Development Associate

The Rewilding Institute (TRI) mission is to explore and share tactics and strategies to advance continental-scale conservation and restoration in North America and beyond. We focus on the need for large carnivores and protected wildways for their movement; and we offer a bold, scientifically credible, practically achievable, and hopeful vision for the future of wild Nature and human civilization on planet Earth.

Position Overview

The Rewilding Institute seeks a development leader to lengthen the reach and improve the financial stability of what has been a highly ambitious but very lean conservation group. TRI focuses largely on the traditional 3 Cs of rewilding: wild Cores, connected by broad wildlife Corridors, replete with full assemblages of wide-ranging species, including top Carnivores. We’ve been guided largely by the landmark book of our founder Dave Foreman, Rewilding North America; and work especially in the continental wildways he outlined therein. Increasingly, we also work for a 4th C: Compassion, in close concert with Wildlife For All (WFA) and other groups working for coexistence between humans and wildlife.

Growing emphasis on the 4th C comes after decades of gains and losses in conservation work made us realize that the wild cores and corridors are necessary but not sufficient for wildlife recovery. Equally important is Compassion: people’s willingness to coexist with large carnivores and other species that challenge human’s dominion over landscapes. TRI and partners, particularly WFA, recognize that protected areas expansion and reconnection is critical—and so is wildlife governance reform, that wildlife agencies strive to preserve and restore the full native biota, rather than working to maximize “game” numbers.

A Development Associate for The Rewilding Institute will raise grants and gifts for the work of protecting regional and continental wildways and reforming public lands and wildlife management so that it affords ample homes for all native species. More specifically, this role will be in charge of grant proposal writing and large donor and supporter cultivation, for all our rewilding goals. The Development Associate will work closely with the TRI board of directors and staff of five activists.

• Position: Half Time, with potential to go Full Time when resources allow.
• Location: Remote with preference for residence in the Northeast, Southwest, Washington DC, Denver, Seattle, or San Francisco.
• Reports to: John Davis, Executive Director, TRI; Jason Kahn, President, TRI; Michelle Lute, Vice President, TRI

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the board of directors and fellow staff to create and implement a fundraising plan
• Analyze fundraising data to inform and improve plans
• Build and maintain relationships with new donors
• Support board and staff members’ relationships with donors
• Maintain, organize, and update donor database
• Manage fundraising events and house parties, when applicable
• Generate development materials such as grant proposals, fundraising appeals, and case statements
• Coordinate completion of grant objectives and reporting
• Research, evaluate, and solicit new funding sources
• Lead with creativity, humor, and mission-focused collaboration

Requirements and Skills

• Proven work experience in fund-raising with a track record of submitting successful grant applications
• Superb written and verbal communication skills to speak with donors and other stakeholders
• Familiarity with fundraising software and tools to track progress throughout the year
• Good organizational and time management skills to help keep projects on track and manage multiple evolving deadlines
• Basic understanding about environmental and conservation issues or a desire to learn about topics related to funding proposals

Compensation

• $30,000-40,000 based on experience and will grow with success; benefits package including generous paid time off and sick leave. 
• Benefits in the future could include health insurance and contributions to retirement accounts, pending success in fund-raising.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email a cover letter, CV/resume, and at least two relevant writing samples (e.g., grant proposal, letter of inquiry, fundraising appeal). Please include “Development job” in the subject line.

TRI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment in all aspects of our organization.