Application Guide
How to Apply for SHIP Advancement and External Relations Lead
at Aspen Global Change Institute
🏢 About Aspen Global Change Institute
The Aspen Global Change Institute has spent over three decades at the intersection of science and society, translating complex Earth system changes into actionable knowledge. What makes AGCI unique is its long-term, interdisciplinary approach to global change, focusing on synthesis and communication rather than primary research. A professional would want to work here to contribute to a respected, mission-driven organization that bridges scientific understanding with real-world impact and policy.
About This Role
This role is the strategic driver for securing and stewarding funding for the SHIP initiative, requiring you to architect its advancement strategy from the ground up. You'll be responsible for translating SHIP's scientific and societal impact into compelling narratives that resonate with philanthropic funders and strategic partners. Your work directly enables SHIP's long-term sustainability and amplifies its influence, making you a key connector between the initiative's technical work and the resources needed to scale it.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve a morning virtual meeting with SHIP's scientific leads to understand recent developments, followed by drafting a narrative for a targeted foundation proposal. The afternoon could be dedicated to managing your donor pipeline—following up with a program officer, preparing a stewardship report for a current funder, and researching new philanthropic prospects aligned with SHIP's focus. You'll likely wrap up by coordinating with communications colleagues on strategy and preparing for an external partnership call.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Aspen Global Change Institute Is Looking For
- Has 7-10 years of hands-on experience crafting fundraising strategies for science, environmental, or interdisciplinary initiatives, not just general nonprofit development.
- Is a master storyteller who can distill complex systems science (like Earth's physical and human systems) into clear, persuasive narratives for non-scientific audiences, particularly funders.
- Possesses proven skill in building long-term, trust-based relationships with institutional philanthropies and managing a portfolio of donor partnerships.
- Demonstrates exceptional project management in a remote context, capable of autonomously balancing donor communications, strategy development, and representing SHIP externally.
📝 Tips for Applying to Aspen Global Change Institute
Explicitly quantify your experience in fundraising for scientific or environmental initiatives (e.g., 'Secured $XM from foundations for climate resilience programs').
Tailor your resume to highlight experience with 'strategic communications' aimed at donor audiences, not just public-facing marketing.
In your materials, use the specific acronym 'SHIP' and reference AGCI's mission of making sense of change across 'physical, natural, and human systems' to show genuine understanding.
Prepare a concise, specific example of how you've previously translated a complex project's impact into a successful donor proposal or report.
Given the remote US setting, highlight your proficiency with digital collaboration tools and experience building relationships virtually.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific philosophy and proven methodology for developing funder engagement strategies for mission-driven, science-adjacent organizations.', 'A concrete example of a complex impact story you successfully translated for a donor audience, detailing the narrative you crafted and the outcome.', "Your understanding of AGCI's unique niche in synthesizing and communicating global change science, and how you would apply that to advancing SHIP.", 'How your organizational skills enable you to manage the full cycle of donor relations—from identification to stewardship—in a remote, self-directed environment.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Deeply explore AGCI's website, focusing on their past and current 'Sessions' and publications to understand their thematic focus areas and intellectual approach.
- → Research the 'SHIP' initiative specifically—what public information exists about its goals, and what gaps in public narrative your role would fill.
- → Investigate the types of foundations and partners that have historically funded AGCI or similar boundary organizations (e.g., climate science communicators).
- → Understand the key players and conversations in the philanthropy space related to climate change adaptation, resilience, and interdisciplinary science.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic fundraising resume without tailoring it to science communication or environmental philanthropy.
- Failing to demonstrate an understanding of the difference between AGCI's synthesis/communication role and a primary research institution.
- Using overly promotional or marketing-focused language in your application instead of the nuanced, trust-based narrative style required for institutional funders.
📅 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!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Aspen Global Change Institute!