Senior Development Officer

POSITION TITLE

Senior Development Officer

Remote (USA); specific states:
Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington (state). Washington DC office and Geneva, Switzerland office. Valid work authorization required.

$75,000–$90,000 annually (12.5% increase applies in Switzerland).

Apply by July 6, 2026.

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) uses the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society. The Senior Development Officer advances CIEL’s ambitious fundraising agenda by building relationships with foundation and government funders, composing grant proposals and reports, and working with program and finance staff to advance fundraising strategy.

• Develop and write compelling, substantive, outcomes‑oriented grant proposals and reports, collaborating across programs to develop project narratives, objectives, and deliverables aligned with CIEL’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Coordinate with finance to meet grant budgeting and reporting deadlines.
• Collaborate with relevant staff to align donor interest with grant deliverables, distill relevant material for proposals and reports, coordinate drafting processes and review loops, and deliver high‑quality, timely final products to foundation and government funders.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant internal and external deadlines and standards.

• Maintain a portfolio of institutional donors, working with Leadership and program staff to grow relationships and maximize funding potential.
• Identify new prospects and create engagement strategies to cultivate foundations and secure additional support.
• Ensure timely submission of proposal, renewal, and reporting requirements for current and potential grants.
• Contribute to and support processes that improve the efficiency of the development team and its interactions with the rest of the organization.
• Update records and information within the CRM system.
• Organize all grant files according to established protocols.

• Maintain timesheets and submit them on time.
• Meet periodically as requested with supervisor and other team members.
• Participate in weekly staff and team meetings and other organizational activities, including an annual staff performance evaluation.

• At least 5 years of professional experience in an institutional development/fundraising role.
• Proven experience securing grants in the mid‑ to upper six‑figure range and managing a portfolio of grants with competing deadlines.
• Strong grant writing skills, including past experience with project and general operating support grants.
• Ability to understand and interpret grant budgets.
• Exceptional communication skills and attention to detail, articulating complex subject matter clearly in writing and verbally.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently, with strong planning and organizational skills and work well under pressure.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.
• Sound judgment in handling confidential donor information.
• Ability to work both independently and in close coordination with a team.

• Experience with CRM maintenance and use, such as Blackbaud products.
• Experience in a multi‑country organization.
• Past experience in a remote work environment.
• Comfort leading meetings to discuss complex strategies and impact with managers across teams.
• Experience with Google Suite and Asana project management software.
• Project management experience.

• Action‑Oriented:
  Makes things happen, takes on opportunities and tough goals with curiosity, proactivity, and constructiveness.
• Nimble Learning:
  Approaches unfamiliar tasks proactively, with an open mind, and quickly adapts to new situations.
• Effective Communication:
  Delivers messages in a clear, compelling, and concise…