The Advancement Team supports NOLS’ mission and goals that inspire meaningful and enduring engagement of our alumni and friends worldwide. We build lifelong relationships that engage the time, loyalty, and intellectual and financial resources in support of NOLS’ aspirations, goals, and organizational priorities. We’re seeking a seasoned fundraiser who’s passionate about the outdoors and skilled at building authentic, lasting relationships. You’ll engage our West Coast alumni and supporters in their impact of giving back to NOLS. You’ll enjoy working with a large and engaged alumni base, with a shared passion for NOLS and our 60-year history.
The Major Gift Officer (MGO) will serve as the lead strategist and relationship manager for a dynamic portfolio of major and principal gift donors across the West Coast. You will develop personalized engagement and solicitation plans, steward long-term donor relationships, and work collaboratively with colleagues to align donor interests with the school’s priorities. This position plays a central role in elevating philanthropic partnerships and opening new pathways.
In this role, you'll also coordinate closely with other teams across the organization—including finance, expedition, wilderness medicine and other staff, trustees, and volunteers—to design high-impact donor experiences and create opportunities for deeper engagement. You will represent NOLS with confidence and authenticity, speaking passionately about our leadership, the outdoors as the greatest teacher, and wilderness medicine programs. You will be a compelling advocate for giving at all levels, including planned gifts and other non-cash contributions.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record of securing major and principal gifts, an instinct for building relationships, and a genuine passion for the outdoors. You’ll be a strategic thinker, a natural collaborator, and an articulate spokesperson for NOLS’ mission and impact. This is more than a fundraising role, it’s a leadership opportunity to bring others into a shared vision and help fuel the next chapter of NOLS.
Key Information
Application Deadline
18 November 2026
Target Start Date
January 2027
Location
Remote - CA or WA preferred, other intermountain western states considered
Wage
USD $85,000-$100,000
Reports To
Vice President of Advancement
Department
Advancement
Position Type
Full Time, Exempt
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Primary Responsibilities:
Major Giving (60-70%)
Leadership Annual Giving (20%)
Strategy, Leadership and Support (10-20%)
The above duties should not be considered an exhaustive list; other responsibilities may be required.
In your first 6 months, you will:
What makes a great Major Gift 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.
Minimum Qualifications
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 [email protected].
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?
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; 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
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 [email protected] with your request.
Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.
Open job postingAbout the company
NOLS is a nonprofit outdoor education school that offers wilderness skills and leadership training.