The NRDC Action Fund is an affiliated but separate organization from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) with an annual budget of over $10,000,000. The NRDC Action Fund’s mission is to build political support in the United States for protecting the planet and its people. We mobilize influential constituencies, experts, community leaders, and others to advocate for clean air and water, public health, biodiversity, and a stable climate. We support candidates who stand up for environmental protection, and we expose those who side with polluters rather than the public good.
The NRDC Action Fund is seeking a Director of Development. This person will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy directed toward the Board of Directors, major gift donors, and low-dollar membership donors that includes digital solicitations, direct mailings, events, one-one-one meetings, etc. In addition to managing a portfolio of key NRDC Action Fund donors, the Development Director will serve as a member of the overall NRDC Development team and will work with NRDC fundraisers on the management of all Action Fund donors. The Development Director will also play a key role in the management and support of the Action Fund Board of Directors.
To be successful, the Action Fund Director of Development must be a team leader within the Action Fund and a team player on the larger NRDC Development team to achieve the institution’s goals.
Primary job responsibilities are:
- Create and execute the Action Fund’s annual fundraising plan and three-year strategic growth plan in coordination with the NRDC National Director of Major Gifts and the Action Fund Executive Director.
- Manage and grow the Action Fund’s portfolio of donors.
- Lead development efforts for the Action Fund Board of Directors, including hosting events, soliciting annual gifts, and presenting fundraising efforts at Board meetings.
- Support efforts of the institution’s fundraisers to achieve their individual development goals for the Action Fund by co-managing relationships and providing information about the Action Fund’s programmatic activities.
- Engage with prospects and donors across the U.S. using a calendar of communications and variety of tactics that include one-on-one meetings, events, teleconferences, e-newsletters, and more.
- Coordinate closely with the NRDC Director of Membership, Director of Digital Strategy, and their teams to deploy fundraising appeals to grow the small- and mid-level dollar donor pool.
- Incorporate the NRDC Action Fund PAC and its support of the “GiveGreen” candidate giving program in the overall fundraising strategy by working with the PAC Manager and others working on the GiveGreen program.
- Collaborate with the Action Fund’s Director of Communications, NRDC’s Communications department, and the Donor Relations team to create fundraising and marketing collateral materials.
- Plan cultivation and stewardship events in partnership with the NRDC Special Projects team and utilize program staff to cultivate and solicit gifts from prospects and donors across the U.S.
- Act as a representative of the Action Fund to our diverse stakeholders.
- Manage the Action Fund Senior Development Associate.
- Other duties as assigned.
Management Responsibilities:
- The Action Fund Director of Development will manage the Senior Development Associate in his/her efforts to strengthen the fundraising infrastructure.
- A minimum of ten years of political fundraising experience.
- Ability to interface effectively with donors, Board members, and senior staff.
- Ability to plan and steward long-term relationships with major donors and prospects.
- Ability to work as a collaborative team member with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated ability to handle multiple, complex fundraising activities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience with managing staff and coaching program staff to succeed in fundraising scenarios.
- Strong communication and writing skills.
- Experience with environmental advocacy organizations, groups, and issues preferred.
- Knowledge and interest in advocacy, lobbying, and electoral politics required.
- Passion for the mission and goals of the NRDC Action Fund and NRDC.
Other:
- Travel to meet with donors, staff board meetings, and attend events – 40%