Institutional Giving Director

ABOUT RAN

For more than 40 years Rainforest Action Network (RAN) has campaigned to preserve forests protect the climate and uphold human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through research education partnerships non-violent direct action grassroots organizing strategic campaigns and communications. We are committed to working with Indigenous and frontline communities directly impacted by profit-driven systems of partnership with allies from around the world RAN challenges corporations to stop destructive operations respect human rights and adopt policies that reduce their contributions to climate change. RAN is committed to doing what is necessary not only what is considered politically feasible.

RACIAL JUSTICE

RAN strives to integrate values of equity and fairness into our work which includes bringing an intentional racial justice analysis to our programmatic work and organizational structure. We are seeking candidates who have a commitment to engage in this ongoing process and work with us to create a just and inclusive work environment and world. RAN provides all people with equal employment and volunteer opportunities while also staying committed to providing accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. We encourage applicants of color and other historically excluded identities to apply for this position.

THE POSITION

Rainforest Action Network has an exciting senior fundraising opportunity in our Development department. We are looking for a dynamic and ambitious fundraising professional to conceive design and lead effective multi-year fundraising strategies to expand and enhance our organizations revenue stream and portfolio of funders. The Director holds a pivotal role in identifying and cultivating new funding opportunities and strategic partnerships that result in multi-year grants to support RANs critical campaigns.

The Institutional Giving Director reports to the Development Director works closely with the Executive Director and manages the Grants Coordinator. The Director ensures strategic collaboration with program and executive staff to support the team in staying abreast of philanthropic trends content and context within the field. The ideal candidate is a compelling writer and clear communicator a results-oriented strategic thinker and problem solver a relationship builder and persuasive negotiator able to mobilize others to action.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Accountable for raising $5M or more per year towards a $13M budget by creating and implementing long-range strategic institutional fundraising priorities to advance RANs goals.
• Identify/move forward new institutional funding prospects and create cultivation solicitation and stewardship plans to secure funds.
• Engage and support RAN leadership and program staff in the solicitation and cultivation of prospects.
• Work closely and manage relations with program staff and leadership executive team and communications to achieve program and fundraising goals.
• Create compelling proposals for new funders and high stakes renewal funding; oversee and provide feedback and quality assurance for all funder proposals and reports.
• Grow RANs portfolio of general operating support funders with an eye to increased and multi-year funding.
• Increase RANs presence in and exposure to funder spaces including RANs participation on panels speaking engagements and networking events.
• Develop and administer institutional giving forecast and fundraising objectives and develop corrective strategies as needed.
• In coordination with the data team establish and monitor success benchmarks and increase institutional fundraising data reporting capabilities to present analysis and recommendations to the executive team and Board.
• Manage Grants Coordinator performance professional development and provide strategic direction to their projects.
• Work closely with the Development team to build a culture of philanthropy at RAN create educational fundraising presentations/opportunities for staff and identify points of collaboration between individual and institutional giving.

EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS

• Minimum of 5 years of successfully soliciting and stewarding five and six-figure grants from foundations is required preferably in the environment or advocacy sectors.
• Highly developed written verbal research and editorial skills with ability to synthesize information and compose clear and effective narratives.
• Experience with juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced non-profit environment with strong organizational project management and leadership skills and attention to detail.
• Experience managing international and governmental proposals and reports as well as supporting cross-team measurement evaluation and learning systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with programs leads to develop consistent up to date compelling pitch materials and reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work with finance on maintaining up to date revenue projections and develop accurate proposal budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent donor research on prospective institutional funders as well as secure funding from new sources.
• Experience working with a geographically dispersed organization in multiple time zones is preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of previous management experience required preferably within development and fundraising.
• Experience working in Raisers Edge database preferred.
• Understanding of climate deforestation and human rights issues and the funding landscape preferred.
• Interest in RANs mission environmental issues human rights and racial justice.

COMPENSATION

This is a full-time position with an anticipated salary range of $111k - $120k commensurate with experience. The position is remote and open to candidates based anywhere in the US with a preference for San Francisco.

Benefits include 100% RAN-paid health dental and vision insurance for the employee and their partner/family 4 weeks PTO (increases to 5 weeks after 2 years) as well as a paid winter break and a retirement plan with a 3% employer match. Additionally after each 5 years of service staff are eligible for a 12 week fully-paid sabbatical.

TO APPLY

To apply please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter with answers to the following questions by January 11 2026 for optimal consideration:

1. What experiences and networks do you bring that will help you be successful in this position tasked with meeting ambitious fundraising goals
2. How do you prioritize DEI and Racial Justice in your work as a fundraising professional