Director of Business, Philanthropy, and Investor Partnerships

Project Drawdown seeks a high-level, proven leader as our new Director of Business, Philanthropy, and Investor Partnerships. The Director will be instrumental in advancing our mission by identifying, building, and stewarding strategic partnerships with businesses, philanthropists, and impact investors. Through these partnerships, Project Drawdown seeks to advance innovative, science-based climate solutions in the world.

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

Project Drawdown is a “science first” organization. Everything we do is built on a foundation of science and evidence. With this new role, we seek to create new partnerships that are built on science-based strategies – including the “time value of carbon”, “emergency brake” climate solutions (like addressing methane and deforestation emissions), targeting geographic “hot spots” with disproportionate climate impact, and seeking solution “benefit bundles” that go far beyond carbon.

We seek candidates that can start with this “science first” foundation, and then build powerful partnerships that can help accelerate climate action in new, effective ways. We strongly believe that these science-based strategies can help the world make tremendous progress on climate change – making up for lost time. We will seek business, philanthropy, and investor partners who want to join us in making this happen.

This role has the following responsibilities:

• Strategic Partnerships Development and Relationship Management
  • Focus on truly ambitious climate work – including projects that represent cutting-edge approaches to dramatically reduce emissions with speed, scale, and transparency. We also seek to help the world avoid greenwashing and delay tactics.
  • Lead the creation and execution of science-based partnership strategies, in collaboration with the leadership team and the Board of Directors, identifying key opportunities for impact, mission alignment, and support.
  • Identify, cultivate, and secure partnerships with business leaders, major philanthropists, and impact investors that align with our strategy.
  • Conduct research to build a network of partners who are leaders in climate change solutions, keeping up to date with global trends and partnership opportunities.
  • Build and maintain high-impact relationships with partners.
  • Actively engage partners in meaningful ways, including personalized outreach, in-person meetings, and attending relevant industry events to deepen collaboration.
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Leadership
  • Be part of our “One Drawdown” culture, working effectively across the entire organization.
  • Partner with internal teams to design and implement initiatives that leverage partner resources and expertise.
  • Provide strategic insight to the leadership team on potential partnerships, highlighting opportunities and risks while advising on strategic decision-making.
• Thought Leadership, Outreach, and Broader Engagement
  • Represent Project Drawdown at key events, conferences, and forums to strengthen our visibility, expand network connections, and promote Project Drawdown’s mission.
  • Develop and deliver presentations, reports, and other materials tailored to prospective and current partners.
• Measure and Evaluate Partnerships
  • Establish key performance indicators to track the success of partnership initiatives.
  • Monitor and evaluate the impact of partnerships on achieving organizational goals.
  • Regularly report on partnership progress and outcomes to key stakeholders.
•  Secure Funding and Resources
  • Develop and execute fundraising plans, in partnership with the leadership team and Board of Directors, to secure external support.
  • Help prepare compelling proposals, case statements, fundraising presentations, and other materials.
  • Negotiate partnership agreements (including gift agreements, grants, and sponsorships) to ensure alignment with goals and impact.
• Team Leadership and Development
  • Lead, mentor, and manage team members, providing guidance, setting performance goals, and supporting professional development.
  • Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, encouraging innovation, accountability, and a high standard of excellence in all partnership-related activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

The Director of Business, Philanthropy, and Investor Partnerships will report to the Managing Director, be a member of the Leadership Team, and have an initial team of three. 

Qualifications

We are looking for a seasoned leader who has deep scientific expertise and demonstrated experience in building partnerships for mission-driven nonprofits or academic organizations. 

Ideal candidates will meet the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in relevant field(s) of climate or environmental science / engineering.
• Proven track record – of at least 5 years – developing and managing partnerships for non-profit or academic organizations, preferably in environmental or sustainability fields.
• Demonstrated ability to fundraise at a significant (>$1 million / year) level.
• Excellent writing & presentation skills. Able to be a respected “thought leader.”
• Demonstrated gravitas in high-level business, philanthropy, and investing circles.
• Demonstrated ability – with at least 3-5 years experience – to lead and grow an effective team.

Candidates should also have the following qualities:

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Meticulous attention to detail, particularly with business partnerships, contracts, reports, etc.
• Absolute integrity and transparency.

In addition, candidates are required to be:

• Comfortable with teleconferencing, project management tools, collaborative work environments, remote work, and virtual collaboration. 
• Available to participate in online meetings and video conferences on weekdays 9:00 am–5:00 pm Central Time US.
• Experienced with Mac-based office environment. Proficiency with Google Suite, Asana, Slack, and presentation software (Keynote).
• Available for domestic and international travel. 

Position Details and How to Apply

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits –  based on a nominal 40-hour work week. The salary range for this position is $150,000-180,000 / year. We also provide exceptional benefits, including generous time off, health insurance, and a matching 401k.

As with all positions at Project Drawdown, this role will be 100% remote. Employees can work anywhere within the United States with a reliable, high-speed internet connection and proximity to an airport. We have clusters of employees located in Minneapolis / St. Paul, Seattle, Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., for those who enjoy opportunities for more face-to-face interactions, though this is not required. 

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. Other travel will be required.

To be considered for this position, submit your application at https://form.jotform.com/250894828041159 including:

• A cover letter describing your experience and fit for this role.
• Recent resume detailing your educational and professional background.
• Candidates may also include a work sample (e.g., op-eds, proposals, pitch deck) if they wish.

Applications will be accepted until May 4, 2025, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Interviews are expected to begin in mid-May. 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 diverse and inclusive team with a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Project Drawdown does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by law, and we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and the organization’s needs.

Studies have shown that women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC candidates are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet all of the qualifications listed in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, while finding the best candidates for the job. These candidates may be ones who come from less traditional backgrounds, and we encourage you to apply. 

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