Grant Writer / Development Communications Specialist

Project Drawdown seeks a Grant Writer / Development Communications Specialist to play a critical role in advancing our fundraising and philanthropic support by crafting compelling content for donor outreach, grant proposals, case statements, pitch decks, brochures and handouts, fundraising campaigns, grant reports, and other fundraising-related communications.

The ideal candidate is a talented writer/editor, grant writer, and development communications professional who is experienced in developing persuasive content that drives philanthropic support.

About Project Drawdown

Project Drawdown is the world’s leading resource for climate solutions. 

We are a trusted, science-based, and independent guide for effective climate action across the globe.

Our work is built on three pillars:

• SCIENCE. First, we conduct cutting-edge research to identify the best possible climate solutions – and to design the most effective strategies to bring them to scale. Then, we share our findings with the world through highly effective science communication, marketing campaigns, and media partnerships.
• STAKEHOLDERS. Next, we use our science to inform and inspire stakeholders – including philanthropists, investors, business leaders, policymakers, and community change-makers to take bold leadership positions and bring effective climate action to the world.
• STORIES. Finally, we use the power of storytelling to help shift the narrative on climate change – from problem to solution and from “doom and gloom” toward “opportunity and possibility.” Along the way, we elevate new voices and showcase new climate heroes changing the world.

We strongly believe that good science is needed to guide effective climate action. We also believe that science must be shared in actionable and compelling ways – through stakeholder engagement and powerful storytelling. Our job is to make this happen.

About the Role

We are seeking a Grant Writer / Development Communications Specialist for Project Drawdown. This is a new role in our growing organization.

The main responsibility for this role is to develop compelling, written fundraising content, including tailored donor outreach letters; grant proposals to foundations, government agencies, individuals, corporate partners, and other funders; case statements; pitch decks & fundraising presentations; brochures & handouts; printed & digital collateral for fundraising campaigns; grant reports, follow-ups, and donor acknowledgments; and other communications.

Specifically, the role will focus on: 

• Donor Engagement Materials: Develop thoughtful, personalized communications to help engage individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, including individualized letters/emails, broader outreach (newsletters, social media, advertisements, etc.), and event invitations. Collaborate with senior leadership and board members to share these materials with prospective donors.
• Grant Writing: Collaborate with Project Drawdown team members to prepare and submit complex grant proposals, including writing narrative sections, developing graphics and tables, gathering necessary documents, and ensuring timely submission.
• Other Fundraising Collateral: Working with other team members, develop compelling pitch decks, brochures & handouts, case statements, and other fundraising materials
• Donor Follow-ups: Write gift and donor acknowledgments, follow-ups, thank you letters, funding announcements and press releases, and other stewardship materials.
• Grant Reports: Lead in writing grant reports and other donor updates. 
• Fundraising Campaign Materials: Working with other team members, help craft engaging fundraising content for social media, email campaigns, and website updates to inform and attract potential donors.
• Success Stories: Develop “success stories” that highlight the impact of Project Drawdown’s work for use in fundraising and communication materials.
• Broader Reporting: Help create Project Drawdown’s annual reports, impact reports, and other donor-facing reports that communicate the organization's successes and future opportunities.
• Event & Presentation Support: Help support fundraising presentations and events. Collaborate on event planning and promotion – including content creation, event invitations, follow-up communications, and other promotional content for fundraising events and webinars. Participate in events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Grant Writer / Development Communications Specialist must work with independence and self-direction yet thrive in collaboration. This role is crucial in driving the success of Project Drawdown’s fundraising and development by engaging donors through clear communication.

The position will report to the Director of Marketing and Communications.

Project Drawdown welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs to join us in stopping climate change quickly, safely, and equitably. We are a 100% remote organization based in the United States.    

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of the following:

• Experience: 3–5 years of proven success in development, communications, or nonprofit fundraising roles, preferably within the climate, sustainability, or environmental sectors.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, with experience writing and editing for various audiences, including major donors, foundations, corporate partners, and the general public.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively across teams, including development, communications, and program staff. 
• Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Relationship Development: Comfort with interacting with high-level executives, donors, and others.
• Digital Literacy: Proficiency in using digital communication tools and platforms, including social media, email marketing, project management systems, and content management systems.
• Approach to Work: Flexibility, creativity, and can-do attitude. Energetic and eager to tackle new projects and ideas.
• Commitment to Mission: A demonstrated passion for addressing climate change and a commitment to advancing climate solutions. Familiarity with scientific or environmental organizations is a plus. 
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Understanding of and appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and experience fostering a welcoming team environment.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

In addition, candidates must be:

• comfortable with teleconferencing, collaborative work environments, remote work, and virtual collaboration. 
• available to participate in video conferences on weekdays 9 am–5 pm Central Time.
• able to use Google Suite, Asana, Raiser’s Edge, Calendly, and presentation software (Keynote preferred) for delivering individual work products and collaborative projects.
• If needed, occasionally travel to help support fundraising events as part of the larger team.
• Willing to assist with other tasks as requested.

Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary people, and BIPOC are less likely than others to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

Position Details and How to Apply

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits with an expectation of 40 hours/week. The salary range for this position is $80,000-100,000 / year. We work hard to ensure our salaries are competitive with similar leading nonprofits in major cities across America. In addition, Project Drawdown provides exceptional benefits, including generous time off, health insurance, and matching 401k.

As with all positions at Project Drawdown, this role will be 100% remote. Employees can work anywhere within the United States. Candidates currently authorized to work in the United States (U.S. Citizens, green card holders, and work visa holders), who reside anywhere in the U.S. may apply. Employees are expected to attend a yearly in-person team meeting. 

To be considered for this position, submit your application at https://form.jotform.com/242636036264152, including:

• A cover letter describing your experience and fit for this role, including two examples of past fundraising campaigns or messages to donors with a clear explanation of your role and the associated outcome.
• Recent resume detailing your educational and professional background

Applications will be accepted until Monday, October 14, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Interviews are expected to begin in late October. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to provide at least two professional references.

Project Drawdown is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Project Drawdown does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by law, and we will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. We strongly encourage all qualified persons currently authorized to work in the United States to apply for this position. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and the organization’s needs.

For more information, contact us at jobs@drawdown.org