Ascento AG, supporting Climate Defiance Action, is hiring a Director of Development to build and deepen donor relationships, enhance organizational capacity, and help expand its work and impact. This pivotal role involves managing a portfolio of current and prospective donors, establishing systems for the major donor program, and directly managing a development team member.

What You'll Do

Develop and lead plans to build the individual donor program, with an emphasis on securing four and five-figure gifts.
Manage a portfolio of 75+ current and prospective donors, engaging them through in-person, phone, video, and email updates.
Identify new donors through Climate Defiance's events, supporter database, and other avenues.
Manage the development team member, supporting their event planning and major gifts responsibilities with training and ongoing guidance.
Support the Executive Director with fundraising, including preparing for high-value donor conversations and asks.
Develop systems to effectively cultivate, steward, and track donor relationships.
Create strategies for engaging high-capacity prospects.
Engage with attendees from VIP events to set up meetings and facilitate introductions.
Maintain the donor database, drive a strong donor management system, and track and analyze trends.
Contribute to small donor fundraising strategies.
Provide support as needed for other organizational initiatives, such as staff recruitment.
Participate actively on the leadership team, providing strategic input.
Travel regularly to cities for donor meetings and events, estimated at 35-50% of your time.

What We're Looking For

At least 11 years of work experience with a significant background in development and individual giving programs, preferably in a nonprofit.
Passion for addressing the climate crisis.
Proven experience carrying a portfolio of individual donors and success in managing and growing that portfolio.
A track record of successfully securing gifts up to and including 5-figures.
Strong understanding of how to cultivate and nurture meaningful, long-term relationships with donors.
Experience playing a key role in scaling up a major donor program.
Success in identifying new high-capacity prospects, including related research.
Comfort and excitement to travel frequently for donor events and meetings.
Some experience with small donor fundraising.
A results-driven, entrepreneurial mindset, excited to join a fast-paced setting.

Nice to Have

Experience working in an advocacy, grassroots organizing, or campaign setting.
Fundraising experience specifically for environmental issues, including climate change.

Team & Environment

You will manage a development team member and coordinate closely with the Executive Director.

Benefits & Compensation

Salary: $80,000.
Unlimited vacation time, with 20 days plus Christmas week encouraged.
Group health care coverage.
401(k) with a 7% employer contribution.

Work Mode

This role is based locally within the United States.

Climate Defiance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We uphold a policy of non-discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or medical condition. We are dedicated to fostering a diverse team.