The Climate Center
Chief Development Officer
The Climate Center, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
Chief Development Officer
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Remote, in California
Salary Range: $148,000 - $168,000 based on experience and location in California
Position: Full Time with Benefits
The Climate Center seeks an innovative, collaborative, results-oriented, enthusiastic, and experienced fundraising professional with established funder relationships in California as well as knowledge of environmental and climate policy. She/they/he will join our management team and grow our fundraising efforts as Chief Development Officer in support of our urgent Climate-Safe California flagship campaign. Our goal is to enact accelerated, equitable climate policy based on the latest science and the rapidly worsening climate reality, catalyzing the nation and the world into greater action.
About The Climate Center
The Climate Center is a climate and energy policy nonprofit working to rapidly reduce climate pollution at scale, starting in California. We believe in vibrant, healthy communities. We envision a future where everyone in California enjoys clean air and water, renewable and reliable energy, healthy food, thriving nature, and more.
Since our founding in 2001, The Climate Center has been dedicated to making climate solutions a reality in California at speed and scale. We are a think-tank, do-tank working to turn bold ideas into action for a climate-safe future. We know that as goes California, so goes the world. We partner with business, local government, labor, academia, and environmental and environmental justice organizations to deliver the equitable climate solutions that science demands. We also pride ourselves in having a supportive organizational team culture.
All of The Climate Center’s work is guided by three core principles: follow the latest science, prioritize climate justice, and secure a just transition for oil and gas workers. Our staff and experts are laser-focused on equitably reducing climate pollution at the speed and scale necessary to ensure that California is doing its part to secure a climate-safe future. We are committed to living our values of ambition, collaboration, equity, inclusion, innovation, and responsibility.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for propelling The Climate Center’s fund development to new heights to drive the organization's urgent Climate-Safe California goals. They are responsible for all aspects of the organization’s development functions, building on and implementing our robust, strategic fundraising program in coordination with staff and members of the Board. The CDO serves on the senior management team and works closely with the CEO and other senior staff as well as the Board of Directors to design and implement fundraising programs in support of the organization’s strategic goals.
Key responsibilities include:
Establish and implement an annual fundraising work plan and budget in support of The Climate Center’s overarching Climate-Safe California objectives and current Strategic Plan, working in close collaboration with the CEO, Southern California Development Director, Foundation Relations Manager, Development Manager, staff management team, other staff, and the Board.
Grow and diversify fund base, introduce new organizational systems and frameworks, refine performance metrics, and harness data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of fifty or more individual major donors and prospects; work closely with CEO and Foundation Relations Manager on cultivating and stewarding institutional funders and prospects;
Facilitate funder relationship management for CEO, other lead staff and board members.
Supervise and support the Southern California Development Director to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors in a new role at The Climate Center; support this person’s work developing individual donor prospects, institutional funders and prospects, and business network members and prospects in the greater Los Angeles region and other parts of Southern California.
Oversee and support the Foundation Relations Manager who manages the full grant proposal process working closely with the CEO and Initiative Leaders; responsibilities include growing, identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding a starting portfolio of 20+ institutional funders, as well as writing, tracking and submitting grant proposals, reports and other follow up; they also ensure that program and finance staff are in compliance with all grant restrictions and reporting requirements, and gather information necessary for grant reports.
Supervise and support Development Manager for database management, events organizing and assisting with fundraising program work.
Manage and support the Board Development Committee; organize quarterly Board Development Committee meetings; meet monthly with the Board Development Committee Chair.
Coordinate development staff, program leaders, senior executives and board members to identify new funding opportunities and to match program strategies with potential funders.
Contribute to, and approve when appropriate, written and social media communications and marketing as they relate to fundraising, working with the Communications Director, communications staff, CEO, and other staff.
Oversee the development and implementation of The Climate Center’s Business Network annual work plan, membership materials, website, and cultivation events; work with CEO and COO to raise funds to hire a full-time Business Network Manager who would report to the CDO.
Manage Planned Giving efforts working with Planned Giving consultants; design Planned Giving postcards and websites, and ensure quarterly/regular outreach to donors.
Additional responsibilities as determined in partnership with the CEO.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of seven years experience in successful development leadership and management, including growing development teams and managing them to successful outcomes
A stellar fundraising track record, personally having secured significant six- or seven-figure gifts
Ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, even with shifting priorities and circumstances
Demonstrated passion for being part of the climate solution
Demonstrated and well-developed network of contacts among California environmental philanthropists, foundations and other institutional donors
Naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly, authentically, and persuasively with a diverse set of audiences
Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral; experience as a spokesperson
Excellent listening, consensus-building, and leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to work collegially, learn from others, and partner collaboratively with donors, other staff, board members, and organizations
High degree of integrity and sense of accountability
Intellectually curious
Proven ability to act in a transparent and consistent manner while always considering what is best for the organization
Demonstrated ability to maintain the big picture while paying attention to the details
Enjoy working with teams, both internal and external, and welcoming feedback while also being a self starter
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice displaying cultural competence while operating in a diverse environment
Good sense of humor!
Salary and Benefits
Salary range is between $148,000 to $168,000 based on experience and location within California. The Climate Center also offers an excellent benefits package:
Generous medical, dental and vision plan
401(k) plan with opportunity for match
Dynamic and supportive team atmosphere
At The Climate Center, we care about and support each other in the workplace setting. We also recognize that each employee has a whole life that includes time outside of work. The Climate Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. We value diversity and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications.
Application Process
Please apply here online (see above right).
A cover letter explaining why you are the best person for this position and why you are passionate about making a difference on climate change as well as your resume and a short writing sample are required for consideration.
Three to five references will be required after the first interview.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials by October 1, 2024.
The position will remain open until filled. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Remote, in California
Salary Range: $148,000 - $168,000 based on experience and location in California
Position: Full Time with Benefits
The Climate Center seeks an innovative, collaborative, results-oriented, enthusiastic, and experienced fundraising professional with established funder relationships in California as well as knowledge of environmental and climate policy. She/they/he will join our management team and grow our fundraising efforts as Chief Development Officer in support of our urgent Climate-Safe California flagship campaign. Our goal is to enact accelerated, equitable climate policy based on the latest science and the rapidly worsening climate reality, catalyzing the nation and the world into greater action.
About The Climate Center
The Climate Center is a climate and energy policy nonprofit working to rapidly reduce climate pollution at scale, starting in California. We believe in vibrant, healthy communities. We envision a future where everyone in California enjoys clean air and water, renewable and reliable energy, healthy food, thriving nature, and more.
Since our founding in 2001, The Climate Center has been dedicated to making climate solutions a reality in California at speed and scale. We are a think-tank, do-tank working to turn bold ideas into action for a climate-safe future. We know that as goes California, so goes the world. We partner with business, local government, labor, academia, and environmental and environmental justice organizations to deliver the equitable climate solutions that science demands. We also pride ourselves in having a supportive organizational team culture.
All of The Climate Center’s work is guided by three core principles: follow the latest science, prioritize climate justice, and secure a just transition for oil and gas workers. Our staff and experts are laser-focused on equitably reducing climate pollution at the speed and scale necessary to ensure that California is doing its part to secure a climate-safe future. We are committed to living our values of ambition, collaboration, equity, inclusion, innovation, and responsibility.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is responsible for propelling The Climate Center’s fund development to new heights to drive the organization's urgent Climate-Safe California goals. They are responsible for all aspects of the organization’s development functions, building on and implementing our robust, strategic fundraising program in coordination with staff and members of the Board. The CDO serves on the senior management team and works closely with the CEO and other senior staff as well as the Board of Directors to design and implement fundraising programs in support of the organization’s strategic goals.
Key responsibilities include:
Establish and implement an annual fundraising work plan and budget in support of The Climate Center’s overarching Climate-Safe California objectives and current Strategic Plan, working in close collaboration with the CEO, Southern California Development Director, Foundation Relations Manager, Development Manager, staff management team, other staff, and the Board.
Grow and diversify fund base, introduce new organizational systems and frameworks, refine performance metrics, and harness data-driven insights to inform strategic decision-making.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of fifty or more individual major donors and prospects; work closely with CEO and Foundation Relations Manager on cultivating and stewarding institutional funders and prospects;
Facilitate funder relationship management for CEO, other lead staff and board members.
Supervise and support the Southern California Development Director to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors in a new role at The Climate Center; support this person’s work developing individual donor prospects, institutional funders and prospects, and business network members and prospects in the greater Los Angeles region and other parts of Southern California.
Oversee and support the Foundation Relations Manager who manages the full grant proposal process working closely with the CEO and Initiative Leaders; responsibilities include growing, identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding a starting portfolio of 20+ institutional funders, as well as writing, tracking and submitting grant proposals, reports and other follow up; they also ensure that program and finance staff are in compliance with all grant restrictions and reporting requirements, and gather information necessary for grant reports.
Supervise and support Development Manager for database management, events organizing and assisting with fundraising program work.
Manage and support the Board Development Committee; organize quarterly Board Development Committee meetings; meet monthly with the Board Development Committee Chair.
Coordinate development staff, program leaders, senior executives and board members to identify new funding opportunities and to match program strategies with potential funders.
Contribute to, and approve when appropriate, written and social media communications and marketing as they relate to fundraising, working with the Communications Director, communications staff, CEO, and other staff.
Oversee the development and implementation of The Climate Center’s Business Network annual work plan, membership materials, website, and cultivation events; work with CEO and COO to raise funds to hire a full-time Business Network Manager who would report to the CDO.
Manage Planned Giving efforts working with Planned Giving consultants; design Planned Giving postcards and websites, and ensure quarterly/regular outreach to donors.
Additional responsibilities as determined in partnership with the CEO.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of seven years experience in successful development leadership and management, including growing development teams and managing them to successful outcomes
A stellar fundraising track record, personally having secured significant six- or seven-figure gifts
Ability to produce consistent, quality work in a fast-paced environment and be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously, even with shifting priorities and circumstances
Demonstrated passion for being part of the climate solution
Demonstrated and well-developed network of contacts among California environmental philanthropists, foundations and other institutional donors
Naturally connects and builds strong relationships with others, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence and an ability to communicate clearly, authentically, and persuasively with a diverse set of audiences
Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral; experience as a spokesperson
Excellent listening, consensus-building, and leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to work collegially, learn from others, and partner collaboratively with donors, other staff, board members, and organizations
High degree of integrity and sense of accountability
Intellectually curious
Proven ability to act in a transparent and consistent manner while always considering what is best for the organization
Demonstrated ability to maintain the big picture while paying attention to the details
Enjoy working with teams, both internal and external, and welcoming feedback while also being a self starter
Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice displaying cultural competence while operating in a diverse environment
Good sense of humor!
Salary and Benefits
Salary range is between $148,000 to $168,000 based on experience and location within California. The Climate Center also offers an excellent benefits package:
Generous medical, dental and vision plan
401(k) plan with opportunity for match
Dynamic and supportive team atmosphere
At The Climate Center, we care about and support each other in the workplace setting. We also recognize that each employee has a whole life that includes time outside of work. The Climate Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. We value diversity and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications.
Application Process
Please apply here online (see above right).
A cover letter explaining why you are the best person for this position and why you are passionate about making a difference on climate change as well as your resume and a short writing sample are required for consideration.
Three to five references will be required after the first interview.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials by October 1, 2024.
The position will remain open until filled. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you!
#J-18808-Ljbffr