Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Development Manager

at ClimateWorks Foundation

🏢 About ClimateWorks Foundation

ClimateWorks Foundation is a unique philanthropic organization dedicated to amplifying the power of donors and foundations to combat global climate change. With a focus on strategic grantmaking and collaboration, it operates at the intersection of climate science, policy, and finance, offering a mission-driven environment where your work directly contributes to solving the world's most pressing environmental challenge.

About This Role

As Senior Development Manager for the Global Industry Hub, you will lead the development strategy to secure funding from high-value donors and institutions, managing the full lifecycle from prospect identification to stewardship. Your work will directly enable critical climate initiatives by ensuring robust financial resources, making you a linchpin between funders and impactful programs.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing the funding pipeline and updating prospect notes in the CRM, followed by a meeting with the Program team to discuss upcoming grant reports. Afternoon could involve drafting a major gift proposal for an institutional funder, then preparing briefing materials for a donor event. The day ends with a call to a high-value donor to thank them for a recent gift and share impact updates.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who ClimateWorks Foundation Is Looking For

  • A seasoned development professional with 10+ years of experience, specifically managing a portfolio of high-value individual and institutional funders in a fast-paced environment.
  • Expert in proposal and grant writing with a proven track record of securing six- and seven-figure gifts, and exceptional verbal communication skills to engage and steward donors.
  • Strategic thinker who can design and execute a comprehensive development plan, including pipeline management, events, and communications, while coordinating cross-functionally with Program and Finance teams.
  • Passionate about climate change and philanthropy, with the ability to articulate the urgency and impact of ClimateWorks' work to diverse audiences.

📝 Tips for Applying to ClimateWorks Foundation

1

Tailor your resume to highlight explicit experience managing a portfolio of high-value funders (individuals and institutions), including specific dollar amounts raised and stewardship outcomes.

2

In your cover letter, connect your past fundraising successes to climate or environmental causes, even if indirectly, to demonstrate alignment with the mission.

3

Emphasize your ability to work cross-functionally with program and finance teams, as this role requires close coordination; provide examples of collaborative projects.

4

Showcase your project management skills by detailing how you've managed complex development processes, from prospect research to grant reporting.

5

Research ClimateWorks' current initiatives, especially the Global Industry Hub, and reference specific programs or funding gaps in your application to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Highlight your experience with high-value funder portfolios and concrete results (e.g., 'Increased funding by X% over Y years').", 'Express passion for climate action and understanding of philanthropic strategies to combat climate change.', "Demonstrate your ability to manage the full development cycle, including pipeline tracking and grant reporting, with examples of systems you've implemented.", 'Show your collaborative approach with program and finance teams, citing a successful partnership that led to a major gift or improved grant tracking.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review ClimateWorks' website, particularly the Global Industry Hub page, to understand its focus areas (e.g., heavy industry decarbonization).
  • → Read recent annual reports and impact stories to grasp their funding model and key donors.
  • → Explore their blog or news section for current initiatives, partnerships, and funding challenges.
  • → Look up the leadership team, especially the Development and Program heads, to understand reporting structure and priorities.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How do you approach building relationships with high-net-worth individuals and institutional funders, and can you share a success story?
2 Describe your experience managing a development pipeline: what tools did you use, and how did you prioritize prospects?
3 How would you coordinate with Program and Finance teams to ensure accurate grant tracking and reporting?
4 What strategies would you use to engage funders in the Global Industry Hub's specific initiatives?
5 Tell us about a time you had to pivot a fundraising strategy due to changing circumstances; what was the outcome?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to quantify your fundraising achievements (e.g., 'raised significant funds' without numbers).
  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference ClimateWorks or the Global Industry Hub specifically.
  • Ignoring the collaborative aspect: focusing only on individual achievements without showcasing teamwork with program and finance teams.

📅 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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