earthspecies - Director of Development

• Fundraising strategy • Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy in support of organizational sustainability, with consideration given to funding from foundations, HNW individuals, in-kind donations and government and research grants. Work closely with the CEO and Operations teams to ensure we have a clear long-term view of financial resource requirements for the organization and are planning accordingly. • Work closely with the Development Manager to ensure ESP’s existing systems, processes and metrics are being fully leveraged to support scalable prospecting and relationship management, including CRM optimization and portfolio tracking. • Monitor pipeline health, conversion rates, and revenue projections; regularly report progress and insights to leadership and to ESP’s board. • Stay current on trends in philanthropy across science, AI, environment, and frontier research to inform prospecting and positioning. • Prospect Identification & Pipeline Development • Lead proactive identification, research, and qualification of new high-net-worth individual (HNWI) and foundation prospects. • Develop and execute individualized cultivation plans for top prospects, including briefings, meetings, events, and personalized communications. • Effectively leverage the networks of ESP’s board and leadership team and deep roster of high-value connectors to identify and access new prospects and funders. • Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and institutional funders, with an emphasis on first-time and early-stage relationships. • Identify, write, oversee, and refine high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, and reports that clearly and accurately articulate ESP’s scientific work, theory of change, and impact. • Partner with the Communications team to translate ESP’s complex, cutting-edge research in AI and animal communication into compelling, funder-ready narratives. • Donor Engagement & Stewardship • Ensure thoughtful, high-touch stewardship that builds trust and positions ESP for long-term philanthropic partnerships. • Lead the development of small in-person fundraising and stewardship events and coordinate and manage those events and subsequent follow-up. • Maintain Scientific & Programmatic Fluency • Develop and maintain a strong working understanding of ESP’s research agenda, methodologies, and long-term scientific goals. • Partner closely with researchers, program leadership, the Chief Science Officer (CSO), ESP’s co-founder and the CEO to shape funder narratives rooted in scientific rigor and credibility. • Explore joint fundraising opportunities with scientific and programmatic partners. • Management and Cross-Functional Leadership • Lead and nurture a small team of fundraising professionals to ensure we have the infrastructure and human resources in place to deliver on our fundraising goals. • Operate as a productive member of ESP’s leadership team, providing regular reporting to the group on development team functioning • Act as a role model for organizational culture • Support the identification and proactive management of organizational risks and opportunities as they relate to development. • Proven track record (7+ years) raising $10M+ annually in a nonprofit, university, or research-oriented organization. • Demonstrated success with developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies for rapidly scaling organizations. • Deep experience leading high-value individual giving campaigns and diversified fundraising portfolios. • Exceptional relationship-building skills; comfortable engaging senior donors and board members. • Excellent written and verbal communication—clear, persuasive, and mission-driven. • Comfort with and access to high-net-worth individuals, particularly those in technology and financial sectors • Familiarity with CRM/fundraising tools and data-driven donor analytics. • Impeccable attention to detail and wizard organizational skills - able to juggle multiple priorities and work independently while also being comfortable with directing or collaborating with others. • Experience in research-driven organizations, science, technology, conservation, or other mission areas aligned with ESP’s work. • Existing network of philanthropic contacts interested in science, environment, or transformative technology. • Experienced and comfortable using AI tools to accelerate work processes.