Deputy Director of Philanthropy

Are you a dynamic, accomplished fundraiser and relationship-builder wanting to make a difference on climate change? We are looking for a driven, collaborative, enthusiastic, entrepreneurial and experienced philanthropy professional. The ideal candidate has a successful track record and existing donor relationships in the greater Los Angeles region to build financial support for The Climate Center’s urgent goals. The Deputy Director of Philanthropy is a seasoned development professional who is passionate about making a difference on climate change, quick to understand donors’ motivations, and able to communicate in ways that influence and motivate. S/he/they is based out of and serves primarily in the greater Los Angeles region. Working together closely with staff and board leadership, we will secure the funds needed to enact accelerated, equitable climate policy in California, catalyzing the nation and the world into greater action. 

Reports to: Director of Philanthropy

Also works closely with: CEO

Location: Based in the greater Los Angeles region

Office: Remote in the greater Los Angeles region

Status: Full-time with excellent benefits

Salary: $120,000 – $140,000 per year 

The Climate Center

The Climate Center is a climate and energy policy nonprofit working to rapidly reduce climate pollution at scale, starting in California. We are a think-tank, do-tank working to turn bold ideas into action for a climate-safe future. We know that as goes California, so goes the world.  

We believe in vibrant, healthy communities. We envision a future where everyone in California enjoys clean air and water, renewable and reliable energy, healthy food, thriving nature, and more. California has the tools and know-how to make this vision a reality — if our elected leaders act with the urgency the climate crisis demands. California must put policies in place as soon as possible for accelerated, equitable climate action, putting us on track to remove more climate pollution than we emit while securing resilient communities for all by 2030 or as soon thereafter as possible. That’s how we’ll keep our communities safe from worsening climate disasters, create millions of family-sustaining jobs, protect our environment, and give everyone the chance to thrive in the clean energy economy. 

Since our founding in 2001, The Climate Center has been dedicated to making climate solutions a reality in California at speed and scale. We partner with business, local government, environmental and environmental justice organizations, labor and others to deliver the equitable climate solutions that science demands. We pride ourselves in having a supportive and collaborative organizational team culture. 

Duties & Responsibilities

The Climate Center is powered by smart, ambitious, strategic, caring people with a bold Strategic Plan. Philanthropy is what makes our uniquely valuable work happen. In this role, you will join a dynamic leadership team working every day with a sense of urgency, commensurate with the rapidly worsening climate crisis. 

Your primary goal as Deputy Director of Philanthropy will be to expand The Climate Center’s donor base in the greater Los Angeles region. You will develop and implement strategies to cultivate, solicit and retain current major donors and recruit new major donor prospects. You will develop and manage an active portfolio of 70-100+ major gift donors. In addition, responsibilities include the cultivation and stewardship of current foundation and business supporters as well recruiting new foundation and business prospects working closely with other team members. Your cultivation of business support will also bolster our efforts to enact climate policies in Sacramento. 

Working closely with the Director of Philanthropy and the CEO, the Deputy Director of Philanthropy works in the greater Los Angeles region to:

• Plan, execute, and manage all phases of a comprehensive and well-coordinated major gifts annual program focusing on a portfolio of 70-100+ active and prospective donors to secure gifts starting at 4-5 figures
• Build a strategy for a major donor pipeline to cultivate annual donors giving 5-6 figure gifts
• Plan and implement strategies to acquire, retain, and upgrade donor gifts to achieve fundraising goals
• Maintain comprehensive donor records in our CRM (EveryAction) working with the Development Manager, complying with our donor privacy policies and utilizing provided tools to report out on progress
• Identify and cultivate foundation supporters in the region working with the grant writer; assist in grant writing and identification of new grant opportunities
• Cultivate and expand our business network in the greater Los Angeles region, and assist in the planning and coordination of the statewide Business Network
• Coordinate planning and manage execution and follow up of funder related events and donor recognition activities
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of The Climate Center’s strategies and programmatic work in order to effectively communicate verbally and in writing our mission-impactful work; attend meetings and events (virtual primarily) to stay informed on programmatic priorities, activities and impacts
• Maintain records and notes of all funder meetings in The Climate Center data base in a timely manner
• Prepare and present regular reports on progress towards fundraising goals for both internal and external audiences
• Contribute to the development of donor communications, newsletters, and annual report
• Meet regularly with the Director of Philanthropy, the Development Team, the Board Development Committee and others as appropriate
• Assist in the creation of fundraising-related print, digital and social media content
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 7-10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, including a track record of successful major gifts fundraising in the greater Los Angeles region
• Experience with nonprofit organizations with fundraising budgets of at least $3-5+ million annually; personally led on securing gifts of 5-6 figures
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Outstanding relationship builder who thrives in connecting donors to the mission of the organization and providing them with an exceptional stewardship experience
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Experience realizing successful special events
• Demonstrated commitment to best practices in major giving cultivation and stewardship.
• Thrives in a dynamic, sometimes high pressure environment —comfortable pivoting to meet new opportunities while paying attention to priorities and details
• Enthusiastic, entrepreneurial leader 
• Self starter with the capacity to work independently and effectively while also being a team player and providing leadership to the team
• Conscious collaborator and active listener 
• Comfortable and effective working remotely
• Experience with a CRM database
• Experience in brand management and marketing preferred
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to helping to build an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and included
• Commitment to the belief that change is possible, we do what’s necessary, not politically feasible, share knowledge freely, and follow the science
• Passionate about addressing the climate crisis and securing accelerated, equitable climate policies

The Deputy Director of Philanthropy will partner with the Director of Philanthropy, CEO, staff, board members, and volunteers. 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 $120,000-$140,000. 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
• Medical, Dental and Vision (100% employee premium and 50% dependent premium paid by The Climate Center)
• 401k retirement savings with annual match, budget permitting
• 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 (https://theclimatecenter.bamboohr.com/careers/35). Required for consideration are a cover letter explaining your interest in making a difference on climate change through fundraising and qualifications along with a resume and writing sample. Three to five references will be required after the first interview. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit materials by June 21, 2024. The position will remain open until filled. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. Thank you!