Bright Saver — Associate Director of Development

Help make clean energy affordable and accessible for everyone.

Bright Saver is seeking a mission-driven, strategic Associate Director of Development to grow our impact and expand a national movement for energy equity. We’re looking for someone with at least 5 years of relevant fundraising or development experience (or equivalent) who can build strong relationships, tell our story, and fuel our mission for the long term.

This is a full-time position based in the San Francisco Bay Area, but we’re open to remote candidates with the right experience and a passion for our mission. The salary range is $80K–$110K annually, with the potential for a performance-based bonus.

About Bright Saver

Bright Saver is a nonprofit on a mission to make plug-in solar accessible to everyone. We help people generate their own clean energy from balconies, patios, and small spaces, without expensive contractors or complicated permits. By combining education, policy advocacy, and affordable technology, we're building a movement to democratize clean energy in the U.S. and help everyday people save money while fighting climate change.

Why Bright Saver?

Millions of households are shut out of the traditional rooftop solar market — Bright Saver is changing that.

• Bright Saver Answers The Need For Equitable, Scalable Climate Solutions: As climate urgency grows, people want solutions they can actually use and support today; Bright Saver delivers a practical, immediate way for anyone to generate clean energy, save money, and help lead the transition to a greener grid.
• Bright Saver Is Building A Movement By Combining Affordable Tech With Policy Change: We don’t just sell solar panels – we work to change the rules that hold people back, combining direct-to-consumer innovation with advocacy and education to unlock access for everyone, everywhere.
• Plug-In Solar Is Designed For Empowerment And Impact: Bright Saver removes the barriers of cost, ownership, and complexity that keep millions from choosing solar — putting the power to generate clean energy directly into people’s hands.

Bright Saver is led by experienced entrepreneurs and social impact leaders with a proven track record of success:

• Kevin Chou: Serial entrepreneur who has founded and led five venture-backed companies, led organizations with $400 million in annual revenue, and serves on the UC Berkeley Board of Trustees.
• Rupert Mayer: Founder of IPfolio (successfully exited after 9 years), CFO and Head of Strategy at YouSolar, and an active angel investor.
• Cora Stryker: Serial founder and leader of organizations with a strong social mission and community impact.

About the Role: Associate Director of Development

We're looking for a passionate and strategic leader to join as Associate Director of Development. With the right skills and experience, you will also be given the opportunity to join as Cofounder. In this critical role, you will design and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to support our dual mission of providing affordable solar solutions while advancing our 501(c)(3) impact goals. You will build on several funders that have backed Bright Saver to date. You will build relationships with donors, foundations, organizations, and community partners to secure the resources needed to scale our innovative approach to energy access.

Salary range: $80K–$110K annually, with the potential for a performance-based bonus.

What You'll Do:

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies: Create a robust development plan that secures resources from individual donors, foundations, corporate partners, and government grants.
• Build and maintain donor relationships: Cultivate a network of supporters passionate about scaling renewable energy solutions and environmental justice.
• Develop and engage the Board of Directors to set fundraising goals and build donor networks.
• Design and manage fundraising campaigns and events: Craft campaigns that highlight our impact and inspire financial support for our 501(c)(3) initiatives.
• Serve as primary administrator of donor database and files; ensure accurate, clean data and generation of reports for development analysis, major donor meetings, events, and mailings; generate timely and accurate donor acknowledgment letters.
• Track and analyze development metrics: Use data to refine fundraising strategies and demonstrate ROI to stakeholders. Oversee the development budget to ensure responsible financial stewardship.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, Program Staff, and Communications Team to adapt external messaging and internal operations over time.
• Assist with annual budget preparation, manage development budget, and monitor progress toward organizational development goals.
• Represent Bright Saver: Serve as an ambassador for our brand and mission at fundraising events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Build the development team: Recruit, train, and lead development staff and volunteers as the organization grows.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Passion for environmental sustainability and social impact
• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or related fields
• Proven track record in acquiring grants, of successful fundraising campaigns, and with relationship management
• Excellent communication, persuasion, and storytelling skills
• Highly organized and has supervisory experience
• Experience with CRM systems and fundraising analytics
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams

Bonus Points:

• Experience with impact investing or social enterprise funding models
• Knowledge of climate, renewable energy, or sustainability sectors
• Experience with corporate partnership development
• Familiarity with donor management software and digital fundraising platforms
• Background in business development or sales

To Apply:

Please submit your LinkedIn, cover letter, and development portfolio highlighting your fundraising achievements to cofounders@brightsaver.org