Application Guide

How to Apply for Deputy Director, Institutional Giving

at Evergreen Action

🏢 About Evergreen Action

Evergreen Action is a climate advocacy organization that works to empower leaders and policymakers to drive bold climate action and build a clean energy economy. It is unique for its deep policy expertise and strategic campaign work, often playing a key role in shaping federal and state climate policy. Working here means being part of a mission-driven team that translates complex policy into real-world impact.

About This Role

As Deputy Director, Institutional Giving, you will be a key player in building Evergreen's fundraising program, focusing on foundation funders. You'll manage a portfolio of funders and prospects, develop strategies, cultivate relationships, and lead proposal development and reporting. This role is impactful because it directly fuels Evergreen's ability to advocate for bold climate policies and expand its influence.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve drafting a grant proposal for a major foundation, meeting with program staff to gather updates for a donor report, and researching potential new funders. You'll also spend time cultivating relationships with current funders through calls and emails, and collaborating with the Senior Fundraising Director on strategy. The pace is dynamic, balancing writing, strategy, and relationship management.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Evergreen Action Is Looking For

  • 5+ years of experience in institutional fundraising, with a proven track record of managing foundation relationships and securing grants.
  • Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate complex policy and campaign work into compelling funding proposals.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience crafting proposals, reports, and donor communications.
  • Collaborative mindset and ability to work across departments to understand program priorities and align them with funder interests.
  • Passion for climate action and alignment with Evergreen's mission to create a clean energy economy.

📝 Tips for Applying to Evergreen Action

1

Apply through the GoodCitizen portal as instructed; applications submitted elsewhere may not be reviewed.

2

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific experience with foundation fundraising, including dollar amounts and outcomes.

3

Demonstrate your ability to understand and communicate climate policy by referencing Evergreen's key campaigns or policy priorities in your application.

4

Show your strategic approach to donor cultivation and stewardship by providing examples of how you've grown funder relationships over time.

5

Proofread carefully and ensure all materials are error-free; attention to detail is critical for a role that involves writing proposals and reports.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience managing a portfolio of foundation funders and securing grants, with quantifiable results.', 'How you have successfully translated complex policy or advocacy work into compelling funding proposals.', 'Your ability to collaborate with program teams and align their work with funder priorities.', "Your passion for climate action and why you want to contribute to Evergreen's mission at this pivotal moment."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Evergreen Action's website, focusing on their policy priorities, campaigns, and recent victories.
  • → Research the GoodCitizen executive search firm to understand their process and expectations.
  • → Review Evergreen's recent press releases, reports, and social media to understand their current initiatives and voice.
  • → Look into key foundation funders in the climate space to understand the philanthropic landscape.
Visit Evergreen Action's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Can you walk us through a successful foundation fundraising strategy you developed and executed?
2 How do you approach identifying and qualifying new foundation prospects?
3 Describe a time you had to translate complex policy work into a compelling case for support.
4 How do you manage relationships with program staff to ensure proposals and reports are accurate and compelling?
5 What do you see as the biggest opportunities and challenges for climate philanthropy in the current landscape?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Evergreen or the specific role.
  • Failing to demonstrate a clear understanding of institutional fundraising and the foundation grant process.
  • Not aligning your experience with Evergreen's mission or showing a lack of passion for climate action.
  • Using overly technical jargon without explaining how it translates to fundraising success.

📅 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 Evergreen Action!

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