About Project Drawdown

The World’s Leading Resource for Climate Solutions

Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “Drawdown”— the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Since the 2017 publication of the New York Times bestseller Drawdown, the organization has emerged as a leading resource for information and insight about climate solutions. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown, as they look to advance effective climate action. We aim to support the growing constellation of efforts to move climate solutions forward and move the world toward Drawdown—as quickly, safely, and equitably as possible.

See The Drawdown Review—2020 and Climate Solutions 101 for the latest updates to our work.

Position Summary

Project Drawdown is seeking a new Director of Development—a seasoned leader who can establish and lead the fundraising function for Project Drawdown. The Director of Development will oversee the fundraising and donor engagement efforts required to support the long-term strategic direction of the organization. 

As a growing organization with a big mission, we’re seeking someone who can successfully implement the necessary systems and infrastructure to support the organization’s growth and lead its fundraising efforts across the spectrum from major gifts, to foundations, to web-based donors, and seasonal campaigns.

The Director of Development will report to the Executive Director at Project Drawdown and collaborate closely with the Director of Operations, the Director of Marketing & Communications, and other senior staff as well as the Board of Directors.

 Project Drawdown welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in helping the world reach Drawdown quickly, safely, and equitably. We are a 100% remote organization based in the U.S. Candidates currently authorized to work in the United States (U.S. Citizens, green card holders, and work visa holders), who reside anywhere within the U.S. may apply.   

Essential Responsibilities

The Director of Development will develop and lead forward-thinking strategies to raise $5+ million annually, and will focus on the following responsibilities:

 Fund Development

• Major Gifts: In partnership with the Executive Director, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors with the capacity to make major annual and/or multi-year gifts.
• Individual Giving: Efficiently manage, optimize, and scale individual giving via Project Drawdown’s various social properties and communications channels.
• Foundations: Research, write, and prepare grant applications and funder reports.

 Communications

• Oversee fundraising communications strategy, including seasonal campaigns, major donor communications plan, digital acquisition tactics and more.
• Develop creative and impactful content, annual appeals, matching gift opportunities and other giving vehicles and reports that connect donors with our work and impact.
• Ensure proper acknowledgement, recognition, and stewardship of all donors.

Operational Systems and Infrastructure

• Ensure effective development operations and drive fundraising best practices by creating systems, tools, and processes, including donor prospecting, moves management, communications, and tracking / reporting.
• Imagine and introduce data-driven processes that drive efficiency and effectiveness in the fundraising function and support the organization’s ambitious goals.

Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Executive Director to leverage his time effectively with major donors.
• Work with the Board of Directors to develop and manage Board fundraising capacity.
• Interface with program directors and teams to help develop and implement strategies for engaging donors in their work with the goal of inspiring new and increased gifts.
• Participate in fostering a collaborative team culture across the entire organization.

Education and/or Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience:

• 5 years (minimum) experience managing a non-profit fundraising portfolio of at least $3M/year.
• Direct experience leading and working with mid to high-net-worth individuals across a broad spectrum of backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to simultaneously manage and effectively prioritize a large number of fundraising activities.
• Experience in effectively engaging and leading senior staff and Board Members in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Experience working cross-functionally to meet grant proposal submission and reporting requirements.
• Excellent oral and written communication as a passionate communicator.
• Bachelor's degree, preferably in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• Background in climate or sustainability strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The qualifications listed here are necessary to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Excellent leadership, strategy, management, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively and an ability to listen to and learn from others.
• Well-organized with strong follow-thorough skills.
• Self-motivated, team player with strong collaboration skills.
• Technically competent with modern cloud-based tools and donor management databases / CRMs.
• Experience managing supervising professional and administrative staff and contractors and consultants.

 This position will require frequent travel within the United States.

Location

As with all positions at Project Drawdown, this will be 100% remote. Employees can work anywhere within the United States. Candidates currently authorized to work in the United States (US Citizens, green card holders, and work visa holders), who reside anywhere within the US may apply.

Compensation

This is a full-time position with benefits. Compensation and benefits are competitive. We work hard to ensure our salaries are competitive with similar leading nonprofits in major cities across America. In addition, Project Drawdown provides exceptional benefits, including generous time off, health insurance and matching 401k. We will share compensation package details with candidates we invite into our interview process.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete our online application form here: https://form.jotform.com/210914691786162. All candidates will need to upload a cover letter, their most recent resume, as well as work samples as described below:

• Cover letter that creatively communicates your background and fit for this role.
• Resume detailing your professional and educational background.
• Portfolio of 2-4 work samples that demonstrate your most effective fundraising work (please include relevant context and details about your role or contribution).

Applications will be reviewed beginning April 26, 2021. The application process may be closed at any point after that date.