Senior Director of Major Gifts
Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Senior Director of Major Gifts
The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions is seeking a Senior Director of Major Gifts to lead fundraising from individual and family foundation donors in Washington, DC. This role involves collaborating with senior staff to build sustainable support, identify funding opportunities, and enhance donor communications. The director will initially supervise one direct report and is expected to expand the team over time to improve fundraising efforts.
About C2ES Our mission is to secure a safe and stable climate by accelerating the transition to a thriving, just, and resilient low‑carbon economy.
C2ES is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves as an influential voice on climate issues, a trusted convener, and a credible source of expertise and analysis.
We work closely with international climate negotiators, federal, state, and local policymakers, executives of Fortune 500 businesses, and a wide range of other stakeholders to advance strong policy and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts.
Organizational Values We are ambitious and practical; we are open‑minded and inclusive; we are people‑focused, and we work as one team, communicating openly and treating one another with kindness and respect.
Position Summary The Senior Director of Major Gifts will lead the fundraising effort from individual and family foundation donors. They will partner with senior program staff, the CEO, and the VP for Development to seek strategic philanthropic investments in C2ES’s work and build long‑term, sustainable, and growing general support for the organization, as well as investments in our program priorities.
They will leverage their exceptional knowledge of the funding landscape to identify and build new relationships and position C2ES as an indispensable partner to funders in addition to building on strong existing funding relationships. Over time, as needed to support the growth and effectiveness of our fundraising effort, the Senior Director will be charged with building a team reflective of and responsive to a high‑performing, nimble, entrepreneurial organization.
As a key collaborator with program staff across the organization, the Senior Director will provide advice and input to hone organizational and program strategies that reflect C2ES’s strengths and leadership in the global climate mitigation and resilience space and anticipate synergies with emerging funding opportunities.
As a fundamental part of the success of the fundraising effort, they will also lead the donor communications function—developing the systems, content and strategy for keeping our donors up to date and engaged in our work while stewarding their investments in the organization. This will require close collaboration across our program teams and with the Communications team to ensure we are getting timely news out to our donors and leveraging other opportunities (webinars, events, and other learning forums) effectively.
This role will initially supervise one direct report: the Board Liaison, who helps to set strategy for engaging our Board of Trustees. Over time, in line with the organization’s needs, we intend to grow the team by adding new Major Gifts Officers, likely one or two in the coming 18 months, along with a dedicated donor communications role in 12‑24 months.
The position reports to the VP for Strategy & Development.
Major Responsibilities
Define fundraising goals, budgets, and projections for a portfolio of Major Gifts supporters in coordination with organizational and programmatic needs and targets, and chart a strategy to achieve those goals.
Collaborate with program and organizational leadership to develop long‑term fundraising strategies and implement effective cultivation and solicitation plans. Engage in program and strategic planning efforts with an eye toward positioning C2ES as a premier philanthropic investment.
Manage a portfolio of mid‑five to seven‑figure funding opportunities, ensuring that relationships are advanced through timely, compelling, and accurate proposals, reports, and other stewardship communications. Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals through effective collaboration with program and leadership teams.
Support the President and senior program staff for donor meetings, including arranging and scheduling meetings; developing tailored strategies and approaches; providing briefing notes, talking points, and other background materials; accompanying them when appropriate; and ensuring timely follow‑up, such as drafting thank‑you notes and preparing additional materials.
Lead the development and dissemination of timely, compelling donor materials, working proactively with the Communications team and program staff to identify opportunities for donor communication; developing and maintaining a calendar for planned communications; and drafting emails, letters to donors, and other communications for the President and, as appropriate, senior staff to send.
Assess the need for additional staffing and resources for the individual giving effort and engage in planning for the growth of the team in coordination with the VP for Development.
Systematize and enhance our donor stewardship efforts, ensuring regular, compelling, and strategic updates and engagement opportunities advance our relationships with donors across the giving pyramid.
Establish or refine systems, procedures and policies to mature C2ES’ fundraising process in line with best practices.
Contribute to building an inclusive, collaborative, and engaging culture as a leader within a growing and cohesive team.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion expectations:
Participate in monthly all‑staff meetings led by the staff Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council (JEDI‑C), which provide an opportunity to interact and learn about various DEI‑related topics.
Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Complete company training assigned during onboarding and on a yearly basis, including specialized training as relevant for management positions.
Minimum Qualifications
12‑15 years of progressive fundraising experience, working with leading funders in the environmental and/or climate philanthropic community.
Experience fundraising for policy‑related work, both domestic and international, and technology solutions preferred.
Proven ability to secure and manage multiple seven‑figure funding opportunities concurrently.
Extensive knowledge of the climate and/or clean energy funding landscape.
Desired Qualifications
Exceptional communication skills, with ability to translate technical material to non‑technical audiences and effectively communicate complex technical concepts when required.
Interdisciplinary understanding of climate/technology/energy issues (science, technology, economics, business, law, and policy).
Demonstrated ability to prioritize among and efficiently manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.
Flexibility, willingness to pitch in at all levels, and a team player.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently, as needed.
Commitment to, knowledge of, or experience in advancing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental/climate justice.
Master’s degree preferred.
Employment Status & Compensation Full‑time, benefits‑eligible; exempt from overtime. Reporting to the VP of Strategy & Development. Salary range: $150,000–$190,000.
Benefits Offered
Health insurance – C2ES covers 80% of the premiums.
Dental insurance – C2ES covers 100% of the total cost.
Vision insurance – employee covers the total cost.
Long‑ and short‑term disability.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Group life insurance and voluntary life insurance.
Leave time – new employees start with 3 weeks’ vacation per year; sick time up to 10 days per year; personal leave up to two days; FMLA leave evaluated case by case; parental leave 12 weeks paid.
Holiday schedule – C2ES observes several holidays; the organization closes the last week of the year.
5% C2ES contribution toward 403(b) retirement plan.
Hybrid and flexible environment.
Travel & Location Hybrid work environment from our main office in Washington, DC. Staff in the Washington metropolitan area are expected to be in the office three days per week. Remote applicants may be considered if they can attend week‑long quarterly all‑hands meetings in the Washington, DC metro area and fulfill fundraising travel requirements (approximately 2‑4 domestic trips each year, 1‑5 days each).
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice We are fully committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We believe we can only be effective in developing and advocating for climate solutions if we have a diverse range of voices and perspectives represented within C2ES, in our work, and among our partners. We encourage individuals of all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual identities, and abilities to apply for this position. For more on C2ES’s DEIJ policy, visit https://www.c2es.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-justice/.
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About C2ES Our mission is to secure a safe and stable climate by accelerating the transition to a thriving, just, and resilient low‑carbon economy.
C2ES is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves as an influential voice on climate issues, a trusted convener, and a credible source of expertise and analysis.
We work closely with international climate negotiators, federal, state, and local policymakers, executives of Fortune 500 businesses, and a wide range of other stakeholders to advance strong policy and action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote clean energy, and strengthen resilience to climate impacts.
Organizational Values We are ambitious and practical; we are open‑minded and inclusive; we are people‑focused, and we work as one team, communicating openly and treating one another with kindness and respect.
Position Summary The Senior Director of Major Gifts will lead the fundraising effort from individual and family foundation donors. They will partner with senior program staff, the CEO, and the VP for Development to seek strategic philanthropic investments in C2ES’s work and build long‑term, sustainable, and growing general support for the organization, as well as investments in our program priorities.
They will leverage their exceptional knowledge of the funding landscape to identify and build new relationships and position C2ES as an indispensable partner to funders in addition to building on strong existing funding relationships. Over time, as needed to support the growth and effectiveness of our fundraising effort, the Senior Director will be charged with building a team reflective of and responsive to a high‑performing, nimble, entrepreneurial organization.
As a key collaborator with program staff across the organization, the Senior Director will provide advice and input to hone organizational and program strategies that reflect C2ES’s strengths and leadership in the global climate mitigation and resilience space and anticipate synergies with emerging funding opportunities.
As a fundamental part of the success of the fundraising effort, they will also lead the donor communications function—developing the systems, content and strategy for keeping our donors up to date and engaged in our work while stewarding their investments in the organization. This will require close collaboration across our program teams and with the Communications team to ensure we are getting timely news out to our donors and leveraging other opportunities (webinars, events, and other learning forums) effectively.
This role will initially supervise one direct report: the Board Liaison, who helps to set strategy for engaging our Board of Trustees. Over time, in line with the organization’s needs, we intend to grow the team by adding new Major Gifts Officers, likely one or two in the coming 18 months, along with a dedicated donor communications role in 12‑24 months.
The position reports to the VP for Strategy & Development.
Major Responsibilities
Define fundraising goals, budgets, and projections for a portfolio of Major Gifts supporters in coordination with organizational and programmatic needs and targets, and chart a strategy to achieve those goals.
Collaborate with program and organizational leadership to develop long‑term fundraising strategies and implement effective cultivation and solicitation plans. Engage in program and strategic planning efforts with an eye toward positioning C2ES as a premier philanthropic investment.
Manage a portfolio of mid‑five to seven‑figure funding opportunities, ensuring that relationships are advanced through timely, compelling, and accurate proposals, reports, and other stewardship communications. Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals through effective collaboration with program and leadership teams.
Support the President and senior program staff for donor meetings, including arranging and scheduling meetings; developing tailored strategies and approaches; providing briefing notes, talking points, and other background materials; accompanying them when appropriate; and ensuring timely follow‑up, such as drafting thank‑you notes and preparing additional materials.
Lead the development and dissemination of timely, compelling donor materials, working proactively with the Communications team and program staff to identify opportunities for donor communication; developing and maintaining a calendar for planned communications; and drafting emails, letters to donors, and other communications for the President and, as appropriate, senior staff to send.
Assess the need for additional staffing and resources for the individual giving effort and engage in planning for the growth of the team in coordination with the VP for Development.
Systematize and enhance our donor stewardship efforts, ensuring regular, compelling, and strategic updates and engagement opportunities advance our relationships with donors across the giving pyramid.
Establish or refine systems, procedures and policies to mature C2ES’ fundraising process in line with best practices.
Contribute to building an inclusive, collaborative, and engaging culture as a leader within a growing and cohesive team.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion expectations:
Participate in monthly all‑staff meetings led by the staff Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Council (JEDI‑C), which provide an opportunity to interact and learn about various DEI‑related topics.
Demonstrate commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
Complete company training assigned during onboarding and on a yearly basis, including specialized training as relevant for management positions.
Minimum Qualifications
12‑15 years of progressive fundraising experience, working with leading funders in the environmental and/or climate philanthropic community.
Experience fundraising for policy‑related work, both domestic and international, and technology solutions preferred.
Proven ability to secure and manage multiple seven‑figure funding opportunities concurrently.
Extensive knowledge of the climate and/or clean energy funding landscape.
Desired Qualifications
Exceptional communication skills, with ability to translate technical material to non‑technical audiences and effectively communicate complex technical concepts when required.
Interdisciplinary understanding of climate/technology/energy issues (science, technology, economics, business, law, and policy).
Demonstrated ability to prioritize among and efficiently manage multiple priorities and meet critical deadlines.
Flexibility, willingness to pitch in at all levels, and a team player.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively and independently, as needed.
Commitment to, knowledge of, or experience in advancing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental/climate justice.
Master’s degree preferred.
Employment Status & Compensation Full‑time, benefits‑eligible; exempt from overtime. Reporting to the VP of Strategy & Development. Salary range: $150,000–$190,000.
Benefits Offered
Health insurance – C2ES covers 80% of the premiums.
Dental insurance – C2ES covers 100% of the total cost.
Vision insurance – employee covers the total cost.
Long‑ and short‑term disability.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Group life insurance and voluntary life insurance.
Leave time – new employees start with 3 weeks’ vacation per year; sick time up to 10 days per year; personal leave up to two days; FMLA leave evaluated case by case; parental leave 12 weeks paid.
Holiday schedule – C2ES observes several holidays; the organization closes the last week of the year.
5% C2ES contribution toward 403(b) retirement plan.
Hybrid and flexible environment.
Travel & Location Hybrid work environment from our main office in Washington, DC. Staff in the Washington metropolitan area are expected to be in the office three days per week. Remote applicants may be considered if they can attend week‑long quarterly all‑hands meetings in the Washington, DC metro area and fulfill fundraising travel requirements (approximately 2‑4 domestic trips each year, 1‑5 days each).
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice We are fully committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. We believe we can only be effective in developing and advocating for climate solutions if we have a diverse range of voices and perspectives represented within C2ES, in our work, and among our partners. We encourage individuals of all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexual identities, and abilities to apply for this position. For more on C2ES’s DEIJ policy, visit https://www.c2es.org/about/diversity-equity-inclusion-and-justice/.
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