About Earthwatch
For almost 50 years, Earthwatch has connected people from around the planet with world-class scientists to help change environmental policies, achieve critical conservation goals, and produce groundbreaking findings. We support real objective scientific fieldwork while connecting people to the environment in a personal and often profound way. Our participants contribute directly to urgent global environmental issues and have the adventure of a lifetime in the process.
Each and every staff member genuinely believes in our mission. The work we do isn’t just a job; it’s about ensuring a brighter future for our planet. We are passionate, committed to excellence, and supportive of one another – and we love science! Plus, we occasionally get to go out into the field to collect data and be a part of cutting edge hands-on field science.
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Position Summary
The Director of Strategic Partnerships will take the lead in setting and implementing Earthwatch’s fundraising strategy and tactical plan around large corporate engagements. Earthwatch developed a plan around corporate partnerships about 3 years ago and has built a strong pipeline that this person will be responsible for stewarding and continuing to grow. We seek a team player with a proven track record in corporate relationship management, fundraising/sales, and an understanding of complex environmental issues. Our ideal candidate has a passion for the mission of Earthwatch: you want to make a difference in the world, and you’re not afraid to roll up your sleeves to do it.
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Responsibilities
- Serve as the main relationship holder for all potential corporate funders, securing no less than US$200,000 in new corporate partnerships per year.
- Generate new corporate funding prospects including researching potential corporate opportunities, identify the appropriate entry point, and making contact. Generate interest through corporate social responsibility conferences.
- Produce high-quality written communication for existing and potential funders, corporate proposals, grant applications, emails, newsletters, and more.
- Work collaboratively across departments (Program, Research, Finance) from the proposal development stage through to implementation, reporting, and renewals. Ensure donor expectations are met.
- Maintain a tracking system for all corporate prospects – identifying and tracking immediate, short-term, and longer-term priorities and actions.
- Support the development of marketing materials for corporates in partnership with Communications team.
- Coordinate the involvement of the CEO, board members, and staff in the sales process as appropriate.
- Stay up to date in trends in fundraising with the private sector, shared value partnerships, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability.
- Proactively seek opportunities to drive visibility for Earthwatch and our corporate partnerships; this could include visibility at conferences, panels, on social platforms, or other places.
- Utilize creative talents and resources to develop and improve existing workflows and protocols.
- Work with staff to cultivate new ideas on ways to achieve our mission and pitch those to prospects.
- Maintain donor information to a high standard within the organization’s database.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
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Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fund development, sales, funder relationship management, and/or a related field.
- Highly articulate with exceptional interpersonal, writing and editing skills. Ability to motivate support for Earthwatch’s programs.
- Must embrace the mission, vision, and goals of Earthwatch and have a deep respect for the role of science in environmental challenges.
- Track record of successful corporate relationship management.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the fundraising process and funder reporting.
- Proven successful project management skills.
- Ability to communicate and collaborate successfully with individuals and teams at all levels.
- Ability to negotiate challenging situations with diplomacy to achieve goals & meet deadlines.
- Display a positive attitude, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, and good listening skills.
- Understanding of complex environmental issues, and ability to showcase the impact of Earthwatch programs on these issues and the people we serve.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering and maintaining and environment of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Professional proficiency in Office365, video conferencing software, and CRM databases
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 10%. (Reduced during COVID-19 pandemic)
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Additional Details
- Location: Work from anywhere in United States. Earthwatch’s US office is located in Boston, MA; option to work in business office or remote. When remote, required to work from home during times when handling sensitive personal information (public WiFi and location not allowed when handling this type of information).
- Hours: 40 hours per week. Schedule flexible outside core hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday–Friday, Eastern Time
- Position Type: Full-time, Exempt, Salaried
- Salary Grade: $75,705–$95,790
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Company Benefits
- 401k retirement plan with 4% employer match
- Health insurance with health reimbursement, dental insurance, and flexible spending accounts
- 100% employer paid life, long term disability and accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, and short term disability insurance
- Generous paid time off, paid holiday, and parental leave
- Professional development opportunities, including professional development grant program, mentor program, internal and external training, conferences and more
- Fun employee engagement/appreciation events
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No phone calls please: Due to limited resources, we are only able to accept applicants who are already eligible to work in the United States.
Earthwatch is an equal opportunity employer: We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and change-making. Employment opportunities are provided to all qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national or regional origin, age, disability status, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by law.
Background checks: May be required for some staff, including but not limited to roles working with minors and/or with human resource, finance, or information technology responsibilities.
Physical office closure & COVID vaccinations: Due to COVID-19, Earthwatch’s physical office is closed and most employees are working remotely until further notice. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is required for: employees to enter the physical office, conduct travel for Earthwatch, and/or meet in person with Earthwatch employees or other constituents.
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To apply, please submit one document in the resume field below containing all of the following items. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- A cover letter illustrating your qualifications, why you are interested in this internship, and what you are looking to gain from this internship
- A current resume, detailing relevant office and/or field experience
