Development Director, Climate Adaptation

~ Established in 2000, Model Forest Policy Program (MFPP) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to build the capacity of communities to be climate resilient by sustaining water resources, productive forests, citizens' wellbeing, and thriving economies. ~

Through our flagship program, Climate Solutions University: Forest and Water Strategies (CSU), we provide training, expertise, and technical support to U.S. communities engaged in climate adaptation planning and implementation.

Our partners include public and private organizations, local governments, tribal entities, watershed groups and businesses. MFPP strengthens local climate adaptation action through (1) identifying tools and designing learning models to help communities build resilience into local infrastructure, (2) partnering with communities to develop long-term cost-effective climate solutions, and (3) disseminating successful models so that communities globally can replicate and benefit from proven strategies. For more information, visit our website.   

Position Overview

The overall goal of the position is to expand MFPP's funding base and public support.

Position starts immediately and is three-quarters to full-time salaried exempt position for at least 12 months. On-going salary and potential increase are dependent on fundraising success.   

Location: 

Our staff and consultants work as a virtual team and are based throughout the U.S. in home offices. The Employee must provide and maintain a suitable workspace with modern information technology hardware and software, high-quality telecommunications equipment (e.g., landline phone or cell phone, headset, webcam), and a consistent broadband Internet connection. Dial up and tethering (e.g., via smartphone) is not acceptable as a regular Internet connection solution. 

Purpose of Position 

We seek a US individual to (1) Craft, lead and implement a comprehensive development strategy that complements MFPP's business and strategic plans. The strategy should target the national level as well as local/regional areas where MFPP's 30+ communities are located; (2) Continue existing and build new critical relationships with individuals, private and public foundations, government agencies, and potential corporate sponsors; (3) Lead MFPP's grant research, writing, and reporting efforts; (4) Lead development of corporate sponsorships; and (5) Monitor and report programmatic outcomes and convey the human stories of our communities to potential donors and the public. 

Responsibilities

Relationship Development, Business Development & Research 

• Craft, lead and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that complements MFPP's business and strategic plans.
• Understand and effectively communicate MFPP's history, mission, impact and goals to donors and prospective donors, partners, and funders. Proven ability at giving compelling presentations to various audiences.
• Work with Executive Director, Development Team and Board to develop a strategic direction for development nationally and locally where MFPP's communities are located that aims to consistently increase and diversify revenue.
• Continue our existing and build new relationships with individuals, foundations, government agencies, major donors, and corporations via email, phone and face to face visits as feasible.
• Research new funding prospects and leverage foundation, corporate, and government grant opportunities.
• Identify and track specific funding needs for the organization, including opportunities for partner communities.
• Develop relationships with and track partner community needs to collaborate on joint proposals as opportunities arise.

Administration & Grants Management  

• Administer and manage grants calendar in fundraising database, including tracking of all related activities (i.e. inquiry calls/emails, proposal submission, reporting, follow-up) and assignment to Development Team members.
• Manage weekly/bi-weekly Development Team calls.
• Develop and manage a portfolio of prospects and existing relationships in our development database; manage relevant activities, shared files, and meeting notes in tracking systems such as Dropbox, Google Docs, Podio and others.
• Develop effective strategies for each step in the fundraising process and ensure that Fundraising Team members are on track with tasks.
• Assess and report fundraising results to Board and Team.
• Assist MFPP Team to track multi-state charitable solicitation and sales tax regulations. 

Writing 

• Prepare high quality letters of inquiry, grant proposals, grant reports, and other solicitation and stewardship materials as needed, including such documents prepared in collaboration with partner communities alone and/or with assistance from MFPP Team.
• Work with other MFPP Team members to create new grant language as programs develop and evolve.
• Develop grant reports that meet multiple communications purposes (e.g. case studies, newsletters, brochures, social media content) and help to build the field of climate adaptation. 

Qualifications 

• Proven leadership skills for all fundraising efforts.
• Minimum of five (5) years' experience in non-profit development and fundraising, with demonstrated success in raising $700,000 + annually sought. Extensive background in fund development, grant research and writing, marketing and public relations.
• Passion to build the capacity of communities to be climate resilient by sustaining water resources, healthy forests, citizens' wellbeing, and thriving economies.
• Highly motivated self-starter with excellent organizational and time management skills; focused, detail-oriented; ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple demands and deadlines amidst changing program and organizational priorities; creative and entrepreneurial thinker.
• Ability to work fluidly within a virtual project team that includes being comfortable on webinar-based meetings, video conferencing, and using virtual collaborative tools such as Podio, Google Docs, GoToMeeting, Adobe Connect, and Dropbox.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills and ability to easily connect and engage with people; strong phone verbal and written communication skills. 
• Superior writing skills. Other writing or marketing experience (i.e. journalism or public relations) a plus.
• Analytical and able to assess complexities and create new ideas for grants and fundraising.
• High degree of professionalism and discretion, and high standards for excellence in execution.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in relevant field preferred.
• Enthusiastic, a team player; generous by nature; and with a sense of humor.  

Telecommute & Computer Skills: 

• Ability to work independently from home (e.g., internet access, phone). Preference given to those with telecommuting experience.
• Knowledge of a different types of virtual platforms (e.g. Google Apps - Drive, Calendar, DropBox, Adobe Connect, GotoMeeting Podio, Little Green Light, and basic e-mail)
• Proficient computer skills and prior experience or aptitude with Microsoft Office programs (e.g. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of Project Management software a plus. 

Compensation: Three-quarters to full-time salaried exempt position starting $50,000.

To Apply 

• Please use the email address below to send cover letter, resume, contact information for 3 references familiar with your work, and sample grant letter of inquiry or proposal.
• Please be sure to include job title in subject line of email.
• No phone calls, please. 

Please be sure to address: 

• Why you are the best candidate for this position;
• Why working on this issue is important to you;
• The total funds raised and number of grants secured; 
• Your experience working independently;
• An example of how you have applied a creative and/or entrepreneurial approach to a problem or issue;
• How your skills match this position; and 
• Your availability.

To Apply 

Please use the email address below to send you resume and a cover letter. Be sure to indicate: "Development Director: Climate Adaptation." 

~ MFPP is an equal opportunity employer ~