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, nonviolent direct action, and strategic communications to make climate change a top political issue in the US. If you're passionate about ending the era of fossil fuels and want to work with a team that disrupts the status quo, this is the place for you.

About This Role

As Director of Individual Giving, you'll build and scale the individual donor program, focusing on four- and five-figure gifts. You'll manage a portfolio of 75+ donors, identify new prospects, and support the Executive Director—all while being a key part of the leadership team driving the organization's growth.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start your day reviewing donor metrics and preparing for a video call with a major donor in the Midwest. After a team check-in, you'll research new prospects from recent event attendees, then draft a personalized proposal for a five-figure gift. Later, you could travel to a city for an in-person donor meeting or a Climate Defiance action to engage supporters.

🚀 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 and individual giving, ideally in a nonprofit or climate-related organization.
  • A proven track record of securing five-figure gifts and scaling a major donor program, with experience managing a portfolio of 75+ donors.
  • A strategic thinker who can identify high-capacity prospects and convert them into long-term supporters, using events, activist databases, and personal outreach.
  • A passionate advocate for climate action who is comfortable with frequent travel (35-50%) and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Climate Defiance

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of five-figure gifts you've secured and how you grew a donor portfolio over time.

2

In your cover letter, mention your familiarity with Climate Defiance's tactics (nonviolent direct action, strategic communications) and why you support that approach.

3

Quantify your achievements: e.g., 'Grew individual giving by X%' or 'Managed a portfolio of Y donors and increased revenue by Z%'.

4

Show that you understand the unique challenges of remote work and can manage donor relationships across the US without in-person meetings.

5

Research the organization's recent campaigns and mention how your skills can help fund similar actions.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Emphasize your experience in scaling individual giving programs and securing major gifts (four- and five-figure).', "Express genuine passion for climate activism and alignment with Climate Defiance's direct action approach.", 'Highlight your ability to manage a portfolio and work closely with executive leadership on fundraising strategy.', 'Mention your comfort with frequent travel and remote collaboration, and your desire to be part of a fast-growing team.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Climate Defiance's recent actions and campaigns (e.g., disruptions, protests) to understand their tactics and media impact.
  • → Look into their donor base and any public fundraising materials to see how they currently communicate with supporters.
  • → Read about the organization's leadership team and Executive Director to understand their vision and fundraising style.
  • → Understand the broader climate movement landscape and where Climate Defiance fits in terms of strategy and impact.
Visit Climate Defiance's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach identifying and cultivating new major donor prospects from our activist database?
2 Describe a time you successfully secured a five-figure gift from a new donor. What was your strategy?
3 How do you balance supporting the Executive Director's fundraising while also managing your own portfolio?
4 What's your experience with remote donor stewardship? How do you build relationships without in-person meetings?
5 Why are you passionate about climate action, and how does Climate Defiance's approach resonate with you?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic cover letter—show you know what Climate Defiance does and why you're excited about their approach.
  • Avoid downplaying the travel requirement; be upfront about your willingness to travel 35-50% of the time.
  • Don't focus solely on your fundraising experience without connecting it to climate activism—passion for the mission is critical.

📅 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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