Managing Director, Development

~ Founded in 2008 by academic leaders at Princeton, Yale and Stanford, Climate Central is an independent, dynamic and growing nonprofit research and media organization with an entrepreneurial atmosphere. Climate Central provides a critically needed bridge between the complex data of climate science and the public. ~

Climate Central's team of scientists and journalists creates a steady stream of climate and energy news in local, national, and international media in order to advance efforts to protect and conserve the global environment.

Through data-driven and peer-reviewed research, independent journalism, and outreach to media including a growing network of partners including The Weather Channel, MSN, Scientific American, Bloomberg, Huffington Post, and The Guardian as well as broadcast meteorologists bringing climate change into focus through the local forecast, Climate Central is a trusted source of independent climate research and information in a politicized time.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Vice President for Development, the Managing Director will have leadership responsibilities in internal management, external fundraising, and strategic planning for this organization that raises an average of $10M to $12M annually.

The Managing Director will serve as a key advisor to the Vice President and will work closely with Climate Central leadership, program, and other development staff to implement key fundraising strategies for the organization, including establishing and implementing both short- and long-term development plans to support continued revenue growth across all phases of the donor continuum.

S/he will oversee development operations, including stewardship and reporting, as well as several key fundraising areas, including the annual giving, corporate/foundation relations and individual gifts. S/he will also assume a portfolio of leadership gifts prospects and provide guidance to other members of the development team on all aspects of fundraising. The Managing Director will directly supervise two directors of development and to-be-hired regional staff.

Responsibilities 

• Develop and oversee implementation of Climate Central's fundraising plan, including setting and achieving monetary goals and program objectives for all functional areas, including individual gifts, annual giving, corporate/foundation relations, prospect identification, stewardship and reporting
• Oversee the day-to-day activities and workflow within the development office to ensure efficient operations and communication. Mentor and serve as a resource for staff
• Manage Climate Central's continuing efforts to build a robust prospect pipeline, including overseeing a personal portfolio of prospects capable of making gifts in the six-figure and above range. Align prospect interests and philanthropic goals with Climate Central's current and emerging funding priorities
• Work closely with and leverage board and staff relationships to maximize development opportunities
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Qualifications 

Education: 

• A Bachelor's degree is required
• An advanced degree is preferred 

Experience: 

• A minimum of 10 years of successful experience in development, including at least four years of management of professional staff, fundraising programs and budgets
• A demonstrated record of successful major gift fundraising including qualification, cultivation, solicitation and closing of six-figure individual gifts
• Experience raising support for science/technology-related programs, projects or research
• Proven experience in strategy development, goal setting and achievement 
• Experience identifying giving opportunities and thinking creatively to establish matches between donors and programs and funding priorities
• Demonstrated ability to engage and support volunteer leadership with their efforts in fundraising, consultation, and advocacy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience utilizing fundraising database programs 

The successful professional will possess the following Competencies & Attributes:

• A comprehensive understanding of institutional development, including annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, corporate and foundation fundraising, and advancement services
• An ability to conceptualize, plan, and implement a strategic approach to building relationships with and securing philanthropic support from individuals and institutions
• Excellent project management skills, including influencing, leading, negotiating and delegating abilities. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• A high level of initiative, attention to detail and strong organization skills
• Strong verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively
• Ability to grasp and articulate multi-layered programs in a way that meets the interests and passions of donors
• A with a clear commitment to the mission of the organization
• A working knowledge of environmental issues and science 
• Able to travel extensively and undertake occasional weekend work 

Compensation: This is a full-time, exempt position. A competitive salary and generous employee benefits package will be offered. 

To Apply 

To be considered for this position or for additional information on the opportunity, please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email: 

David N. Randall, Principal
Randall Search Associates
415 767 3814