The Organization
Solar One is a fast-paced organization with programming throughout New York City’s five boroughs and in nearby New Jersey. Through specialized education across a range of audiences, we are addressing climate change and building the resiliency and sustainability of the region: forming students into the environmental stewards of tomorrow, developing the green workforce needed to reach our region’s environmental goals, and making renewable energy accessible and affordable for more and more local residents. Throughout our work, we seek to uplift the voices and goals of the communities we serve. This includes underserved schools, un- and under-employed adults seeking workforce training, and affordable housing and environmental justice organizations. A new Solar One Environmental Education Center slated to be built in 2022 will offer the opportunity to expand our programming, rebuild and diversify revenue streams, and provide a focal point for New York City’s development as an environmental leader.
Position Overview
The Director of Development will be responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all of Solar One’s revenue streams including private foundation grants, government contracts, individual giving, events, and fee-for-service; and building new revenue streams such as program-related investment, social impact investment funds, corporate sponsorships, earned income, and other emerging funding vehicles. The Director will work closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Co-Program Directors and the Development Team in all development and fundraising endeavors. We recognize that this is a time of economic uncertainty; but with uncertainty comes opportunity. The Director of Development will be ready for the challenge of re-building revenue streams and exploring new sources of income within this uncertainty. The position can operate remotely for the next 6-12 months and then will transition to in-person when the pandemic is under control.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Must embrace the mission of Solar One.
Have strong interpersonal and writing skills.
Have knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, especially emerging or innovative funding streams.
Experience with the intersection of racial equity, social justice and climate change is a plus.
Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, board members, and past experience working with individuals from various backgrounds is helpful.
Have the desire to build external relationships.
Be organized and exhibit “follow through” on tasks and goals.
Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
Have experience in building successful social impact programs, public-private partnerships, as well as deep understanding of the public and social sector is helpful.
Five years of experience in professional fundraising or a related field.
ACTUAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Monitor and implement best practices and understand fundraising trends in order to advise on strategy.
Work with the development and communications staff to identify and execute strategies for strengthening organizational storytelling across visibility opportunities, including print and digital resources as well as public events. This includes working with internal staff as well as communities we serve to craft stories that accurately reflect our work and values.
Oversee pilot projects and social impact programs with a connection to our core business. This includes, but is not limited to, building programs, identifying partners, liaising with internal departments and external stakeholders to execute and measure success.
Meet prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis to establish effective communications with them.
Oversee grant seeking including research, proposal writing, and reporting requirements. This includes oversight of two existing writers.
Develop, plan, and direct the build-up and stewardship of an annual fund program; a capital campaign and other major fundraising drives; and fundraising special events.
Staff Board Development Committee meetings; supervise and collaborate with other fundraising staff.
Work with Finance Department to set budget goals, track expenses, and report to donors.
Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems.
How To Apply
Solar One offers a generous benefits package. Compensation structure is flexible and is commensurate with experience.
If you are interested in the position, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@solar1.org.
Solar One values change and difference within the Solar One organization. We strive to attain equity, inclusion and justice in all elements of our work. We support the interdependent needs of people who lack access to renewable energy and resilience in a rapidly changing world. Solar One recruits and employs through a lens of equity and encourages people of all races, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, service in the uniformed services, justice system involvement, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law to apply.