Development Manager

People in discussion in the lobby of a Climate One event

Are you an innovator who is passionate about finding solutions to the climate crisis?

Do you love to build systems and protocols that support an organization’s strategic growth? 

Do you have experience supporting effective fundraising programs that engage a diversity of fans and donors who share a commitment to a cause? 

Are you a self-starter comfortable rolling up your sleeves to manage all aspects of a program – from streamlining efficiencies to harnessing the latest tools to engaging directly with donors to inspire connection and deeper financial investment? 

Then we’re looking for you!

Climate One, the premier platform for the conversation about the climate emergency, is searching for an entrepreneurial self-starter to serve as our Development Manager. 

Cultivating and growing Climate One’s dedicated donor base is primary. The Development Manager position is fundamental to this priority and will report directly to the Managing Director. 

About Climate One 

We believe that addressing the climate crisis begins by talking about it. But talking is only one half of the conversation. What we also need is listening. That is why we seek to bridge ideological divides and find common ground to build respectful civil discourse that is needed to implement solutions.

Through our podcast, national radio show and live convenings for thought leaders and concerned members of the public, we create opportunities for dialogue and inspire a more complete understanding of the current crisis. We envision a world where a clear-eyed awareness of the climate crisis shapes decisions ranging from personal behavior to public policy, and where the full spectrum of humanity’s wisdom, talent and expertise is marshaled toward the well-being of all life on Earth. 

Founded in 2007 at The Commonwealth Club World Affairs, a non-profit and non-partisan organization, Climate One has grown into a multi-platform public forum leader reaching 170,000 weekly listeners through our podcast and radio programs, with hundreds of thousands more engaged online. Our live programs are extended through creative digital programming for national and international coverage. We recently expanded our editorial, management and marketing staff and will increase fundraising capacity by hiring a Development Manager to play a critical role ensuring Climate One’s financial health as it nears its 20th anniversary.  

What you will do once here: 

The Development Manager will apply their technical, entrepreneurial, and collaborative skills to Climate One’s fundraising effort and help grow Climate One’s organizational capacity. The Development Manager will join a dynamic, multi-functional staff and serve as a key partner to the Managing Director. The Development Manager will work closely with the marketing and communications team to ensure Climate One’s financial success. 

The position offers advancement opportunities for an enterprising individual who brings creativity and passion to expand our donor portfolio.

This is an exempt, full-time position based in San Francisco with a hybrid work environment requiring some time in the office for in-person meetings and evening public programs. This position will have a two-year contract designed to meet key benchmarks with potential for renewal beyond two years, plus leadership advancement. 

Responsibilities include:

Fundraising:

  • Develop and oversee Climate One’s annual fundraising timeline, ensuring timely donor stewardship communications, outreach and follow up actions are met.   
  • Provide high-quality customer service and problem solving by responding to donor questions and concerns. Follow up with donors in a timely manner by mail, phone, and email.
  • Draft and review donor stewardship communications such as letters of interest, funding proposals and grant reports
  • Optimize and conduct donor prospect research using iWave or similar tool
  • Partner with Communications Manager to ensure donor communications are closely linked to Climate One’s overall communications strategy 
  • Partner with Managing Director and Executive Producer to develop and implement donor engagement and growth strategy    

Finance and database management: 

  • Track philanthropic funding (e.g. foundation grants, individual donors, corporate sponsorships) and earned revenue (e.g. podcast advertising, event ticket sales) 
  • Innovate ‘best-use’ practices to update and optimize Salesforce CRM with donor activity and Campaign Monitor for targeted email communications
  • Provide accurate fundraising reports and track fundraising trends
  • Coordinate with Commonwealth Club World Affairs’ Development and Finance team to ensure streamlined gift processing and acknowledgment 

Event support:

  • Support with set up, greeting, refreshments, and other tasks during Climate One’s live recording programs and donor events 
  • As needed, pitch in with Commonwealth Club World Affairs’ annual gala and other fundraising activities 

General support:

  • Conduct research and prepare briefing material as may be requested
  • Perform other tasks in support of Climate One’s activities as needed

Required Qualifications 

  • A minimum of 3 years’ experience in fundraising and development, preferably at a nonprofit organization
  • Demonstrated project management skills, including ability to prioritize tasks and follow through to completion 
  • Superior organization skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
  • Cooperative spirit and ability to work collaboratively
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and shift priorities quickly to meet deadlines
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to manage situations with confidence and tact
  • Ability to work with a variety of constituents and maintain sensitivity and confidentiality
  • Familiarity with Salesforce or similar CRM platform, iWave or similar wealth-screen tool, and Campaign Monitor or similar email marketing platform
  • Fluency in digital productivity and collaboration tools  

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university 
  • Basic graphic design skills  
  • Experience in event design and implementation    
  • Knowledge about climate, energy, and environment and the related philanthropic sector 

Benefits and Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of $75,000 - $85,000, depending on experience. Commonwealth Club World Affairs offers generous benefits, including health, dental and vision coverage as well as life and AD&D insurance for employees, and a 401(K) plan. Other benefits include a generous holiday and time off policy, and membership to the YMCA of San Francisco. 

Process and Timeline 

Please email a resume and letter of interest to jenny@climateone.org with the subject line “Development Manager” and include your name in any attachments. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Deadline for application is Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Candidates who meet qualifications will go through an initial phone screen. Those selected to advance will be asked to complete a short, written assignment and will be invited to a one-hour virtual interview with the hiring committee. Finalists will be asked to meet with the Executive Producer and Managing Director in person at the Commonwealth Club World Affairs office.  

The Commonwealth Club World Affairs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Inclusion and respect are core values of Climate One. Our small team enjoys working together and is treated fairly. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, national origin, age, disability status or care-giver status. We encourage applications from individuals who contribute to the organization’s diversity.