Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Development

at Climate Defiance

🏢 About Climate Defiance

Climate Defiance is a bold, unapologetic organization that uses nonviolent direct action and strategic communications to make climate change a top political issue. Unlike incrementalist groups, they directly confront decision-makers and have a proven event model featuring high-profile speakers. For fundraisers passionate about urgent climate action, this is a chance to build capacity for a cutting-edge, high-impact organization.

About This Role

As Director of Development, you will own the full fundraising program—building systems, managing a portfolio of major donors, and cultivating prospects from event attendees. Your work directly funds mass turnout and direct actions that hold politicians accountable, making you a critical driver of the organization's growth and impact.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing donor pipeline reports and prepping for a virtual meeting with a major donor who attended a recent event. Afternoon could involve strategizing with the team on an upcoming high-profile event and following up with new prospects from last week's action. You'll also spend time refining the CRM and planning a cultivation series for mid-level donors.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Climate Defiance

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Climate Defiance Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 5+ years of experience in major gifts, ideally in climate, progressive politics, or social justice.
  • Fired up about the climate crisis and comfortable with confrontational, nonviolent direct action as a tactic.
  • Skilled at building relationships from events and converting attendees into long-term donors.
  • A strategic builder who can create systems and pipelines for mid-level and major donors from scratch.

📝 Tips for Applying to Climate Defiance

1

Highlight specific experience with event-driven fundraising, especially converting attendees into donors—mention any high-profile speaker events you've worked on.

2

Show your passion for bold climate action; reference Climate Defiance's direct actions or campaigns in your cover letter to demonstrate alignment.

3

Quantify your fundraising results—include dollar amounts raised, number of donors cultivated, and portfolio growth.

4

Emphasize experience building development systems (CRM, donor pipelines, stewardship plans) from scratch.

5

Mention any familiarity with nonviolent direct action organizations or climate justice movements to show cultural fit.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your personal motivation for fighting climate change and why you reject incremental approaches.', 'Proven track record in major gifts fundraising with specific numbers and examples.', 'Experience building development programs and systems (not just maintaining existing ones).', "Excitement about Climate Defiance's event model and how you would leverage it for donor cultivation."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Climate Defiance's past events and high-profile speakers (e.g., celebrities, climate leaders) to understand their donor cultivation model.
  • → Read about their recent direct actions and campaigns to grasp their theory of change and how fundraising enables them.
  • → Look at their current donor base and any public fundraising materials to identify gaps or opportunities.
  • → Research the broader climate philanthropy landscape—who funds bold vs. incremental climate groups?
Visit Climate Defiance's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you build a major donor pipeline from event attendees? Give a concrete strategy.
2 Tell us about a time you converted an event attendee into a major donor. What steps did you take?
3 Climate Defiance uses nonviolent direct action. How would you communicate this tactic to potential donors who might be hesitant?
4 What systems would you prioritize building in your first 90 days to set up the development program for success?
5 How do you balance building relationships with high-net-worth individuals while also growing a broader mid-level donor base?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic fundraising language; don't just list duties—show passion for climate and alignment with the organization's confrontational approach.
  • Don't focus solely on grant writing or institutional fundraising; this role is heavily about individual major donors and events.
  • Don't downplay the importance of direct action; if you're uncomfortable with nonviolent civil disobedience, this isn't the right role.

📅 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 Climate Defiance!

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