Application Guide
How to Apply for Development Manager
at The Climate Initiative
🏢 About The Climate Initiative
The Climate Initiative uniquely focuses on youth empowerment as the key to climate action, taking a nonpartisan, education-first approach that translates global issues into local impact. Working here means joining an organization that believes the most at-risk generation is also the most powerful, offering the chance to support youth-led climate solutions from a remote-first environment.
About This Role
As Development Manager, you'll implement fundraising strategies alongside the Director of Development, with hands-on responsibility for grant writing, Salesforce management, and donor research using iWave. This role directly fuels TCI's mission by securing resources that empower youth climate action through both individual giving and institutional partnerships.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve drafting a grant proposal for a youth climate education program, updating donor records in Salesforce, conducting prospect research using iWave, and collaborating with the Director of Development on upcoming fundraising strategies—all while supporting TCI's mission from your remote workspace.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Climate Initiative Is Looking For
- Has 3-5 years of fundraising experience with proven success in grant writing and donor cultivation, ideally in education or climate-related nonprofits
- Is proficient in Salesforce for donor tracking and can create custom reports to inform fundraising strategy
- Has hands-on experience with wealth screening tools like iWave for prospect research and prioritization
- Combines strong analytical skills with excellent written communication, able to craft compelling proposals and manage grant compliance
📝 Tips for Applying to The Climate Initiative
Highlight specific grant writing successes with measurable outcomes (e.g., 'secured $X from foundation Y for program Z')
Demonstrate Salesforce expertise by mentioning specific features you've used (e.g., custom objects, reports, or integrations)
Show how your experience aligns with TCI's youth-focused mission—mention any work with youth programs or climate initiatives
Include examples of using iWave or similar tools to identify and prioritize donor prospects
Tailor your resume to show both fundraising results and experience with remote collaboration tools
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with grant writing and management, especially for climate or education-focused foundations', "How you've used Salesforce to support fundraising goals and donor stewardship", "Your alignment with TCI's mission of youth empowerment and nonpartisan climate action", "Examples of successful donor cultivation or events you've supported, particularly in a remote context"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → TCI's specific programs and campaigns (e.g., their youth empowerment initiatives)
- → Their recent grant-funded projects or foundation partners
- → Their approach to nonpartisan climate education and how it differs from other organizations
- → Their public-facing communications (website, social media) to understand their tone and priorities
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Generic applications that don't mention TCI's youth focus or climate mission
- Overlooking the technical requirements (Salesforce, iWave) in your resume or cover letter
- Failing to provide concrete examples of grant writing or fundraising results
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Climate Initiative!