Application Guide

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

at Climate Defiance

🏢 About Climate Defiance

Climate Defiance is a bold, unapologetic organization that uses mass turnout, nonviolent direct action, and strategic communications to elevate climate change as a top political issue. Unlike incrementalist groups, they target decision-makers directly, making them a high-impact, cutting-edge choice for those who want to disrupt the status quo.

About This Role

As Director of Individual Giving, you will build and manage a major donor program, cultivate relationships with event attendees (including celebrities and VIPs), and develop a pipeline of mid-level and major donors. Your work directly funds the disruptive actions and campaigns that hold fossil fuel enablers accountable.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with major donors to discuss their passions and the impact of recent actions, followed by strategizing with the events team on how to convert upcoming event attendees. You'll also spend time analyzing donor data, updating CRM records, and drafting personalized stewardship plans for your top prospects.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Climate Defiance

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Climate Defiance Is Looking For

  • Experienced development professional with at least 5-7 years in individual giving, preferably in advocacy or climate-focused nonprofits.
  • Fired up about the climate crisis and comfortable with the organization's confrontational, direct-action approach.
  • Proven track record of building and managing a major donor portfolio, including moves management and solicitation of five- and six-figure gifts.
  • Strong event cultivation skills, with experience converting event attendees (including high-profile speakers) into committed donors.

📝 Tips for Applying to Climate Defiance

1

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your fundraising experience to the urgency of the climate crisis and your comfort with nonviolent direct action.

2

Quantify your past success: include numbers like portfolio size, dollars raised, donor retention rates, and number of major donor relationships built.

3

Show that you understand their event model: mention how you would leverage their high-profile speakers (celebrities, lawyers, politicians) to engage and convert donors.

4

Highlight any experience with remote fundraising and building systems from scratch, as this role involves building the program's infrastructure.

5

Avoid generic language about 'incremental change' – emphasize that you're ready to support a 'cutting-edge' organization that challenges the status quo.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for climate action and alignment with Climate Defiance's bold, confrontational tactics.", 'Your specific experience in major gift fundraising, including portfolio management, moves management, and closing large gifts.', 'Your ability to build systems and pipelines from scratch, as this role is critical for scaling the individual giving program.', 'Your success in cultivating donors through events and converting high-profile attendees into long-term supporters.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Climate Defiance's recent actions and media coverage to understand their tactics and public perception.
  • → Study their event history and past speakers to identify potential donor cultivation opportunities.
  • → Look at their donor communications (emails, social media) to gauge their voice and donor engagement style.
  • → Understand the broader climate funding landscape – who gives to direct action groups vs. policy organizations.
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 for a relatively new, high-impact organization like Climate Defiance?
2 Describe a time you converted an event attendee into a major donor. What steps did you take?
3 How do you handle donor objections related to the organization's confrontational tactics (e.g., direct action)?
4 What metrics would you track to measure success in this role, and what would you prioritize in the first 90 days?
5 How would you leverage our existing event model (with celebrities, lawyers, politicians) to deepen donor relationships?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid being too cautious or incremental in your language – this organization values boldness and urgency.
  • Don't focus solely on traditional fundraising; demonstrate comfort with nontraditional tactics like direct action.
  • Don't overlook the importance of building systems – they need someone who can create structure, not just manage existing processes.

📅 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!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →