DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: CFAO

Supports: CEO, Regional Grant Managers, Regional Directors

Location: Remote. Must be available for regular in-person visits to Washington, DC, and in-person meetings as required (25% travel expected).

Starting Salary Range: $125,000-$140,000

ABOUT EMERALD CITIES COLLABORATIVE

The Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) is a national nonprofit organization that partners with labor unions, community organizations, social justice advocates, development intermediaries, research and technical assistance providers, and socially responsible businesses to build high–road, sustainable, just, and inclusive regional economies. ECC envisions a future in which American cities are the greenest and most equitable in the world, leading the way to head off global climate change while creating a vital new economic sector with low-income and communities of color as central actors and beneficiaries in this new economy. Visit our website for more information: http://www.emeraldcities.org/

ABOUT THE POSITION
Emerald Cities Collaborative is seeking its first Director of Development to oversee national fundraising for the organization. We are seeking an experienced professional and strategic thinker to advance the organization’s mission, guide its philanthropic, corporate, and individual giving fundraising strategy, oversee and execute related events and relationship-building activities, and manage relationships across various fundraising platforms.

The Development Director will coordinate with a collaborative team of National staff, Regional Directors, and Regional Grant Managers to build and articulate a clear fundraising strategy and vision for the organization as a whole.

Here’s what you could expect to do as our first Director of Development (key responsibilities):

Fundraising Strategy & Leadership:

• Lead ECC’s overall fundraising strategy, including philanthropic, corporate, government, and individual giving, to advance our mission and financial sustainability.
• Collaborate with the communications and leadership teams to shape messaging that resonates with supporters and reflects our values.
• Write compelling solicitation and stewardship materials, including letters, emails, and donor communications.
• Prepare and support staff and board members to represent ECC as active ambassadors in their communities.

Philanthropic, Corporate & Organizational Giving

• Proactively seek opportunities to share ECC’s mission and build relationships with aligned funders and partner organizations.
  Develop and maintain a centralized list of key contacts across foundations, corporations, and institutions.
• Coordinate outreach efforts and cultivate long-term, values-driven partnerships.

Individual Giving

• Explore, design, and implement an individual giving program, focusing on major gifts and legacy giving, in collaboration with the board and staff.
• Develop and manage a pipeline of major donor prospects, stewarding relationships with care and intention.

Grant Management

• Oversee ECC’s grant pipeline, timelines, and submission process to ensure coordination across teams and alignment with funder priorities.
• Collaborate with Regional and National Program Directors to gather inputs and meet multiple grant deadlines.
• Write, edit, and review proposals and reports with a focus on clarity, quality, and impact.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with grant officers and foundation contacts.

Event Management

• While ECC does not presently host fundraising events, if events become part of ECC’s strategy, lead all aspects of planning, sponsorship, and execution.
• Design sponsorship packages, build prospect lists, and ensure meaningful recognition through print, digital, and in-person benefits.

Database & Systems Management

• Develop and manage ECC’s funder database in Salesforce to track engagement, inform strategy, and improve donor stewardship.
  Support the transition to Salesforce, train staff, and ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and alignment with organizational needs.

Team Management & Collaboration

• Partner with Regional Directors to align fundraising goals with annual plans and budgets.
• Hire, supervise, and support development team members through clear work plans, mentorship, and performance evaluations.
• Conduct regular check-ins and foster a collaborative, growth-oriented development culture.

What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a dynamic and experienced fundraising professional with:

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and project management, with a Bachelor’s degree
• Prior work or educational experience in climate justice is strongly preferred.
• A strong commitment to ECC’s mission, values, and social impact
• Proven leadership in managing teams and driving fundraising strategy.
• Excellent project management and goal-setting skills.
  Strong communication abilities: clear, compelling, and adaptable.
• Experience with Salesforce or similar CRM platforms.
  Confidence in building stakeholder relationships and securing support.
• A track record of working collaboratively in diverse, distributed, fast-paced environments.
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in both values and practice.
• Comfortable with self-reflection, willing to learn, and capable of honestly working through conflict.
• Experience in developing and managing events, especially fundraising events, preferred.

BENEFITS

• Starting salary: $125,000 – $140,000
  100% Medical premium coverage, Short-term/long-term disability insurance
• 3% 401(k) contribution, non-elective
• Life insurance
• 20 days PTO, 12 days sick leave, 13 Holidays
• Fridays off all summer

HOW TO APPLY
Emerald Cities Collaborative has engaged Parkes Philanthropy to support this hiring process. To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to kristine@parkesphilanthropy.com, with the subject line “Director of Development, Emerald Cities Collaborative”. Applications received by Friday, June 20th, will be given priority, therefore, we encourage you to submit yours soon.

Women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other people from communities traditionally underrepresented in the environmental and energy efficiency sectors are encouraged to apply.

Emerald Cities Collaborative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, physical handicap, or political affiliation.