor “touches” up-to-date in Salesforce
- Collaborates with the fundraising communications specialist to create and disseminate reports for major donor and family foundations in own portfolio
- Supports the planning and execution of fundraising events, providing logistical and operational assistance as needed.
- Contributes to the planning and execution of campaigns, offering administrative and tactical support as required.
- Promotes diversity and inclusion value through our engagement strategies
- Meets regularly with the head of fundraising to review donor strategies
High Country News welcomes applicants from all life experiences, and we encourage members of traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including Indigenous people, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, women, and people with disabilities.
Skills and Experience
The ideal candidate will have 4+ years of fundraising experience with a proven track record of closing 5- and 6-figure gift commitments and legacy gifts. They will have a thorough knowledge of fundraising techniques, including major donor cultivation, moves management, grant writing, planned giving, donor advised funds, family foundations, qualified charitable gifts, and appreciated stock gifts. They will have considerable experience in developing and advancing individual donor relationships.
We’re looking for someone who is passionate about the mission and values of HCN, and driven to enhance diversity, equity and inclusion in journalism and in working practices and company cultures.
Candidates should have strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to talk easily with donors, write compelling copy and create individualized donor reports and correspondence. A proficiency in Microsoft Office, and a strong working knowledge of Salesforce or other customer relationship management software is required. Candidates should have highly developed interpersonal and organizational skills and be able to work with minimal supervision as a member of a dispersed, diverse fundraising team.
Compensation and general terms
This is a full-time, exempt position with employer funded medical benefits (employee only), and optional dental and vision benefits; paid vacation leave starting at 12 days a year plus 11 HCN paid holiday days each year; paid sick and family leave benefits; “TK Time” – one paid half-day off per month that does not accrue; a monthly remote work stipend and IT start-up stipend; 401k retirement plan with employer match contribution; and a salary in the range of $76,442 to $80,668 annual equivalent, dependent on skills and experience.
The Charitable Gifts Advisor will reside in the Front Range of Colorado – Ft. Collins to Colorado Springs. This is a remote working role, and a large portion of the work involves meeting with donors in-person, and the advisor must be able to travel throughout the West and across the country to meet with major donors in-person and to attend occasional events.
To apply, complete our online application at this link:
https://airtable.com/appE4tl7MKSBjPnMv/shrKzrFWWhPMRM4Or
You must include a resume and cover letter. This position is open and accepting applications until filled, with preference for applications submitted by August 31, 2026.
High Country News is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion among our staff, volunteers, programs, and partners; and to creating a safe, supportive and accommodating work community. HCN is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits the unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.
Background
High Country News is the nation's leading independent source of thoughtful, in-depth reporting on the Western United States. Established in 1970, HCN produces an award-winning monthly magazine and a popular website, along with email newsletters and events. From Alaska and the Northern Rockies to the Desert Southwest, from the Great Plains to the West Coast, HCN is a beloved and essential resource for those who care about this region. HCN is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit whose mission is to inform and inspire people to act on behalf of the West's diverse natural and human communities.
