Jobs

Development Officer, Foundations

Office: California

Location: Oakland, CA

Department: Development

Job Type: Full Time

Earthjustice has an opening for a Development Officer, Foundations. 

The Foundations Development Officer is one of a four-person foundation relations team, which raises approximately one-fifth (currently $5.6 million) of Earthjustice’s organizational budget. The Foundations Development Officer raises grant support for particular regional offices and programs, as assigned, handling a portfolio of foundations (approximately 30 donors plus prospects) that collectively grant more than $1 million. The person in this position works closely with program managers, attorneys, communications staff, board members, and the entire development team to determine effective strategies for meeting foundation revenue goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Foundation Solicitation and Relationship Development:

• Achieve foundation revenue goals as specified in the annual work plan.
• Ensure growth of donor base by identifying, researching, and cultivating potential sources of foundation support.
• Research foundation guidelines and giving histories and, when possible, talk to informed allies to determine best approach for Earthjustice solicitation. Monitor program developments at relevant foundations.
• Engage in personal contact with foundation staff and trustees as needed to develop strong institutional relationships and effective solicitations.
• Work closely with Earthjustice attorneys and communication staff to develop and submit the highest quality letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and reports to foundations.
• Write and submit timely gift acknowledgement letters.
• Develop project budgets and financial reports in collaboration with program and accounting staff.
• Monitor and meet foundation proposal and reporting deadlines in coordination with attorneys' schedules.
• Identify and develop opportunities for personal communication between foundation contacts and Earthjustice staff and trustees, such as personal meetings, invitations to events, program update briefings, and letters.

Program Knowledge and Communication

• Follow issues related to Earthjustice litigation and remain conversant in the work of relevant Earthjustice regional offices or programs. Track daily environmental news reports and keep updated files of information on a wide array of environmental issues. 
• Develop a working knowledge of Earthjustice's past accomplishments and current programs and budget.
• Track the status of legal cases and programs through ongoing conversations with program staff.

General Responsibilities:

• Participate in the preparation of foundation revenue estimates for the annual budget.
• Develop and implement an individual work plan to meet revenue goals.
• Periodically provide revenue re-projections based on actual year-to-date performance.
• Collaborate with development staff on donor cultivation activities, site visits, and special events; share program information with development staff as needed.  
• Maintain current and accurate hardcopy and computer database records to track foundation relations.
• Attend departmental and organizational retreats for shared planning, team building, and professional development.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to represent Earthjustice at appropriate conferences and meetings.
• Additional duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required. 
• Three years successful experience in foundation fund raising.  Knowledge of foundations that emphasize environmental giving a plus.
• Ability to synthesize complex material, translate it into compelling text, and communicate it clearly and succinctly.
• Ability to develop successful proposals and other materials independently and creatively.
• Ability to build and interpret a program budget.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including telephone communication.
• Ability to prioritize work and to perform effectively under the pressure of multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including the public, foundation staff, and in-house staff.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Interest in environmental and public health concerns.
• Legal and/or environmental background preferred.
• This position requires occasional travel.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required.