Earth Species Project

Director of Development

Earth Species Project

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Remote

Location: United States

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Salary

💰 $160,000 - $200,000 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Lead ESP’s fundraising strategy and implementation
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy
  • Work closely with the CEO and Operations teams
  • Monitor pipeline health, conversion rates, and revenue projections
  • Lead proactive identification, research, and qualification of new high-net-worth individual (HNWI) and foundation prospects
  • Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and institutional funders
  • Ensure thoughtful, high-touch stewardship that builds trust and positions ESP for long-term philanthropic partnerships
  • Develop and maintain a strong working understanding of ESP’s research agenda, methodologies, and long-term scientific goals
  • Lead and nurture a small team of fundraising professionals

Requirements

  • Proven track record (7+ years) raising $10M+ annually in a nonprofit, university, or research-oriented organization.
  • Demonstrated success with developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies for rapidly scaling organizations.
  • Deep experience leading high-value individual giving campaigns and diversified fundraising portfolios.
  • Exceptional relationship-building skills; comfortable engaging senior donors and board members.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication—clear, persuasive, and mission-driven.
  • Familiarity with CRM/fundraising tools and data-driven donor analytics.
  • Impeccable attention to detail and wizard organizational skills - able to juggle multiple priorities and work independently while also being comfortable with directing or collaborating with others.
Benefits
  • Medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance - ESP covers 100% of the premium
  • 401k plan with match (if based in the United States)
  • 2,000 USD home office stipend
  • Unlimited paid time off, with a recommended minimum of three weeks per year
  • Flexible working hours
  • Regular team retreats around the world
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
fundraising strategypipeline health monitoringconversion rate analysismajor gift solicitationportfolio managementdonor stewardshipdata-driven donor analyticshigh-value individual giving campaignsfundraising portfolio diversificationnonprofit fundraising
Soft Skills
relationship-buildingcommunicationorganizational skillsattention to detailteam leadershipcollaborationindependent workpersuasivenessmission-driven focusmulti-tasking