Development Associate

Global Choices is a small, science-driven and innovative international USA 501 c 3 non-profit. We are an all women team of eight, decentralized with our main office in Aspen and a satellite office in London, working on specific risks posed by climate change,

Our primary focus is the polar regions, in particular the Arctic as it is warming 4x to 7x faster than anywhere else on Earth. The consequences of letting this climate stabilizing system collapse are catastrophic, and yet global leaders have been complicit thus far.  GC is advancing exciting, innovative solutions to protect the Arctic Sea ice shield in the Central Arctic Ocean (CAO), and to raise the Ice Crisis to the top of the global agenda. Programs are strategic engagements and include innovative legal work, the Arctic Legal Défense Fund; the young women climate leaders’ network, the Arctic Angels, now in 37 countries; the Arctic Ice Force, a public-facing grassroots mobilization; economic studies, and high- level advocacy, all designed to work in synergy to actualize a 10-year Moratorium in the CAO.  This Moratorium is a pre-emptive precautionary pause on oil and gas exploitation, deep seabed mining, radioactive waste dumping and other harmful activities. 

We work at the local, national and international levels with government representatives, elected officials, and influencers.  We have notable patrons, a diverse Advisor Board and a broad range of Partnerships.  www.globalchoices.org

Job Responsibilities 

• Provide development leadership
• Design, implement and execute annual fundraising plan, including budgets and related income targets 
• Manage grant writing and identification of new grant opportunities
• Have in place existing networks and contacts into family offices/foundations Manage portfolio of donors: network, cultivate and maintain regular contact with donors
• Manage accurate grant accounting supported by our Administrator and ensure donor reports are submitted in accordance with grant requirements.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors and Advisors to leverage their contacts
• Prepare and present quarterly reports to the Board of Directors on progress towards fundraising goals 
• Consult closely with the GC team and be able to work across multiple program platforms to understand the needs and opportunities related to program strategic plans
• Plan and execute special fundraising events
• Generate donor communications, newsletters, and contribute to the annual report. 
• Assist in creation of print, digital and social media and with fundraising – related content. 
• Understand the value of brand alignments and commercial partnerships.
• Monitor and analyse fundraising results in alignment with IUCN HQ to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed
• Prepare briefings, business intelligence on philanthropic trends and donor profiles for senior leadership and the Board of Trustees as needed

Requirements and Skills 

• Self – motivated
• A passion for environment, conservation, sustainable development
• Existing networks and contacts into family offices/foundations in place
• Applied understanding of fundraising principles and development best practices 
• Strong prospect identification and qualification skills 
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading ability – attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal, verbal communication, and presentation skills 
• Database development and management, and spreadsheet proficiency
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Experience with online fundraising, list maintenance, email marketing, and internet research

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree preferred or demonstratable equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years of fundraising or non-profit experience in the environmental, conservation and climate change space
• Previous management experience a plus 
• Proven track record of meeting fundraising goals and securing major gifts 
• Freedom to travel if necessary to donor meetings and networking events where needed

Hours & Benefits 

• This role is a self-employed, independent contractor position
• 80-120 hrs per month
• Flexibility to work from home
• Opportunity to travel
• Paid vacation over Christmas and Thanksgiving Holidays