Application Guide
How to Apply for Head of Philanthropy & Foundations
at WePlanet
🏢 About WePlanet
WePlanet is a global movement advocating for ecomodernist, evidence-based environmental solutions, including nuclear power, alternative proteins, GMOs, and climate interventions. It uniquely combines conservation battles (e.g., protecting the Southern Ocean) with technological optimism, offering a dynamic, impact-driven workplace for those passionate about pragmatic environmentalism.
About This Role
As Head of Philanthropy & Foundations, you will build and lead WePlanet's major gifts programme from scratch, targeting six- and seven-figure commitments from foundations and HNWIs. This role is pivotal in scaling the organization’s impact, requiring strategic vision to design the entire fundraising strategy, from prospect identification to stewardship.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the Grants Officer to review pipeline progress, followed by drafting a high-value proposal for a foundation interested in climate interventions. Afternoon could involve a strategy call with programme leads to shape a case for wolf conservation, then a virtual meeting with a HNWI prospect to discuss a seven-figure gift. You’ll end the day updating the stewardship calendar and reviewing donor research.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who WePlanet Is Looking For
- Proven track record of personally securing six- or seven-figure gifts from foundations or HNWIs at a mission-driven organization.
- Experience building a major donor/foundation pipeline from the ground up, not just maintaining an existing one.
- Exceptional proposal writing and strategic storytelling skills, with ability to craft compelling cases for support.
- Strong alignment with ecomodernist values and comfort advocating for controversial solutions like nuclear power and GMOs.
📝 Tips for Applying to WePlanet
Highlight specific examples of six- or seven-figure gifts you secured, including the cultivation process and outcome.
Demonstrate your experience building a pipeline from scratch by describing how you identified and engaged new prospects.
Tailor your cover letter to show deep understanding of WePlanet’s ecomodernist stance and key campaigns (e.g., wolf conservation, alternative proteins).
Include a brief writing sample or proposal excerpt that showcases your ability to craft compelling, evidence-based cases.
Mention any experience with remote team management or working with a distributed global team.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your personal track record of securing major gifts and building a fundraising programme from scratch.', 'Your alignment with WePlanet’s mission and ecomodernist approach, addressing potential controversies thoughtfully.', 'Your strategic vision for growing WePlanet’s foundation and HNWI pipeline, with specific ideas for prospect identification.', 'Your ability to lead a team (e.g., Grants Officer) and collaborate with programme leads to shape compelling proposals.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read WePlanet’s position papers on nuclear power, alternative proteins, and GMOs to understand their evidence-based approach.
- → Review their current campaigns, especially Southern Ocean protection and wolf conservation, to see how they frame urgent issues.
- → Explore the ecomodernist movement and key figures (e.g., Michael Shellenberger) to align language and values.
- → Look up major foundations funding environmental causes (e.g., Breakthrough Institute, Schmidt Futures) to identify potential prospects.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic environmental fundraising experience; emphasize specific alignment with ecomodernist, pro-technology solutions.
- Don’t focus solely on HNWI fundraising if your background is primarily institutional; show versatility or deep foundation expertise.
- Don’t downplay the controversial aspects of WePlanet’s work; instead, demonstrate how you would address them confidently.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!