Application Guide
How to Apply for Director of Development
at PSE Healthy Energy
🏢 About PSE Healthy Energy
PSE Healthy Energy is a unique scientific research institute that bridges the gap between energy science and public policy, focusing specifically on solutions that protect both public health and the environment. Unlike traditional think tanks, they conduct original research to inform energy and climate decisions, making them a mission-driven organization where science directly shapes policy outcomes. Someone might want to work here to contribute to evidence-based solutions at the intersection of energy, health, and climate justice.
About This Role
As Director of Development, you'll lead all fundraising efforts to secure over $5M annually, directly fueling PSE's scientific research and policy impact. This role involves crafting multi-year strategies, managing the full grant lifecycle, and building strategic partnerships with donors who share the mission of science-driven energy solutions. Your work will be impactful because it sustains the independent research that informs critical energy policies affecting public health and environmental protection.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing donor data in Salesforce to identify cultivation opportunities, followed by team meetings to strategize on upcoming grant proposals or stewardship plans. You could spend afternoons drafting fundraising reports, collaborating with research staff on project funding needs, and engaging with philanthropic partners via video calls to advance partnerships aligned with PSE's mission.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who PSE Healthy Energy Is Looking For
- Has 7+ years in nonprofit/scientific institute fundraising with 5 years in leadership, specifically managing teams and budgets in a research or policy environment.
- Demonstrates a proven track record of securing $5M+ annually from diverse sources like foundations, major donors, and possibly government grants aligned with energy/health research.
- Is highly proficient in Salesforce for donor management and can build systems for grant compliance and reporting in a scientific organization.
- Possesses strong relationship-building skills to engage donors and partners in PSE's niche mission of translating energy science into public health policy.
📝 Tips for Applying to PSE Healthy Energy
Quantify your fundraising achievements specifically—mention total dollars raised, grant success rates, and growth in donor portfolios, tying them to scientific or policy outcomes if possible.
Highlight experience with CRM systems like Salesforce, emphasizing how you've used data for donor segmentation or strategic decision-making in a research-focused organization.
Tailor your resume to show expertise in the full grant lifecycle (proposal to compliance), especially for scientific or policy-related grants.
Research PSE's current projects and funders (e.g., from their annual reports) and suggest how you'd expand their donor base in energy, health, or climate philanthropy.
Emphasize leadership experience in mentoring teams and fostering collaboration, as PSE values a culture of shared success in a remote setting.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for PSE's mission of science-driven energy and health solutions, with examples of how you've supported similar research or policy initiatives.", 'Specific achievements in developing fundraising strategies that secured multi-year, restricted/unrestricted revenue for scientific or policy organizations.', 'Experience managing donor relationships and partnerships that advance stewardship, particularly with foundations or individuals focused on climate or public health.', "How you've used CRM systems like Salesforce to optimize donor data and reporting, ensuring compliance in a grant-heavy environment."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review PSE's recent research publications and policy briefs to understand their scientific focus areas (e.g., energy equity, air quality).
- → Explore their website for current funders and partners, noting any foundations or donors aligned with energy and health initiatives.
- → Study their organizational structure and remote work culture, as this role leads a department in a fully remote US setting.
- → Look into their annual reports or news sections to identify funding gaps or strategic priorities you could address in your application.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with generic fundraising experience without tailoring it to scientific research, energy policy, or public health contexts.
- Failing to quantify your track record—not specifying dollar amounts raised or grant success rates, especially regarding the $5M+ annual requirement.
- Overlooking the remote leadership aspect by not demonstrating experience in managing teams or budgets in a distributed work environment.
📅 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 PSE Healthy Energy!