DESCRIPTION
The Solar Foundation is a fast-paced national nonprofit organization working on research, education, and implementation to advance a renewable energy future. In this challenging time, we are seeking new sources of funding from individuals and foundations to support our mission. We are looking for a rock star Development Director to lead and implement our major gifts and corporate development plan, expand our donor pool, and take our fundraising to the next level. Well-qualified applicants will be able to “hit the ground running” and have a proven track record securing major gifts and/or foundation and government grants.
Position Description
In this high-profile and challenging role, the Development Director will be responsible for all fundraising and development activities with the goal of diversifying revenue sources and igniting growth. The key to success will be developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with existing and potential funders ─ particularly major donors, large corporations, and, to a lesser extent, foundations and government agencies. In addition, the Development Director will oversee a 1-2 person team that is focused on corporate sponsorships, new areas of programmatic income, and events. The Development Director works in collaboration with and reports directly to the Executive Director.
Job Responsibilities
● Design and implement a comprehensive development strategy to meet aggressive fundraising targets
● Independently develop relationships with high net worth individuals, major corporations, foundations, and government entities
● Develop and write grant proposals, fundraising reports, and appeal letters
● Oversee corporate sponsorship, small donor, program income, and events activities
● Schedule meetings, write thank you notes, develop and implement system for tracking donor/prospect activity, and other related tasks necessary to keep individual and collective development plans moving forward
Essential Skills, Abilities, and Characteristics
● Proven ability to achieve results in the identification and pursuit of new fundraising opportunities
● Proven ability to lead teams in achieving ambitious, quantifiable fundraising goals
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
● Strong dedication to effective relationship building and exceptional socializing/networking capabilities
● Highly professional. Strong attention to detail and quality
● Strong writing abilities and knowledge of grant writing best practices
● Ambitious, proactive, creative, resourceful, responsive, can-do attitude
● Passion for development work
● Flexible self-starter who can set priorities and work independently or collaboratively with the Executive Director, board, and team
● Fast learner with excellent time management skills with the ability to plan, organize, and prioritize workload and handle several tasks simultaneously
● Willingness to travel
Preferred, but Not Required
● A minimum of 5 years of experience in a nonprofit organization in a development function
● Experience expanding and cultivating relationships with multiple donor sources of at least $1M+ annually
● Knowledge of the fundraising landscape for energy, environmental, and education organizations
● Track record of success:
• Conceptualizing, overseeing, and implementing a comprehensive nonprofit fundraising plan
• Securing funding from foundations/governments, including experience identifying new foundation/government targets, building and maintaining relationships, and writing grant proposals and reports
• Managing and implementing a major gifts program
• Managing fundraising events, corporate giving, and online/individual giving programs
• Managing staff
● Familiarity with Salesforce and other business technologies
HOW TO APPLY
info@solarfound.org