Development & Communications Director

Climate Resolve is seeking a motivated, personable, inquisitive, and detail-oriented individual with a commitment to equitable solutions to climate change, to join the team as a full-time Development & Communications Director (DCD). This position reports to the Executive Director and is envisioned to serve as a valued member of the senior leadership team. The DCD will oversee the communications and development departments within the organization. A successful candidate will possess management skills, be a powerful storyteller, be passionate about environmental justice, understand the motivations for giving and engagement, and be a skilled researcher to identify a funder's priorities for impact. 

We provide a hybrid work arrangement, requiring a minimum of two days per week in the office. Our office is located in the vibrant Arts District of downtown Los Angeles. 

Responsibilities

Leadership 

• Lead, plan, and implement all aspects of Climate Resolve’s fundraising and communications strategy and execution to help achieve the organization’s annual and long-term financial and communications goals. 
• Establish vision and goals for annual communications and development calendar.
• Lead and mentor the development and communications team, currently composed of the Communications Manager, Graphic and Video Designer, Communications Fellow, Development Manager and Development Coordinator.
• Work closely with the Executive Director (ED) and Board of Directors to strengthen the organization’s branding and relationships, including the organization’s reputation and marketability.
• Lead relationships with communications and development consultants. 
• As a member of the Leadership Team work with the ED, Deputy Director, Director of Finance & Operations, and Board of Directors to assess institutional needs and priorities in the areas of fundraising and communications.
• Hire, onboard, supervise, assist development and communications team members with their professional development and regularly evaluate staff performance. Support the development and achievement of individual workplan goals. 
• Lead department budgeting and reporting in close coordination with the finance team. 
• Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, standards of practice for the organization. 

Development 

• Use creative, strategic, and effective development strategies to set and meet fundraising goals. You will be expected to think strategically as well as operationally.
• Prepare and implement fundraising plans that include personal major gift solicitations, foundation and corporate gifts and grantmaking, planned giving, fundraising events and small donation campaigns.
• With support from the Executive Director, Leadership Team and the Development team, lead in generating and maintaining, positive relationships with major donors and foundations, as well as identify and bring in new donor prospects, sustain grassroots members, and increase overall contributions. 
• In coordination with the team, conceive, plan, budget and manage fundraising events including the annual Coolest in LA Gala, celebrated in March, as well as the end-of-year campaign, and other smaller development events like open-houses.

Communications

• Develop compelling narratives to explain our mission and theory for change, and to build the case for support.
• Guide the communications team to deliver effective communications and messages that help engage, educate and steward prospects and donors to maintain interest and excitement for our vision and mission. 
• Develop, adapt, and oversee all aspects of the marketing and communication strategy including branding, the design and content for social media, newsletters, annual report, year-end appeal mailings, brochures, and other collateral material. 
• Ensure sound data management, including communications metrics and donor information. Climate Resolve currently uses NeonOne as its CRM database, and Klayvio for sending digital newsletters.
• Transform diverse and technical information into a brief distillation that captures the main points and engages people's interests and motivations. 
• Build and maintain media relations to secure mainly local earned media placements; actively assist with pitching and leveraging media relationships. 
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization and train other staff members to do so.

Qualifications

The DCD will be thoroughly committed to Climate Resolve’s mission. All candidates should have proven leadership and relationship management experience. Concrete demonstrable experience and other desired qualifications include:

• A Bachelor's degree and at least five years of experience in related fields, at least 3 years managing staff
• Demonstrated track record cultivating and stewarding donations from individuals and institutions
• Superior executive functioning skills and sound judgment with an ambitious entrepreneurial  mindset.
• Possess an understanding about climate change, and feel passionately about  winning policies and advancing projects that benefit frontline communities 
• Possess maturity, tact to build deep and genuine relationships with various stakeholders, and a comfort level with the wide variety of sectors that make up the world of fundraising, including the philanthropic community
• Ability to think outside the box, introducing innovative ways to build and deepen existing and nascent partnerships
• Experience with relationship management software, such as NeonOne or Salesforce
• Important to be self-directed and flexible, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills, with attention to deadlines and detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a supportive and collaborative fashion with a diverse group
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion principles
• Positive attitude, curiosity, and flexibility - and a sense of humor!

This is a full-time position (40 hrs/wk) with medical benefits, $2,500 annual reimbursement for cellphone and internet expenses, a matching 401(k) contribution, and a stipend for professional development, among other benefits.

We are currently undergoing a 3-month reduced workweek pilot, limiting working hours for full time staff to 36 hrs/wk. This role would be invited to participate.