How to apply for Director, Development Operations and Systems

About GoodPower

GoodPower is a mission-driven organization at the forefront of the decarbonization movement, uniquely combining research, innovation, strategic communications, and disruptive technology to unlock the economic potential of clean energy. They are in a pivotal growth phase, executing a 2030 Strategic Plan that emphasizes AI-enabled systems, data analytics, and next-generation communications infrastructure. Working here means contributing to scalable solutions that address energy affordability, security, and climate change on a global scale.

About the role

As the Director of Development Operations and Systems, you will lead the strategy and execution of GoodPower's development operations, ensuring the seamless integration of systems, data, and processes to support their ambitious growth. You will play a critical role in scaling the organization's fundraising and development capabilities, leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and impact. This is a high-visibility role that directly supports GoodPower's mission to accelerate the adoption of decarbonized technologies.

A typical day

A typical day might involve collaborating with fundraising and IT teams to troubleshoot system issues, analyzing donor data to identify trends, and leading a project to implement a new CRM feature. You could also be strategizing with leadership on how to leverage AI for donor segmentation or preparing reports for the board on development performance. The role is dynamic, balancing technical work with strategic planning and cross-functional collaboration.

Who GoodPower is looking for

• Proven experience in development operations leadership, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization, with a track record of scaling systems and processes.
• Deep expertise in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud) and data analytics, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights for fundraising strategy.
• Strong project management skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex system implementations or migrations.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled tools and emerging technologies to optimize development operations and donor engagement.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote, fast-paced environment.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific examples of how you've used data and systems to improve fundraising outcomes, such as increasing donor retention or streamlining gift processing.
• Demonstrate familiarity with GoodPower's focus areas (e.g., decarbonization, energy innovation) and articulate how development operations can support these mission-driven goals.
• Showcase experience with remote team management and distributed systems, as the role is remote-based in the US.
• Emphasize any experience with AI or emerging technologies in development operations, as GoodPower is investing heavily in these areas.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the language and priorities in the job description, such as 'scalable strategies' and 'next-generation communications infrastructure'.

What to cover in your cover letter

["Your vision for how development operations can enable GoodPower's 2030 Strategic Plan, particularly in scaling reach and impact.", "Specific examples of how you've leveraged data and technology to optimize fundraising performance and donor engagement.", 'Your experience in leading system implementations or integrations that improved operational efficiency and data integrity.', "Your passion for GoodPower's mission and how your skills can contribute to accelerating decarbonization."]

Research before applying

• Explore GoodPower's website, particularly their 2030 Strategic Plan, to understand their goals and how development operations supports them.
• Research the organization's key focus areas, such as renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and electric transportation, to speak knowledgeably about their mission.
• Look into recent news or publications about GoodPower to understand their current initiatives and challenges.
• Investigate the technologies and systems they might be using or considering (e.g., Salesforce, AI tools) to align your experience with their needs.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach evaluating and optimizing our current development operations systems to support our growth plans?
• Can you describe a time when you used data analytics to inform fundraising strategy and what the outcome was?
• What experience do you have with AI or emerging technologies in development operations, and how do you see them enhancing our work?
• How would you ensure data integrity and security across our development systems as we scale?
• Describe your approach to managing cross-functional relationships, particularly with fundraising, finance, and IT teams.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Focusing only on fundraising metrics without connecting them to the broader mission and strategic goals of GoodPower.
• Neglecting to demonstrate experience with remote work and distributed teams, as this is a remote-based role.
• Underestimating the importance of AI and emerging technologies in the job description; failing to address how you've used or would use them in development operations.