Flexible

Associate Director, Institutional Giving, Institute for Sustainable Communities

The Organization

Since 1991, the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) has led more than 118 transformative community-driven sustainability projects in 30 countries including the United States, China, India, and Bangladesh. ISC helps unleash the existing power of local people and institutions to address immediate social, economic, and environmental challenges and opportunities – all building those on-the-ground solutions into national and international best practices and policy. At the heart while of the organization’s approach is results-focused, authentic, and pragmatic engagement with all stakeholders, which unearths locally-driven and equitable solutions to the biggest challenge we face – global climate change.

Position Overview

The Institute for Sustainable Communities is seeking an experienced Associate Director to manage donor support from foundations, governments, and corporations; craft high-quality written products for fundraising and outreach purposes; and play a key leadership role in a five-person development team. The Associate Director for Institutional Giving is responsible for identifying and developing new opportunities with corporate, foundation, and government donors for ISC’s programs, currently focused in South and Southeast Asia, and the United States. The position oversees aspects of program design and proposal development from background research to proposal writing and timely submission. This includes researching, positioning, writing, and producing competitive proposals that will increase ISC’s funding and programs in Asia and the US. The position also supports monitoring, evaluation and learning, and coordinates closely with ISC’s leadership, Country Directors, and staff.

The successful candidate will be motivated by the organization’s mission, that of its partners, and by embedding equity in climate change and sustainability policy and investments. The Associate Director for Institutional Giving will have the opportunity to shape the direction of new international initiatives at the critical intersection of climate action and equity, advancing climate justice in countries that are among the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

More specifically, the Associate Director will:

  • With the Vice President for Development, design and execute the annual and long-range fundraising plan for institutional giving. This includes developing strategy, goals, agendas, and other collateral materials as needed, and providing leadership in the preparation of all background/briefing material.
  • Manage a portfolio of foundation donors, including many of the organization’s largest donors; develop solicitation and stewardship strategies; and maintain a schedule of contacts with foundation representatives. Support the President and vice presidents with outreach and engagement strategies to maintain and increase grant revenue.
  • Collaborate closely with the Vice President of International Programs and the Vice President for US Programs to identify, shape, and advance ISC’s organization-wide fundraising strategies and opportunities.
  • Identify opportunities, analyze, gather intelligence, and conduct outreach to pinpoint mission-aligned program funding opportunities for ISC.
  • Lead, manage and support state-of-the-art project design, writing and production of proposal submissions, letters of interest, concept papers, informational materials, and supervise ISC cross-organization staff or contractors performing these functions.
  • Collaborate with the executive team to pursue new opportunities in foundations and government fundraising, including researching and building strategies for outreach. Prepare leadership team and other key program staff for meetings with foundation donors and prospects; and participate in donor meetings as appropriate. Work with the development team to strategize customized communications and touch points with top donors.
  • Provide input on equity and inclusion strategies to build the capacity of local leaders to tackle environmental, social and economic climate change and sustainability solutions, and increase the knowledge of current and prospective funders regarding the centrality of equity and community inclusion to climate change and sustainability solutions.
  • Work with the Vice President of Development to maintain foundation revenue projections and expense tracking. Deliver timely and efficient updates to ISC’s departments, and maintain regular updates in Salesforce.
  • Coordinate donor meetings and networking to gather intelligence and strengthen relationships with key ISC donors and champions, and represent ISC in identifying and cultivating new donor and partnership opportunities.
  • Prepare and collaborate with ISC’s Communications team on communications, developing materials, messaging, and implementation of strategies.
  • Keep abreast of ISC’s work, and participate actively in program team meetings, brown bags, and other report backs, with a view to capture the latest and most interesting developments for inclusion in proposals. Once travel opportunities become available (all travel is currently halted), travel will be available, and sometimes necessary, to remain immersed in programmatic content.
  • Provide support to the Vice President of Development, acting in a leadership capacity to implement the department strategic plan, chair meetings, and provide direction and support to staff.
  • Work closely with development leadership to oversee the creation of fundraising materials for individual prospects and donors.
  • Facilitate the successful transition between program design and program execution for the startup of newly awarded programs. Provide guidance in preparation of project reports.
  • Other duties as assigned, including for key development events.

ISC seeks a dynamic professional who demonstrates the following attributes:

  • Eight or more years of international experience in fundraising, analytical, and strategic roles within the development and/or private sector, ideally including experience in urban sustainability, climate change, energy, supply chain management, community development, or engagement of marginalized communities.
  • Proven track record in successful fundraising, business and/or program development.
  • Politically astute, tactful, with demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse staff across an institution.
  • Values and strives to demonstrate the values of equity, diversity and inclusion.
  • Strong equity acumen and the ability to articulate what equity means in climate change work.
  • Analytical, strategic thinker, with clear and informative communications and writing skills.
  • Solid understanding of budgets and financials for proposals and reports.
  • Socially and interpersonally adaptable and comfortable in a multicultural environment.
  • Demonstrated organization, efficiency, and timeliness in project management and delivery, meeting planning and facilitation.
  • Effective and independent when working on global teams, with multiple priorities and deliverables, while paying strict attention to deadlines and details.
  • Ability to lead and to manage complex global initiatives across diverse geographies and functions.
  • Strong entrepreneurial drive, motivation and the ability to identify creative solutions.
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex issues, develop business opportunities with donors, and inform diverse audiences and stakeholder groups.
  • Work experience in Asia is desired.
  • Availability to travel domestically and internationally to meet with donors.
  • Commitment to ISC’s mission and goals.

Working Conditions

Office or work from home environment. Flexible hours required due to different time zones. Post-COVID international travel required up to 30%.

ISC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workplace. People from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

How To Apply

Visit https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/454425/ to submit your cover letter and resume.

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