Director, Business Development
Location: Remote (Based anywhere in the United States)
OVERVIEW
The climate emergency is the defining challenge of our time, demanding an urgent and transformative response. The window for small, incremental action has closed; the moment for bold, emergency-level action is now.
Action for the Climate Emergency (ACE) operates at the intersection of clean energy advocacy, strategic media, and civic participation to accelerate global decarbonization. Through cutting-edge media strategies, ACE combats climate disinformation, flattens the curve of clean energy opposition, increases diverse participation in our democracy, and inspires meaningful action. Our programs engage tens of millions of people annually, mobilizing audiences that traditional climate efforts often overlook.
ACE’s dynamic and diverse team thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, united by a shared commitment to addressing the climate crisis. As we expand to meet this critical moment, we seek talented individuals eager to make an impact.
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking a passionate and strategic Director, Business Development to advance our mission by leading our relationship-building efforts with renewable energy companies, philanthropic organizations, and other potential clients.
Reporting to the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the renewable energy landscape, exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, and a proven track record of securing high-value partnerships.
This is a full-time, remote role based anywhere in the United States. The incumbent will operate from a home office, participate in regular in-person events, field work, and both internal and external meetings. Frequent interactions through video chat with ACE team members, industry clients, partners, vendors, and funders are expected.
Key Responsibilities:
- Client Engagement and Growth:
- Identify, cultivate and maintain strong relationships with renewable energy companies, philanthropic entities and other stakeholders
- Identify and prioritize partnership opportunities aligned with organizational goal
- Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, understanding their needs and offering tailored solutions
- Develop and present tailored proposals to secure funding and contributions
- Represent the organization at conferences, industry events, and client meetings
- Fundraising Strategy:
- Lead the development and implementation of client engagement strategies to expand the organization's impact
- Lead efforts to secure grants, contracts, and major gifts by identifying prospects, preparing proposals, and managing application processes
- Market Analysis and Revenue Growth:
- Monitor trends in renewable energy, philanthropy, and related sectors to identify growth opportunities
- Leverage data and insights to refine business development strategies and adapt to a rapidly changing market
- Track and meet revenue targets, ensuring alignment with the organization’s annual budget and strategic plan
- Team Leadership:
- Work closely with the program teams to align messaging and ensure consistency in donor outreach and engagement and service delivery
- Provide input for campaigns, newsletters, and annual reports to highlight impact and attract funding
- Monitoring and Reporting:
- Track and report on fundraising metrics, donor engagement activities, and partnership outcomes to measure the success of business development initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with grant and funding requirements, including timely reporting to stakeholders.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Required Qualifications:
- 7+ years of experience in business development or client engagement, preferably in the renewable energy or related sectors
- Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with high-level stakeholders, including corporate leaders
- Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
- Strong understanding of renewable energy and related philanthropic landscapes.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify and act on growth opportunities.
- Self-motivated, results-oriented, and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency in CRM tools and business development platforms.
- Passion for ACE’s mission and commitment to advancing its impact.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment with cross-functional teams.
- Ability and specific desire to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, challenging environment.
- Desire to work in an organization with a growth mindset
- Desired Qualifications:
- Knowledge of regulatory and related policy landscapes related to renewable energy
- Experiencing supporting development of renewable energy projects
- Familiarity with nonprofit business models and service delivery
POSITION DETAILS
- Annual salary range: $125,000-135,000, commensurate with experience
- Generous benefits include: Medical, Dental, Vision, 403b retirement savings plan, Vacation, Sabbatical, Paid Parental Leave, 2 Floating Holidays, 2 Community Service Floating Holidays, sick time, two weeks of full-staff time off (July 4 week and Christmas-New Years week) and 13 observed holidays
- ACE is an equal-opportunity employer that highly values staff diversity
- Location: Remote
ACE is an equal-opportunity employer that highly values diversity, equity, and inclusion and views the climate crisis as a social justice crisis. People who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), people who experience gender oppression, people with disabilities, and people who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community are particularly encouraged to apply.