Job Announcement: Director of Development

About Climate One

Climate One is the premier platform for empowering conversations that connect all aspects of the climate emergency. Through its podcast, national radio show, and live events, they inspire dialogue and promote a more complete understanding of the current crisis. Between the weekly radio program, which airs on more than 90 NPR stations around the US, and the podcast, each episode is heard by more than 200,000 listeners.

Since its founding in 2007 by Greg Dalton, Climate One has been based at the Commonwealth Club of California, a nonpartisan organization with a 120-year history of fostering civic dialogue. Climate One is proud to continue this work by convening people, connecting ideas, and inspiring new approaches to address the most important issue of our time. The team is driven by the belief that viable, long-term responses to climate disruption can only come from a concerned, informed, and engaged citizenry; the mission is to make sure the conversation around climate change remains diverse, robust, and at the forefront of our civic dialogue. 

After 18 years at the helm, Greg will be gradually stepping back and easing into an emeritus role. Managing Director Jenny Park will step into Climate One’s executive director role, ensuring continuity and stability for Climate One. To support Jenny and deepen organizational capacity, Climate One is hiring a Director of Development who will strengthen our financial strategy and secure a robust future for the work ahead.

We are excited for this next chapter and grateful for your continued support as Climate One continues to grow, evolve, and inspire meaningful climate conversations.

About the Role

Climate One seeks a Director of Development with an entrepreneurial spirit who brings experience, energy and creativity to fundraising and who will be excited to report to the Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have a successful track record of building the strategic direction for diversifying and increasing fundraising to ensure the continued growth and greater visibility of Climate One’s impactful work.  

The key focus of this role will include: cultivating and soliciting gifts of $10,000 to $200,000 from newly identified individuals, family foundations and offices, and few select corporations; building strategic partnerships; and creating a fundraising plan that will increase the financial resources needed for long-term sustainability. The Development Director will also be responsible for hiring a Development Manager to help support a growing donor portfolio and execute the fundraising plan. 

Key Responsibilities

  • In partnership with the Founder and the Executive Director, provides strategic, visionary leadership to create a development plan and pipeline to grow annual fundraising from the current $1.2 million.
  • Directs and executes the fund development activities with a focus on nurturing and growing relationships for major donor giving, corporate and foundation support.
  • Knowledge of best practices to keep donors engaged and motivated to provide and increase ongoing support.
  • Create and grow a new affinity group of mid-career donors who are passionate about learning together in private gatherings with climate thought leaders.
  • Sets clear priorities and metrics for success and measures the ROR (Return on Relationships) and oversees management of donor data in Salesforce.
  • Collaborates closely with the editorial team to stay up-to-date on issues and programs to motivate potential donors and partnering organizations.
  • Serves as a passionate spokesperson, advocate, and ambassador for Climate One. 

Professional Experience & Qualifications

  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and build thoughtful and caring relationships with both external and internal stakeholders.
  • Ability to provide innovative leadership in developing, implementing and increasing a diversified funding stream.
  • Successful track record of over 7 years in diversifying and increasing fund development along with an understanding of current trends and best practices in fundraising.  
  • Knowledge of and key connections to the funding community in the Bay Area.
  • Making verbal and written solicitation of gifts ranging from $10,000 to $200,000.
  • Experience in building and managing a small and mighty fundraising team.
  • Experience collaborating with marketing department personnel, with an understanding of the strategic nexus between development and communications.
  • Aptitude to develop knowledge of climate/environmental/energy issues.

Personal Characteristics

  • Warm, supportive, productive professional with a “roll your sleeves up style.”
  • Ability to inspire and engender a passion for Climate One. Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills.
  • Great listener, continuous learner and a natural collaborator.
  • Leader and bridge-builder who communicates effectively and is willing to share their point of view and encourages others to as well.
  • Highly organized and works well under pressure and adapts easily to changing situations and priorities.
  • Results-oriented and resourceful, along with the drive to be proactive, strategic and tactical in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package with a salary range of $125-$175k and benefits will be provided to the successful candidate.  

Procedure for Candidacy

Please submit resumes and letters of interest to:

Tarek Azzani
Azzani Search Consultants
tazzani@azzanisearch.com
 
Eunice Azzani is available for questions:
415 987-3300 (cell)

Climate One is committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive full consideration without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, health status, or national origin.