Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Development

at Greentown Labs

🏢 About Greentown Labs

Greentown Labs is the largest climatetech incubator in the world, uniquely positioned at the intersection of startup innovation, corporate partnerships, and philanthropy. Working here means directly supporting hundreds of startups that are developing solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making a tangible impact on climate change while driving economic growth.

About This Role

As Head of Development, you will own the revenue strategy for major gifts and partnerships, targeting multi-million-dollar goals. You'll be the face of Greentown to high-net-worth donors, foundations, and corporate partners, translating complex climate tech stories into compelling investment opportunities. This role is critical to funding the incubator's mission and scaling its impact across Boston and Houston.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start your day reviewing a proposal for a $250K foundation gift, then hop on a call with a corporate partner exploring sponsorship of a startup demo day. Afternoon could involve meeting with a Greentown startup to understand their technology for a donor briefing, followed by drafting a stewardship report for a major donor. Your week will mix external meetings, internal strategy, and writing compelling cases for support.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Greentown Labs Is Looking For

  • A proven major-gifts closer with a track record of securing $100K-$5M+ gifts, ideally from climate, energy, or science-focused organizations.
  • Deeply committed to the energy transition with a demonstrated climate background—able to speak knowledgeably about climatetech trends and engage with scientists, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists.
  • Has an existing network in climate, energy, philanthropy, or corporate innovation that can be leveraged immediately to build a pipeline.
  • An exceptional storyteller and writer who can distill complex climate solutions into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

📝 Tips for Applying to Greentown Labs

1

Highlight specific dollar amounts and number of major gifts closed in your resume and cover letter—quantify your impact.

2

Showcase any direct experience with climatetech or incubators; if not, emphasize transferable skills from science, energy, or innovation sectors.

3

Tailor your cover letter to Greentown's mission: mention specific startups or technologies in their portfolio that resonate with you.

4

Demonstrate your network by referencing connections in climate philanthropy or corporate innovation, but avoid name-dropping without context.

5

Include examples of how you've translated complex technical or scientific concepts into compelling fundraising asks.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your personal commitment to climate action and the energy transition, with concrete examples of involvement.', 'A track record of closing major gifts, with specific numbers and types of donors (foundations, individuals, corporations).', "How your existing network aligns with Greentown's stakeholders (donors, startups, corporate partners).", 'Your ability to work in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and manage a multi-million-dollar portfolio.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore Greentown Labs' current portfolio of startups and recent success stories—understand their technologies and impact metrics.
  • → Review their annual reports and press releases to understand funding priorities and recent major gifts or partnerships.
  • → Identify key foundation and corporate partners (e.g., Shell, National Grid) and their giving history with Greentown.
  • → Study the climatetech philanthropic landscape—major funders like Breakthrough Energy, ClimateWorks, and Bezos Earth Fund.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you build a pipeline for major gifts from scratch at a climatetech incubator?
2 Describe a time you closed a complex six- or seven-figure gift—what was your strategy?
3 How do you stay informed about climate technology trends, and how would you use that knowledge in donor conversations?
4 Greentown has locations in Boston and Houston—how would you balance fundraising across both sites?
5 Tell us about a time you had to translate a highly technical climate solution into a compelling case for a non-technical donor.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to demonstrate a genuine commitment to climate—this is mission-driven, not just a job.
  • Being too vague about fundraising numbers or not providing specific examples of closed gifts.
  • Overlooking the need to engage with both philanthropy and corporate partnerships—the role blends both.

📅 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 Greentown Labs!

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