Managing Director, Development

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Managing Director, Development based in the United States.

This is a senior fundraising leadership role responsible for shaping and driving the organization’s development strategy and revenue growth.

You will work closely with executive leadership to translate organizational priorities into actionable fundraising plans.

The role combines major donor engagement, strategic stewardship, revenue forecasting, events, and development operations.

You will build and strengthen relationships with high-value supporters while identifying new opportunities for revenue diversification and growth.

As a member of the Core Leadership team, you will provide strategic guidance across messaging, positioning, events, and donor communications.

You will also lead and develop the development function, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven, politically engaged organization working to advance climate and clean energy solutions.

Accountabilities

• Serve as a principal driver of fundraising and development performance, establishing clear strategies and measurable goals for organizational revenue and donor engagement.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term fundraising strategies focused on revenue growth, donor stewardship, major gifts, and diversification of funding sources.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with major donors and key supporters through consistent outreach, meetings, communications, and donor events.
• Partner closely with executive and organizational leadership on development strategy, messaging, marketing, events, branding, positioning, and donor engagement.
• Lead the creation, writing, editing, and oversight of donor-facing materials, including proposals, grant reports, and strategic fundraising communications.
• Own fundraising and revenue projections, working closely with Finance to maintain accurate forecasts, support budget planning, and consistently track performance against benchmarks.
• Lead fundraising initiatives across internal teams, external stakeholders, and contractors, ensuring coordinated execution and strong donor experiences.
• Represent the organization at donor meetings, fundraising events, speaking engagements, and other external opportunities.
• Build, manage, mentor, and develop the Development team as appropriate, including setting performance expectations and supporting professional growth.
• Manage the Development team budget and allocate resources effectively to maximize fundraising impact.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, donor diversification, and stronger development practices while staying informed about relevant trends and best practices.

Requirements

• 10+ years of relevant experience in direct fundraising and development, preferably within nonprofit or political organizations.
• At least 5 years of people and/or project management experience, including leadership of departments, diverse teams, and complex initiatives.
• Proven experience working effectively with senior executives and Board-level stakeholders.
• Demonstrated track record of raising more than $10 million annually.
• Strong understanding of the political landscape, particularly issues related to climate justice, climate policy, and clean energy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling fundraising materials and communicate effectively with donors and senior stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, including the capacity to manage competing priorities, navigate complex issues, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect organizational goals with practical fundraising strategies and measurable outcomes.
• Strong relationship-building, influencing, and stakeholder-management skills, particularly with high-value donors and executive audiences.
• Commitment to staying current on fundraising trends, development best practices, and emerging opportunities.
• Candidates based in New York City or Washington, DC are preferred, though the role is open to candidates anywhere in the United States.

Benefits

• Annual salary ranging from $175,100 to $209,090, based on years of relevant experience and a structured salary-step system.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, with premiums fully covered for employees and 50% covered for dependents.
• Unlimited paid time off, including every other Friday and extended summer, fall, and winter breaks.
• 401(k) plan with a 5% employer match.
• Education assistance, including a student loan repayment program.
• Sabbatical leave.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Monthly technology allowance.
• Cell phone stipend.
• Work-from-home stipend for home office furniture.
• Treat Yourself Funds.
• Remote-first work environment available throughout the United States.
• Flexible work arrangements, with standard availability Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. EST, plus evenings and weekends as required by organizational needs.
• Occasional travel, typically approximately 3-4 times per year.
• Paid skills assessment for candidates who advance to that stage of the hiring process.
• Commitment to an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace with reasonable accommodations available throughout the hiring process.