Position Description

The Individual Giving Manager is passionate about making a difference on the climate crisis and works closely with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to help manage and take The Climate Center’s individual giving program to the next level of growth in support of our urgent climate policy efforts in California. The Individual Giving Manager is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding mid-level donors of $500-$5,000 annually. 

This is a highly relational role ideal for someone who loves cultivating genuine people connections; helping donors feel seen, appreciated, and meaningfully engaged; and contributing to and maintaining critical donor infrastructure and systems. Ideal candidates are highly personable, well organized, strong communicators (who work well in teams and independently), very comfortable engaging with new audiences, and enjoy meeting donors in person as well as talking with them by picking up the phone.

Specific areas of responsibility include (1) managing all mid-level donor relationships with a focus on retention and increased giving; (2) supporting the production of virtual and in person events as well as follow-up, to strengthen existing donor relationships and build a pipeline of prospects that convert to active donors; and (3) general development support and participation in TCC culture. As a member of a four-person development team, the Individual Giving Manager will also support additional fundraising strategies as needed. The Individual Giving Manager will report directly to the CDO and work closely with other members of the Development team as well as program and administrative staff, and board members.  

This full time position reports to the Chief Development Officer. Some travel in California is required. The Climate Center is an all-remote organization with in-person gatherings at least twice annually. 

Duties & Responsibilities

Working in close collaboration with the CDO and the rest of the Development team, the Individual Giving Manager’s responsibilities include:

Manage and Engage Mid-level Donors ($500 - $5,000) 

• Serve as a front-line fundraiser by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors through personalized outreach, in person and virtual meetings, and other engagement opportunities;
• Develop annual and multi-year growth plans for individual giving and assess the effectiveness of fundraising strategies through clear, data-driven, and regular reporting;
• Develop individualized goals and a detailed moves management strategy for all donors contributing $500 or more annually, ultimately driving donor retention and increased contribution levels;
• Plan, implement, and track strategies to acquire, retain, and upgrade donor gifts from mid-level donors to achieve fundraising goals;
• Contribute to the development of donor communications, newsletters, annual major donor mailer, and annual report as key development materials to steward individual and institutional donors; and
• Maintain comprehensive donor records in our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database (currently EveryAction) utilizing Moves Management tools and working with the Development Manager, complying with our donor privacy policies and utilizing provided tools to report out on progress.

Support Cultivation Events & Follow Up Resulting in Donor Conversion (Virtual + In Person)

• Work with CDO, Development Manager, and other staff to create annual calendar of fundraising events;
• Support the production of virtual and in person cultivation events for all prospective, major, and legacy donors throughout the year, varying in topics/staff and location to match interests, and maximize outreach;
• Develop and execute a systematic process, in partnership with CDO, to ensure all event attendees are followed up with and cultivated as potential donors; and
• Attend events in person, as needed (some travel required).

General Development Support & Participation in TCC Culture

• Develop and maintain an understanding of The Climate Center’s strategies and programmatic work in order to effectively communicate verbally and in writing our climate policy work; 
• Participate in the Development team as a cooperative, positive team player, including regularly meetings with the CDO, the Development Team, and others Team members and Board members as needed;
• Attend in-person The Climate Center’s annual staff retreat (fall) and CA Climate Policy Summit in Sacramento (spring);
• Attend meetings and events (primarily virtual) to stay informed on programmatic priorities, activities and impacts and to deepen organizational culture; and 
• Other duties as assigned by the CDO.

Requirements

• 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including a track record of successful major gifts fundraising in California;
• Experience in nonprofit organizations with fundraising budgets of $3-5+ million annually; personally led on securing five-figure gifts or greater;
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred;
• Excellent and persuasive verbal and written communication skills;
• Self starter who thrives on meeting and learning about people and who is also a team player;
• Ability to map out complex cultivation plans and align donor interests with organizational needs;
• Outstanding relationship builder who thrives on connecting donors to the mission of the organization and providing them with an exceptional stewardship experience;
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Demonstrated commitment to best practices in major giving cultivation and stewardship;
• Succeeds in a dynamic, sometimes high pressure environment — comfortable pivoting to meet new opportunities while paying attention to ongoing priorities and details;
• Enthusiastic and collaborative self-starter;
• Conscious collaborator and active listener; 
• Comfortable and effective working remotely;
• Experience with a CRM database (e.g. Every Action);
• Experience with project management software (e.g. Asana);
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to helping to build an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and included;
• Demonstrates highest levels of integrity and committed to following the science;
• Passionate about addressing the climate crisis and securing accelerated, equitable climate policies; and
• Must live in California - ideally located in SF Bay Area or Los Angeles.

If you are passionate about The Climate Center’s mission and think you have what it takes to be successful in this role, even if you don't check all the boxes, please apply. We'd appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Salary Range and Benefits

The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $102,000. Benefits include: 

• Paid vacation of 3 weeks per year to start
• 9 scheduled holidays and 2 floating holidays 
• Paid sick leave of 13 days per year
• Additional paid time off between Christmas and New Years Day
• Medical, Dental and Vision (100% employee premium and 50% dependent premium paid by The Climate Center)
• 401k retirement savings with annual employer match, budget permitting
• 9/72 work weeks (every other Friday off)
• Annual wellness stipend
• Home office support 
• Flexible Spending Account

At The Climate Center, we care about and support each other in the workplace setting. We also recognize that each employee has a whole life that includes time outside of work. The Climate Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or genetics. We value diversity and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. 

To Apply

Please apply online. Required for consideration is a cover letter explaining your qualifications and interest in making a difference on climate change through fundraising along with a resume and writing sample. Three to five references will be required for applicants moving beyond the first interview. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials no later than March 23. The position will remain open until filled. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you!

REQUIRED QUESTIONS AS PART OF APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Why do you want to work for The Climate Center? 
• What is your minimum salary requirement? 
• Do you live in California? If no, would you be willing to relocate?