Development Director; RAN

About RAN

For more than 30 years, Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has campaigned to preserve forests, protect the climate and uphold human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through research, education, partnerships, non-violent direct action, grassroots organizing, strategic campaigns and communications. We are committed to working with Indigenous and frontline communities directly impacted by profit-driven systems of injustice. In partnership with allies from around the world, RAN challenges corporations to stop destructive operations, respect human rights, and adopt policies that reduce their contributions to climate change.

RAN is committed to doing what is necessary, not only what is considered politically feasible.

The Development Director is a leadership-team level position responsible for leading RAN’s skilled fundraising team to raise an annual budget of about $8.0 million. RAN’s revenues are comprised of donations from four primary sources: major donors, individual contributors (including planned giving), foundations, and special events. We are looking for a seasoned candidate with a creative and strategic development vision, including the ability to work collaboratively to generate new and innovative ideas.

This position is expected to leverage RAN’s program achievements and media coverage into meaningful connections with potential donors and funders as well as to create and drive RAN’s fundraising vision as we grow our work of cutting edge environmental and human rights activism.

• Fundraising
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic fundraising plan for the organization, in partnership with Digital Director, which achieves RAN’s annual revenue projections and factors in all revenue streams — individual donors, foundations, and special events.
  • Collaborate with Executive, Leadership and Development teams, and the Board of Directors to proactively and diligently identify, steward and solicit donations from individual and institutional donors.
  • Build systems and organizational culture to coach staff and Board on donor engagement across multiple channels, leveraging donors to build power and impact.
  • Oversee Development department’s budget in close collaboration with Institutional and Individual Giving budget holders and in coordination with Digital Director, developing annual revenue projections and tracking with a goal of long-term sustainable growth.
  • Coordinate and support the Communications and Digital teams in developing and tailoring RAN messaging for supporters and donors.
  • Help grow revenue from potential and emerging opportunities e.g., Planned Giving, Donor Advised Funds, mission-aligned institutional investors.
• Organizational Leadership, Planning and Staff Management
  • Promote a culture of collaboration, transparency, feedback and continuous improvement that values learning, accountability and a commitment to equity.
  • Supervise Foundations Director and Major Donors & Institutional Giving Manager.
  • Oversee the Development department team of 8 staff members, organizing planning retreats, overseeing performance evaluations, representing the team at the leadership level, and providing status updates to staff and board.
  • Represent the Development team at the Leadership and Board level.
  • Represent RAN’s work and values effectively and compellingly to external audiences.

Required skills and experience:

• Demonstrated success in fundraising with individual and institutional donors, and in growing long-term support for an organization.
• Progressively senior-level experience, strong leadership, organizational and management skills that include coaching and inspiring staff and senior management on fundraising and donor relations.
• Strategic and creative thinking: ability to set priorities, balance short-term and long-term objectives, prioritizing long-term financial health of the organization.
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach to fundraising and experience overseeing vendor relationships and contracts.
• Demonstrated leadership in the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences with a strong…