Philanthropy Operations Specialist

About the job Philanthropy Operations Specialist The Philanthropy Operations Specialist ("Specialist") supports the Philanthropy Director and team members to effectively manage fundraising data, systems, and processes to secure the resources that advance Earthworks' mission. The Specialist is the frontline of donor customer service, champions data integrity and analysis, and partners with team members to build a strong donor pipeline. The Specialist also ensures that the Philanthropy team is collaborating effectively with other teams at Earthworks, particularly the finance team.This position plays a central role in:Administration and Project ManagementPromotes a positive culture of collaborationHas primary responsibility for Salesforce data entry and ongoing data hygiene to maintain 100% accuracyCoordinates with the finance team re: donation processing, donor restrictions, and income reconciliationMaintains gift documentation and team filesAssists the Philanthropy Director with project management, budget tracking, planning, and evaluationDonor RelationsServes as frontline for donor customer serviceCoordinates donation processing and acknowledgementsBuilds mailing lists for philanthropy direct mail and stewardship piecesDrafts donor correspondenceData Management and AnalysisChampions a culture of data integrity through a structured data hygiene scheduleImproves data systems to enable quality tracking and reporting to support fundraising strategy and operational needsTrains and support team members in use of CRMs (Salesforce and Engaging Networks), as well as other data toolsProspect Research and Pipeline DevelopmentConducts research and performs due diligence to prepare donor and prospect profilesMonitors incoming donations to screen new donors and identify donors with upgrade potentialImproves quality of donor information through periodic data appendsProvides data-driven insights to help build a strong donor pipeline and inform cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategiesPolicies and ProcessesDocuments and maintains operational policies and proceduresFosters a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvementComplianceEnsures compliance with organizational and philanthropy team policies and keeps timely and accurate due diligence documentationManages state charitable registration processMaintains corporate and government employee giving programs and portalsEnsures continued high ratings with Guidestar/Candid, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and Charity Navigator The Philanthropy Operations Specialist reports directly to the Philanthropy Director.About EarthworksEarthworks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of mineral and energy development while promoting sustainable solutions. Earthworks stands for clean air, water, and land, healthy communities, and corporate accountability. We work for solutions that protect both the Earth's resources and our communities. Earthworks has a primarily-remote staff of approximately 50 employees in over 20 states and DC.Earthworks is committed to challenging and dismantling systemic oppression. Earthworks' board and staff understand that promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) both within and beyond Earthworks is critical to carrying out our mission to protect communities and the environment from the adverse impacts of resource extraction. We understand that our commitment to DEI means a dedication to constant learning and improvement.Earthworks welcomes applications from diverse candidates and is an equal-opportunity employer. Earthworks evaluates employees and applicants for employment on merit, competence, and qualifications and does not tolerate discrimination.Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Earthworks we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.Required Experience and QualificationsLives within commuting distance of Washington, DCFive or more years of related nonprofit experiencePrior fundraising training and experience (preferably in prospect research, stewardship, and/or fundraising operations)Strong written and verbal communication skillsPrevious customer service experience in a fundraising environmentClose attention to detail and commitment to the highest standards of accuracyAn ability to identify problems and develop effective solutions in a collaborative fashionSystems thinker who excels at improving processesSelf-motivated and able to work independently as well as collaboratively and manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneouslySound judgement and discretion in handling confidential donor informationExtensive CRM experience, including data entry and hygiene (especially in Salesforce and/or Engaging Networks)Comfort and competency in an Apple computing environment using Google Workspace and Microsoft OfficePreferred Experience and QualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalentFamiliar with Slack, project management software (preferably Asana)Familiarity with prospect research tools such as Kindsight/iwave, Candid (Guidestar/Foundation Directory Online), and LinkedInExperience qualifying donor leads and developing donor pipelinesExperience tracking fundraising success measurementsLocation and TravelCandidates for this position must reside within commuting distance of the Washington, DC, headquarters office. While most of the position's duties can be done remotely within the United States, the Specialist will be required to travel to the DC office periodically to complete some of their responsibilities. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.Some travel may be required for certain positions. Employees who are unable to travel/attend in-person meetings for health or disability reasons may request accommodations. Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is $72,000-78,000 annually, depending on experience. This is the true hiring range, thoughtfully created in consideration of budget and pay equity, and it's not negotiable. Earthworks provides full-time staff with a competitive package of benefits, including employer-paid medical, vision, dental, life, and disability insurance. Additionally, Earthworks offers unlimited paid leave, paid parental leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan (with a 5% match after one year of employment). After five years of employment, staff are eligible for a 12 week, fully paid sabbatical.Bargaining Unit StatusEarthworks is a union workplace; our employees are represented by Earthworkers Unite/ Industrial Workers of the World (IWW). This position is included in the bargaining unit.How to ApplyWe strongly encourage and seek applications from people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and bilingual individuals. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that applicants with disabilities may participate in the application and interview process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.Apply online at including a cover letter and resume. No emails or phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 17, 2026.Qualified applicants can expect to complete three interview stages: an initial phone interview, a virtual panel interview, and a virtual final interview. We'll also request a list of three professional references after the second stage of the interview process.

Created: 2026-04-15