Grounded organization

We’re on a mission. At Grounded, we are working to scale the most substantive solutions to the climate crisis, and we’re doing it fast. Our vision is a global community in harmony with nature: stable climate, clean air, and healthy lands and seas. Through dynamic outreach and strategic projects, we are connecting, accelerating, and advancing innovation that regenerates the most important systems of our planet.

Director of Development

Grounded is seeking an experienced Director of Development for a fast-paced, ambitious nonprofit in the environmental sector. The successful candidate will be a collaborative self-starter, focused on teamwork, and committed to serving our community. The incumbent will establish and maintain an inclusive working environment with diverse staff, be energized and resourceful, and interact with team members, donors, and supporters with a warm, informed, and objective attitude.

The Director of Development is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining comprehensive fundraising goals through collaboration, strategy, planning, and execution. The individual is responsible for building and managing relationships with Grounded’s donors to enhance the mission and vision established by the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

• Direct all fundraising activities to support Grounded’s strategic plan;
• Identify a pipeline of major gifts prospects, with an emphasis on unrestricted support;
• Identify and foster high caliber relationships for attendees to annual Grounded Summit, fundraising events, and networking opportunities;
• Establish strong working relationships with the nonprofit board and senior leadership team;
• Regularly generate meetings with prospective donors for yourself, the Founder, the Executive Director, Executives, program staff, and/or board members;
• Maintain a donor-centric attitude and approach that prioritizes urgent, high-value relationships in alignment with mission and vision;
• Cultivate relationships among a base of high net worth individuals and foundations, including influencers and nonprofit board members;
• Develop and execute strategies for donor outreach regarding Grounded’s philanthropic programs in partnership with Director of Brand Strategy and widen the reach and effectiveness of fundraising activities;
• Provide leadership, creativity, and energy in identifying prospects;
• Ensure regular and ongoing communications with prospects and donors;
• Engage board members, staff, and volunteers in the fundraising process, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship;
• Prepare team members with researched and vetted donor details to meet with appropriate funding prospects;
• Represent the organization at various functions and activities, particularly at high-end events;
• Oversee donor database (CRM) and management of donor communications through online platform;
• Oversee fundraising events from planning through execution;
• Secure major gifts and planned gifts from diverse donor base

Minimum Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 10+ Years development experience
• 7+ Years experience in NonProfit fundraising
• Environmental Sector Experience Preferred
• 5+ Years experience leading and executing high-end events
• Technically proficient, able to operate in Google Suite and online SaaS CRM
• Knowledge of the regional and national philanthropic communities
• Knowledge of global philanthropic communities preferred
• Genuine passion for Grounded’s mission, and ability to hold meaningful conversations and foster relationships with prospective donors, partners, sponsors, and other stakeholders
• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovative systems solutions approach
• Discretion required to manage confidential information
• Team-oriented, results-driven, and self-starter
• Ability to attend evening and weekend events on a regular basis and to serve as a highly visible ambassador throughout the Grounded community and beyond
• Ability to handle multiple tasks requiring a high degree of attention to detail with changing levels of priority
• Ability to use existing contact list for effective and relevant donor cultivation