Application Guide

How to Apply for Chief Development Officer - Remote

at Global Energy Monitor

🏢 About Global Energy Monitor

Global Energy Monitor is unique as a nonprofit providing open-access data on global energy infrastructure, empowering policymakers, researchers, and activists with transparent information to drive sustainable energy transitions. Working here means contributing directly to climate solutions through data-driven advocacy, with a mission that attracts passionate donors aligned with environmental impact.

About This Role

As Chief Development Officer, you'll design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy focused on major gifts from individuals and foundations, directly fueling GEM's mission to track global energy projects. This role is impactful because securing seven-figure gifts enables the expansion of critical data tools that inform global climate policy and energy transitions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with high-net-worth donor prospects to discuss GEM's latest data findings, strategizing with the Executive Director on long-term funding diversification, and mentoring development staff on pipeline management. You'd likely analyze donor portfolios, craft tailored proposals for foundation opportunities, and collaborate with research teams to translate technical projects into compelling funding narratives.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Global Energy Monitor Is Looking For

  • Has 10+ years of fundraising leadership with proven success securing seven-figure gifts from both high-net-worth individuals and institutional donors like foundations
  • Possesses deep understanding of donor psychology and relationship-based fundraising, ideally within environmental or data-focused nonprofits
  • Has 2+ years experience supervising staff and can mentor a team while partnering with the Executive Director and Board on long-term strategy
  • Demonstrates strong alignment with GEM's mission of open-data transparency and sustainable energy, not just general nonprofit fundraising

📝 Tips for Applying to Global Energy Monitor

1

Quantify your major gifts success: specify dollar amounts raised, number of seven-figure gifts secured, and portfolio growth metrics in your resume

2

Highlight experience with donor-advised funds and family foundations, which are explicitly mentioned in the job description

3

Demonstrate knowledge of GEM's data tools: reference specific projects like the Global Coal Plant Tracker or Global Oil and Gas Extraction Tracker in your materials

4

Show remote leadership experience: emphasize how you've managed teams and cultivated donor relationships in distributed environments

5

Connect your fundraising philosophy to open-data advocacy: explain how you'd articulate the value of transparent energy data to potential donors

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Specific examples of securing seven-figure gifts from individuals and foundations, with context about donor motivations', 'Experience developing comprehensive fundraising strategies that diversify revenue streams beyond single funding sources', "Alignment with GEM's mission of open-access data and how you'd communicate this unique value proposition to donors", 'Collaborative approach to working with executive leadership and boards on long-term organizational strategy']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore GEM's data platforms and tools to understand their specific projects and impact metrics
  • → Review their current funders and partnerships listed on their website or annual reports
  • → Study the energy transition landscape to understand how GEM's data fills critical gaps
  • → Research their executive leadership and board members to understand organizational priorities
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a major gifts pipeline specifically for an organization focused on energy data rather than direct service delivery?
2 Describe your approach to cultivating relationships with philanthropists interested in climate solutions but unfamiliar with data advocacy
3 How would you partner with GEM's research team to translate technical data projects into compelling donor narratives?
4 What strategies would you use to diversify funding beyond foundations given GEM's global focus?
5 How have you successfully supervised remote development teams and maintained donor relationships in distributed settings?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic fundraising experience without specific major gifts achievements quantified in your application
  • Focusing only on institutional fundraising without demonstrating individual donor cultivation skills
  • Failing to connect your experience to GEM's specific mission of open-data transparency and energy tracking

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Global Energy Monitor!

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