Posted 
May 3

Director of Development

Sales & Business Development
Executive / Director
REMOTE

Role Description

SilverLining seeks a talented, experienced, mission-driven Director of Development to join a remarkable team driving research and policy to ensure a safe climate.

SilverLining is a non‐profit organization founded in 2018 that (1) works with policymakers in the US and internationally on equitable, effective, science-based decision-making on near-term climate risk and possible approaches to reduce warming rapidly (climate intervention;) (2) supports physical sciences research and technology innovation in accelerating the understanding of near-term climate risks and interventions through its Safe Climate Research Initiative; (3) spearheads initiatives to promote diverse and equitable participation in science and decision-making through its Global Youth Initiative and Global South programs; and (4) provides a platform for communication and dialogue on near-term climate risk and climate intervention.

SilverLining seeks a Director of Development—a seasoned leader who can build on the organization’s success and grow fundraising efforts for SilverLining’s policy and advocacy programs and the Safe Climate Research Initiative. The Director of Development will oversee the fundraising and donor engagement efforts required to support the mission of ensuring a safe climate within a decade.

As a growing organization with a big mission, we’re seeking someone who can successfully grow and manage relationships, meet and exceed goals, inspire and partner with funders, and implement the necessary processes and infrastructure to support the organization’s growth.

The Director of Development will report to the Executive Director at SilverLining and collaborate closely with the Director of Operations, the Director of Marketing & Communications, Program Leads, and Board Directors and Advisors.

**RESPONSIBILITIES **

The Director of Development will develop and lead forward-thinking strategies to raise $5+ million annually, and will focus on the following responsibilities:

Fund Development:

  • Major Gifts: In partnership with the Executive Director, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors with the capacity to make major annual and/or multi-year gifts.
  • Foundations: Develop relationships, identify opportunities and research, write, and prepare grant applications. Nurture funder relationships, write funder reports, and manage related PR and communications activities with funders.
  • Individual donors: While retain fundraising is not central to SilverLining’s efforts, the Development Director will work to develop content, processes, and tools to support digital and other individual fundraising.
  • Communications and Engagement: Oversee fundraising communications strategy, including major donor communications plans, events, and campaigns.  Develop creative and impactful content, annual appeals, matching gift opportunities, and other giving vehicles and reports that connect donors with our work and impact. Ensure proper acknowledgment, recognition, and stewardship of all donors.
  • Operational Systems and Infrastructure: Ensure effective development operations and drive fundraising best practices by creating systems, tools, and processes, including donor prospecting, moves management, communications, and tracking/reporting.
  • SilverLining Collaboration: Partner closely with the Executive Director and other team members to leverage their talent and time effectively with major donors and foundations. Work with the Board of Directors and Advisors to develop and manage Board fundraising capacity. Interface with program directors and teams to help develop and implement strategies for grant proposals and engage donors in their work with the goal of inspiring new and increased gifts.

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE **

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following education and/or equivalent experience:

  • 5 years (minimum) experience managing a non-profit fundraising portfolio of at least $5M/year. Experience with larger gifts and research and institutional fundraising is helpful.
  • Direct experience leading and working with mid to high-net-worth individuals across a broad spectrum of backgrounds and experiences.
  • Experience in effectively engaging and leading senior staff and Board Members in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
  • Ability to simultaneously manage and effectively prioritize a number of fundraising activities.
  • Experience working cross-functionally to meet grant proposal submission and reporting requirements.
  • Excellent oral and written communication as a passionate communicator.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher
  • Background in climate, environment, science or sustainability is strongly preferred.
  • Excellent leadership, strategy, management, and organizational skills.
  • Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively and an ability to listen to and learn from others.
  • Self-motivated, team player with strong collaboration skills.
  • Technically competent with modern cloud-based tools and donor management databases/CRMs.
  • Experience managing supervising professional and administrative staff and contractors and consultants. This position will require travel within the United States.

Location: SilverLining is a remote organization with team members across the US. The role is not restricted by geography, but activity will be concentrated in the Bay Area, Seattle, and New York, and presence in one of the locations may be helpful.  
Eligibility: SilverLining welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in helping the world ensure safety in climate. (US Citizens, green card holders, and work visa holders), who reside anywhere within the US may apply. 
Compensation: SilverLining offers excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth. Salary is competitive with respect to role and geography and commensurate with experience.

**HOW TO APPLY **

To apply, please complete our online application form here. Candidates should upload a cover letter, their most recent resume, as well as work samples as described below:

  • A cover letter that communicates your background and interest in the role
  • Resume detailing your professional and educational background. (Detailed LinkedIn profiles are acceptable for this)
  • 1-2 work samples that demonstrate your most effective fundraising work
SilverLining
 at a glance

SilverLining is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that society has sufficient options to address near-term climate risk. SilverLining engages with the research community, policymakers, technologists, civil society and people from all walks of life to help advance research and innovation in efforts to ensure a safe climate.