Vote Solar works at the state level to repower the U.S. with clean energy by making solar power more accessible and affordable through effective policy advocacy. Our ultimate goal is to maximize solar deployment in order to build a 100% clean energy system that puts the interests, health, and well-being of people at its center. We are a non-profit organization with headquarters in Oakland, CA and regional offices in Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, North Carolina, Utah, and Washington, D.C.

Vote Solar is searching for a seasoned, collaborative, and strategic Director of Leadership Gifts to join our enthusiastic, growing and results-driven team working at the forefront of the fight against climate change. This position will focus on building out and implementing a fundraising strategy for our leadership and mid-level gifts program. This includes stewardship and cultivation of current leadership donors, including management of a well-established Leadership Council, and significant time prospecting and building a pipeline of mid-level donors. This is an exciting opportunity to shape a young individual gifts program that has a solid base and lots of opportunities. This position could be based in the Bay Area, New York City or Washington D.C, with an expectation of occasional travel (25%).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and develop a portfolio of current, lapsed and prospective donors, deepening relationships in person, over the phone, and in writing.
• Meet with donors and prospects across the country. Engage donors and prospects at events and other venues as part of the cultivation process.
• Develop and support identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for Vote Solar’s Executive Director, other key staff and board members.
• Oversee Leadership Council activities and communications – including coordinating meetings and agendas, stewarding and soliciting members, and coordinating annual outreach calendar.
• Oversee the execution of regular donor prospecting and cultivation events (expectation of 1-2 annually), working closely with staff and board members.
• Write persuasive and personalized emails, letters, reports and proposals to donors and prospects, including in-depth descriptions of our programs and role in environmental advocacy and politics.
• Manage high-level planning to help set fundraising, stewardship, and programmatic goals.
• Work collaboratively with development, communications, and program staff to develop compelling materials and talking points to maximize fundraising results.
• Ensure donor records are current with all necessary and pertinent information, and input contacts and actions into the donor database in a timely manner. Work with development staff to ensure that pledges are documented, received, and stewarded appropriately.
• Maintain a working knowledge of Vote Solar’s mission and programs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

PREFERRED SKILLSET

• Experience in all aspects of major gifts with a proven record of success.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem solving skills.
• Comfortable working independently and as a member of a larger team.
• Well organized, detail-oriented and proven experience in securing major gifts.
• Must be able to prioritize multiple assignments and be able to handle complex tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Good public speaking skills and the ability to represent Vote Solar in a variety of settings.
• Demonstrated strength in relationship cultivation and management.
• Flexibility with work schedule; this position does require occasional evening and weekend work, as well as travel.
• Ability to track and translate complex program work for communications with a variety of audiences.
• Solid MS Office Suite and database management skills.
• Interest in clean energy, racial justice, and equity, and/or meaningful social change.

REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 7+ years donor development experience including significant experience working with major gifts, with a successful track record of closing gifts

POSITION DETAILS

This is a full-time position with flexibility around the location, with a preference for location in NYC, Washington D.C or Oakland, CA. Vote Solar currently has staff workspaces in Oakland, Washington D.C., Denver/Boulder, Chicago, and Boston.

Vote Solar’s organizational culture values humor, kindness, and respect in interpersonal relationships, working hard and effectively, and a passion for winning. Vote Solar is an equal opportunity employer that seeks to expand the diversity of its staff. We strongly encourage leaders of color, women and those who identify as LGBTQ to apply.