Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Development Manager

at ClimateWorks Foundation

🏢 About ClimateWorks Foundation

ClimateWorks Foundation is a unique philanthropic organization that amplifies the power of donors to combat global climate change. They operate with a collaborative model, working across sectors to drive systemic solutions, and offer the flexibility of a fully remote US-based role. Their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is integral to their mission, making it an appealing workplace for values-driven professionals.

About This Role

As Senior Development Manager for the Global Industry Hub, you will lead fundraising strategy and donor engagement for a critical program focused on industrial decarbonization. This role involves managing high-value funder relationships, coordinating with program and finance teams, and ensuring seamless grant lifecycle management. Your work will directly support the Hub's ability to catalyze change in hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing pipeline reports in Salesforce and drafting a proposal for a new foundation prospect. Mid-morning, you'd join a call with the Program team to align on grant reporting deadlines, followed by a virtual stewardship meeting with a major donor. Afternoon involves analyzing expense reports with Finance and preparing a contact report from a recent conference.

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🎯 Who ClimateWorks Foundation Is Looking For

  • A seasoned development professional with 10+ years of experience and a proven track record in securing six- and seven-figure grants from foundations and high-net-worth individuals.
  • Expert in Salesforce or similar CRM, with strong data analysis skills to track pipeline, prepare reports, and inform strategy.
  • Exceptional writer and communicator who can craft compelling proposals and stewardship materials for sophisticated donors.
  • Passionate about climate change and industrial decarbonization, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into engaging funding narratives.

📝 Tips for Applying to ClimateWorks Foundation

1

Highlight any experience with industrial decarbonization or climate philanthropy, even if tangential, to show alignment with the Global Industry Hub's focus.

2

Quantify your fundraising success: specify dollar amounts raised, number of funders managed, and grant renewal rates.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize project management and cross-functional collaboration, as the role coordinates with Program and Finance teams.

4

Mention your proficiency with Salesforce explicitly, and if you have experience with other CRMs, note your adaptability.

5

In your cover letter, demonstrate your commitment to DEI by citing specific examples of how you've integrated equity into fundraising or donor relations.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine passion for ClimateWorks' mission to combat climate change through philanthropy, and specifically for industrial decarbonization.", 'Showcase your ability to manage a portfolio of high-value funders, with concrete examples of successful stewardship and grant growth.', 'Emphasize your experience with complex grant tracking and reporting, including coordinating with finance teams on budgets and expenses.', "Demonstrate your understanding of the philanthropic landscape and how ClimateWorks' collaborative model amplifies impact."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read ClimateWorks' latest annual report and strategic plan to understand their funding priorities and impact metrics.
  • → Explore the Global Industry Hub's website and recent publications to learn about their work on steel, cement, and other industrial sectors.
  • → Research the philanthropic landscape for climate change, including major funders and trends in industrial decarbonization.
  • → Familiarize yourself with ClimateWorks' DEI statement and initiatives to discuss how you can contribute to their inclusive culture.
Visit ClimateWorks Foundation's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a difficult donor relationship and how you turned it around.
2 How would you approach developing a fundraising strategy for a new program like the Global Industry Hub?
3 Explain your experience with grant reporting and how you ensure accuracy across multiple funders.
4 What is your experience with Salesforce or other CRMs? Give an example of how you used data to improve development processes.
5 How do you integrate DEI principles into your fundraising work, especially when engaging with diverse funders?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention ClimateWorks or the Global Industry Hub specifically.
  • Overlooking the remote nature of the role: failing to demonstrate your ability to work independently and communicate effectively across time zones.
  • Neglecting to highlight your experience with high-value funders and complex grant management, which are core to this senior role.

📅 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 ClimateWorks Foundation!

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