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, grassroots-driven organization that uses nonviolent direct action and strategic communications to push climate change to the forefront of U.S. politics. Unlike traditional environmental groups, they prioritize disruptive tactics and mass mobilization to challenge the fossil fuel industry, offering staff a chance to be part of a bold, high-impact movement.

About This Role

As Director of Individual Giving, you will architect and scale a major donor program focused on four- and five-figure gifts, managing a portfolio of 75+ donors while identifying new prospects. Your work directly fuels the organization's direct actions and advocacy, making you a critical driver of financial sustainability and growth.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a remote team stand-up to align on priorities, followed by calls or video meetings with donors in your portfolio. You might spend the afternoon analyzing donor data to identify new prospects, drafting a personalized stewardship plan, and preparing for an upcoming trip to meet a major donor in person. Evenings could involve attending a virtual fundraising event or coordinating with the Executive Director on a high-priority ask.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Climate Defiance Is Looking For

  • A seasoned fundraiser with 5+ years in development, specifically in individual giving and major gifts, ideally within advocacy or climate-focused nonprofits.
  • Proven track record of securing five-figure gifts and growing a donor portfolio, with experience scaling a major donor program from the ground up.
  • Deeply passionate about climate justice and comfortable with the organization's confrontational approach, including nonviolent direct action and high-stakes communications.
  • Willing and able to travel 35-50% of the time for donor meetings, events, and actions, with strong remote work discipline and a collaborative mindset.

📝 Tips for Applying to Climate Defiance

1

Highlight specific examples of how you've secured five-figure gifts and grown a donor portfolio, including dollar amounts and percentage increases.

2

Demonstrate your understanding of Climate Defiance's unique tactics by mentioning their recent actions or campaigns in your cover letter.

3

Show that you're comfortable with a lean, fast-paced team by emphasizing your experience in scaling programs with limited resources.

4

Mention any experience working with activist or movement-based organizations, as cultural fit is key.

5

Be explicit about your willingness to travel 35-50% and your ability to work remotely across time zones.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your alignment with Climate Defiance's mission and your comfort with their direct action approach, not just climate change in general.", 'Concrete examples of building a major donor program from scratch or significantly expanding one, with measurable results.', 'Your ability to manage a portfolio of 75+ donors while also supervising a team member, showing both strategic and hands-on skills.', 'Your enthusiasm for frequent travel and building relationships through in-person meetings, not just virtual.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about Climate Defiance's recent direct actions, such as protests at political events or disruptions of fossil fuel industry gatherings.
  • → Understand their theory of change: how nonviolent direct action and communications shift political will.
  • → Review their donor base (if publicly known) or similar organizations to understand typical donor profiles.
  • → Look into the Executive Director's public statements and media appearances to gauge their leadership style.
Visit Climate Defiance's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you identify and cultivate high-capacity prospects for an organization that uses disruptive tactics?
2 Describe a time you secured a five-figure gift from a new donor. What was your strategy?
3 How do you balance the need for donor stewardship with the urgency of climate action?
4 This role requires 35-50% travel. How do you manage your schedule and maintain productivity?
5 Climate Defiance's brand is bold. How would you communicate our impact to major donors without diluting our message?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic fundraising language that could apply to any nonprofit; tailor your application to climate activism and direct action.
  • Don't downplay the travel requirement or express hesitation—show enthusiasm for in-person relationship building.
  • Don't ignore the organization's confrontational approach; if you're uncomfortable with disruption, this role isn't a fit.

📅 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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