Director of Development

Elemental Excelerator is on a mission to redesign the systems at the root of climate change. In 2009, the non-profit launched a new model for funding climate tech deployment. Breaking down barriers to innovation alongside entrepreneurs provides Elemental unique insight into the policy, market, and technology innovation needed to build systems to uplift people and communities around the world. Elemental has invested in over 130 growth-stage companies and celebrated more than 20 exits, funded more than 81 technology projects, and built a platform for scaling equitable, market-driven solutions to climate change.

At Elemental, we blend a growth mindset with the diverse backgrounds and roots of our team, cultivating a dynamic culture where everyone’s contributions are valued and encouraged.

Help Us Scale our Impact!

Reporting to the Head of Development, the Director of Development will cultivate and maintain relationships with a diverse portfolio of philanthropic partners, including a robust institutional pipeline, with the goal of raising at least $2-3MM annually to support Elemental Excelerator’s plans for growth. This position will be part of the Growth team and can be located remotely, with hours aligned with our teams in California and Hawaii.

The Director of Development will be responsible for managing the identification, outreach, and cultivation of a diverse pipeline of mission aligned HNW Individuals, foundations, family offices, and wealth managers. This role will focus on donor cultivation, storytelling & materials creation, and donor management as well as researching new funding opportunities to build an expanding portfolio of institutional funders. The Director of Development will work in close collaboration with the Head of Development and across a team of partnerships builders in order to build an aligned fundraising strategy.

The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial professional with a consistent track record of fundraising success, exceptional writing skills, a talent for convening, a passion for the mission, and the ability to communicate Elemental Excelerator’s vision and impact to a diverse group of constituents.

• Raise at least $2MM annually towards Elemental’s operating budget.
• Expand an existing portfolio of foundations, high net worth individuals, wealth managers and philanthropic and donor networks in order to increase revenue from philanthropic funders.
• Directly manage a portfolio of 50+ donors and prospects, including the individualized strategy for cultivation and ongoing stewardship of the pipeline, refining the pitch, and closing gifts.
• Run all activities related to institutional fundraising efforts, including writing and submitting proposals, reports, and other deliverables.
• Collaborate and coordinate across the Elemental team on communications, proposals, and other efforts related to the institutional portfolio.
• Develop and execute tailored campaigns to reach new donor segments, including leading a growing portfolio of Wealth Managers, HNW Advisors and DAF holders in order to raise philanthropic capital from their clients, including developing pitch materials and pitch events to raise pools of capital
• Design and refine all development marketing materials for the purpose of pitching and sharing Elemental Excelerator’s story.
• Work closely with the marketing and communications team to find creative ways to build Elemental Excelerator’s brand within the philanthropic community, including targeted campaigns and strategic speaking opportunities for the CEO and team.
• Cultivate positive and productive relationships with funders, including creative communications campaigns and integration into existing or new events.
• Support the organization’s existing donor relationships, providing the structures and insights for the CEO and team to engage with the overall fundraising strategy and individual donors at the optimum level.
• Build outstanding opportunities for HNW to engage in Elemental’s work, including educational events, forums, and salons.
• Track trends and new opportunities to ensure that the case for support expresses Elemental Excelerator’s unique value proposition and takes into account donor interests and trends.
• Maintain updated donor records in a CRM in order to keep Senior Management and the Head of Development updated on movement within the pipeline, including anticipated gift close dates, contacts and communications.

• 7+ years of experience fundraising and running a portfolio of donors across multiple segments and a consistent track record of fundraising success
• Experience in and deep knowledge of the environmental and innovation sectors
• Experience in and commitment to advancing social equity work
• Ability to create and deliver compelling formal and informal communications about our organization, mission, and goals
• Can demonstrate experience and credibility when communicating materials to external audiences
• Ability to work independently and stay laser focused on high-priority goals in a constantly evolving environment
• Strong strategic thinking, writing, and interpersonal skills
• Excited about building long-term donor relationships
• Naturally interacts with people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences
• Proven pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Working style suited to a small and agile team with limited support staff, where collaboration and resourcefulness are highly valued
• Ability to travel approximately 2-3 times per quarter (when safe to do so)
• A constant learner who is interested in being a proactive, positive member of the team
• Undergraduate degree encouraged; advanced degree preferred

Elemental Excelerator offers a competitive salary based on the organization’s compensation philosophy, which is grounded in market data. We also offer comprehensive health & welfare benefits and top of the market paid time off. This is a full-time "at-will" position working 40 hours per week.

Elemental Excelerator is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and has a strong commitment to diversity. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Please submit a resume and cover letter online at https://elementalexcelerator.com/jobs/

We will accept and review applications on a rolling basis. Although all applications will be considered, we may be unable to respond to all inquiries.