Director of Development

PSE Healthy Energy is an independent scientific research institute that specializes in bringing science to energy policy. Our mission is to generate energy and climate solutions that protect public health and the environment. At PSE we design our research around real-world challenges and proactively connect our audiences with actionable evidence-based information they can trust. Our team of scientists engineers and public health professionals lead multidisciplinary research within our five practice areas: Clean Energy Transition Environmental Public Health Climate Energy Equity and Oil and Gas.

The Development Department drives our organizations fundraising and partnership efforts through collaboration strategy and relationship building. Working closely across departments our team leads initiatives that strengthen donor relationships develop funding proposals and support organizational growth. We use Salesforce CRM to manage relationships track progress and inform decisions with data. As we continue to expand were seeking a Director of Development to help shape our fundraising strategy and enhance team coordination. The ideal candidate will be an adaptable strategic thinker with a passion for collaboration and system building.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Executive Director and currently supervises the Development Associate and a planned Proposal Development Manager role. As the department grows the Director will lead the design recruitment and supervision of additional positions that support institutional partnerships individual giving and development operations. The long-term vision is to build a cohesive development structure that advances both institutional and individual donor fundraising supported by Salesforce integrations and collaborative processes.

SUCCESS IN THE ROLE

Success will be defined by the Directors ability to meet or exceed fundraising goals strengthen donor and partner relationships and build high-performing development functions that grow sustainably. Effective leadership will result in resilient financial planning reduced funding gaps and a stronger foundation for long-term mission impact.

The Director will focus on strategic leadership revenue governance and cross-departmental alignment supported by a Development Associate a Proposal Development Manager and close partnership with the Executive Director and executive team. Together this group will advance organizational strategy while the Director delivers quarterly updates that help manage financial operational and growth risks.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Revenue Generation & Risk Governance

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies including annual and multi-year targets for restricted and unrestricted revenue aligned with organizational priorities budget and long-term vision.
• Conduct scenario planning for organizational growth including structure initiatives projects and resource needs in close collaboration with Finance Programs and executive teams.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities including unrestricted funds to offset indirect costs and as a buffer for growth strengthen reserves and mitigate gaps arising from no-cost extensions or over-budget projects.
• Monitor fundraising data analyze trends and adjust strategies providing cross-functional insights for financial forecasting and decision-making.
• Own the unrestricted vs. restricted balance and partner with the Director of Finance to forecast and manage funding risks set funding thresholds for new initiatives and align staffing growth with revenue capacity.
• Continuously assess and manage funding risk including potential government sources (e.g. federal state or foreign opportunities etc.) reducing overreliance on any single source and preparing PSE for their distinct timelines compliance requirements reporting and cash flow planning.
• Bring resourcefulness and entrepreneurial mindset in PSEs fast-moving environment continuously monitoring and adapting to the evolving philanthropic and fundraising landscape to innovate revenue strategies capture emerging opportunities and build financial resilience.
• In collaboration with the Director of Scientific Programs decide which initiative receives priority funding when capacity is constrained ensuring funding thresholds exist before programs scale.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors philanthropic partners and collaborators to advance stewardship reporting and strategic partnerships.
• Design and lead moves management framework for development audience segments in partnership with the Communications Director and staff.
• Collaborate with Communications to create campaigns donor materials presentations and impact reports. Identify opportunities to partner with funders and external partners communications teams to elevate PSEs branding visibility and credibility as a trusted scientific authority.
• Partner closely with the Director of Communications to develop and implement ongoing development communications to ensure the acquisition of new philanthropic partners and the ongoing cultivation of existing relationships through consistent mission-aligned engagement.

Development Operations

• Partner with Communications Finance Operations Programs and key teams to establish standardize and continuously improve cross-departmental processes organizational efficiency and enhance visibility into project-level information (e.g. status updates upcoming deadlines and deliverables timeline pivots or funding needs etc.) to smooth dependencies.
• Oversee the grant lifecycle (application to compliance) delegating tasks to team members as the department grows while focusing on strategic alignment and process improvements.
• Partner with Finance to manage the financial dimensions of fundraising forecasting reserve tracking and growth limits ensuring real-time accuracy and alignment with PSE policies laws and grants requirements.
• Establish robust systems and processes for donor data proposals and reporting including supervising CRM (Salesforce) development and integration with administrative tools.
• Drive investments in tools contractors or technology to support fast-paced development and cross-departmental workflows.
• Govern core financial risks such as no-cost extensions by collaborating across teams to identify emerging funding gaps and raising additional funds (restricted and/or unrestricted) as needed.

Executive Leadership

• Model PSEs mission values and norms as a member of the executive team attending weekly meetings.
• Collaborate with the ED and Board to set goals steward resources and evaluate progress including organization-wide decisions and change initiatives.
• Lead the Development department by managing the budget building and mentoring the team through thoughtful leadership phasing departmental growth that aligns with organizational strategy and fostering a culture of shared success.
• Develop departmental standard operating procedures and policies ensuring cross-functional alignment and staff compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep commitment to PSEs mission and values with a strong passion for climate energy policy clean energy solutions and environmental public health
• Bachelors degree in Nonprofit Management Business Administration Communications or a related field; advanced degree preferred
• A minimum of 7 years of demonstrated progressive experience in fundraising and development including 5 years in a leadership or supervisory role managing teams and scaling operations
• Proven track record of developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies including multi-year planning scenario forecasting and successfully securing $5M annually from diverse sources (foundations government major donors etc.)
• Strong expertise in grant lifecycle management proposal development donor cultivation stewardship and compliance with government and funder regulations
• Proven excellence in written and verbal communication with a track record of crafting compelling proposals reports presentations and donor materials that effectively convey an organizations value proposition and impact to diverse.
• Ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders balancing relational and depth with strategic foresight to foster cross-functional collaboration shared purpose and effective team leadership across the organization
• Proficiency with Salesforce or similar CRM systems including data management reporting integration and using insights for strategic decision-making
• Strong analytical project management and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and the agility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced evolving environment
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential
• Experience building organizational infrastructure to support rapid growth including scaling teams implementing new systems and redesigning processes to increase efficiency transparency and accountability
• Demonstrated engagement with domestic and international (nonU.S.) grantmaking and nonprofit communities
• Familiarity with the climate energy or environmental policy sectors with a track record of securing grants from climate- and energy-focused foundations individual donors and government agencies
• Strong proficiency in communications and branding principles paired with hands-on experience using creative tools like Canva for developing fundraising materials
• Familiarity with digital and online fundraising platforms (e.g. Classy Donorbox etc.) and tools for optimizing online donations

LOCATION and WORK CONDITIONS

Remote within the United States. Extended or irregular work hours will be required during project sprints or rollouts. Position requires computer usage and sitting for extended periods of time good hand-eye coordination arm hand and finger dexterity including ability to grasp and visual acuity to use a keyboard operate equipment and read technical information. Overall mobility is essential.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

• Competitive Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive health dental and vision insurance.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer match.
• Flexible spending accounts
• Flexible time off and 15 Paid holidays
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continued education and training.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working hours and remote work options.

TO APPLY

Please submit a resume or CV and provide a cover letter and provide any relevant certifications in the online portal. Applications received by February 20 2026 will be given priority review. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

PSE Healthy Energy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race color religion national origin gender identity and expression marital status sexual orientation age disability veteran status or any other status protected under federal state or local law.

E-VERIFY NOTICE

PSE Healthy Energy participates in E-Verify. We will provide the Social Security Administration and if necessary the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employees Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Please note that we do not use this information to pre-screen job applicants.