Deputy Chief Development Officer

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc.; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 338,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Robust benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Environmental Defense Fund, Inc. is seeking a Deputy Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President to drive revenue growth and sustainability initiatives. This full-time position requires significant experience in nonprofit development, leadership of high-functioning teams, and a deep understanding of fundraising strategies, particularly in environmental and climate sectors. Preferred locations include New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, and San Francisco with flexibility for the right candidate.

The role involves mentoring staff, developing strategic plans, and collaborating closely with the Development Leadership Team. Strong communication skills and proven ability to build partnerships are paramount for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in nonprofit development, including donor engagement.
• Ability to travel 15% within the U.S.
• Experience leading large, high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a revenue growth strategy.
• Mentor and develop staff for performance growth.
• Lead special projects as needed.

Skills

Nonprofit development expertise

Strategic planning

Donor relationship management

Team leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

Cultural competency

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

Location: Hybrid from New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, or San Francisco. Duration: This is a regular full-time position with full benefits.

Application Instructions: Please include a cover letter with your application.

OVERALL FUNCTION

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and EVP for Global Development, the Deputy Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President (SVP) is responsible for driving the organization’s revenue growth and sustainability. The Deputy leads all high-functioning revenue-generating teams, including principal and major gifts, institutional giving, planned giving, membership, and mid-level giving. They serve on both the Development Leadership Team (DLT) and Organizational Leadership Team (OLT). They work closely with the Development Operations teams that are directly overseen by the CDO. In partnership with the CDO, the Deputy provides strategic vision and leadership for EDF’s philanthropic efforts, bringing fresh ideas, networks, and a demonstrated ability to build donor relationships in a global context. This role serves as the potential successor to the Chief Development Officer. The ideal candidate has experience in diverse, international settings; deep knowledge of major donor and institutional fundraising; and a proven ability to build partnerships, market mission-driven organizations, and grow restricted and unrestricted revenue. Knowledge of the climate funding space is strongly preferred. The Deputy oversees ~80 staff in the United States and around the world. Preferred locations listed above, with flexibility for the right candidate.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with DLT colleagues to develop and execute a revenue growth strategy that includes diversifying resources and that is aligned with EDF’s mission priorities.
• Identify and respond to shifts in the philanthropic landscape, including opportunities such as donor collaboratives in climate.
• Leverage the Board of Directors to expand donor networks and prospects.
• Lead development of innovative short- and long-term fundraising strategies in collaboration with mission teams.
• Set clear priorities, goals, and metrics across revenue areas; monitor progress and address challenges proactively.
• Foster a strong, donor-centered culture that drives engagement, retention, and new donor acquisition.
• Oversee budgets and workforce planning to support revenue growth.
• Mentor and develop staff, promoting a culture of performance and professional growth.
• Lead special projects as requested by the CDO.
• Serve as proxy for the CDO when needed, ensuring timely decisions with appropriate stakeholder input.
• Contribute actively to DLT and OLT priorities and organizational effectiveness.
• Support change management efforts across Global Development and EDF.
• Participate in advancing EDF organizational effectiveness and culture goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant experience in nonprofit development, including direct donor engagement (cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in a relevant field may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience.
• Prior Chief Development Officer experience preferred.
• Experience in environmental, climate, or related sectors preferred.
• Ability to travel 15% of the time, mostly within the United States.
• Extensive experience leading large, complex, and high-performing teams; global or matrixed experience a plus.
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and attain ambitious but achievable revenue goals.
• Strong track record of building trusted relationships with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
• Collaborative, strategic mindset with strong judgment and decision-making skills.
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to develop creative solutions.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to navigate and articulate differing viewpoints effectively.
• Experience leading through change and influencing organizational direction.
• Data-driven with strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and consensus-building ability.
• Inspiring, innovative, and mission-driven leader with strong cultural competency and commitment to inclusion.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.

We offer a strong total rewards package encompassing competitive salary, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities consistent with a modern global organization. We take into account factors such as candidate experience, skills, training, internal team equity and local norms. Please note that pay ranges are country specific. As a result, the stated currency is not meant be converted into any other currency. 338,000 - 350,000 USD