Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Individual Giving (candidates can be based anywhere in the US)

at Climate Defiance

🏢 About Climate Defiance

Climate Defiance is a dynamic, action-oriented nonprofit that uses mass turnout and nonviolent direct action to force climate change to the top of the political agenda. If you want to work where your fundraising directly fuels disruptive, high-impact campaigns that challenge the fossil fuel industry, this is the place.

About This Role

As Director of Individual Giving, you will architect and lead the individual donor program, focusing on securing four- and five-figure gifts to power the movement. You'll manage a portfolio of 75+ donors, identify new prospects, and collaborate closely with the Executive Director—your work is critical to sustaining the organization's rapid growth and direct action capacity.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with reviewing donor pipeline reports, then a video call with the Executive Director to prep for a major donor meeting next week. Afternoon could involve a phone call with a prospect in the Southwest, followed by drafting a personalized solicitation letter for a five-figure ask, and ending with a team check-in on event logistics for an upcoming action where you'll be networking with activist donors.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Climate Defiance Is Looking For

  • A proven fundraiser with 5+ years in development, specifically in individual giving programs (nonprofit experience strongly preferred).
  • Demonstrated success securing five-figure gifts and managing a portfolio of 75+ donors with a track record of upgrading gifts.
  • Comfortable with frequent travel (35-50%) for donor meetings, events, and actions—must be passionate about the climate crisis and willing to be in the field.
  • Experience scaling a major donor program, including identifying high-capacity prospects through events, databases, and networks.

📝 Tips for Applying to Climate Defiance

1

Highlight specific dollar amounts and growth percentages from past donor programs (e.g., 'Grew major donor revenue by 40% in two years').

2

Show your alignment with Climate Defiance's confrontational, direct-action approach—mention any personal involvement in climate activism or understanding of nonviolent civil disobedience.

3

Detail your experience with donor prospecting using activist databases or CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, ActionKit) and how you've converted activists into donors.

4

Address travel willingness explicitly in your cover letter or resume—mention specific regions where you have existing donor networks.

5

Include examples of how you've collaborated with an Executive Director on fundraising strategy and supported their donor relationships.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for climate action and alignment with Climate Defiance's mission of disruptive, nonviolent protest.", 'Specific examples of securing five-figure gifts and managing a donor portfolio of similar size (75+).', 'Your experience scaling a major donor program and identifying new high-capacity prospects.', 'Your willingness and ability to travel frequently (35-50%) for in-person donor engagement and events.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Climate Defiance's recent actions and media coverage to understand their confrontational style and messaging.
  • → Study their donor levels and benefits (if publicly listed) to tailor your fundraising strategy ideas.
  • → Look at their leadership team bios to understand the culture and how development integrates with other departments.
  • → Check their financials (e.g., 990s) to see current revenue mix and growth trajectory.
Visit Climate Defiance's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach building a major donor pipeline from an activist base?
2 Describe a time you successfully upgraded a donor from a four-figure to a five-figure gift.
3 How do you balance the urgency of climate action with the patience needed for donor cultivation?
4 What is your experience with CRM systems and how do you use data to prioritize prospects?
5 How would you work with the Executive Director to align fundraising with campaign priorities?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on corporate or foundation fundraising—this role is exclusively about individual giving.
  • Downplaying the travel requirement or seeming hesitant about frequent in-person meetings.
  • Not demonstrating a clear understanding of or enthusiasm for nonviolent direct action as a tactic.

📅 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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