Director of Development

Job Title: Director of Development

Start Date: Immediately

Location: Washington, DC

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Background on the VCS

The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program was launched in November 2007 and is now well established as the leading global greenhouse gas (GHG) certification program in the voluntary carbon market. Our primary objective has been to bring standardization, transparency and credibility to the voluntary carbon market and other results-based mechanisms, and we continue to pioneer the establishment of frameworks that enable the development of new and innovative projects and programs that reduce GHG emissions worldwide. We are also increasingly seeing opportunities to apply our certification knowledge base to non-carbon activities.

As the organization grows, and the scope of activities increases, VCS has determined it needs a full-time Director of Development. While VCS has been effective at raising outside funds from foundations (eg, Climate and Land Use Alliance, European Climate Foundation) and governments (eg, Norway, Germany), this success needs to evolve into an integrated effort that have as its basis a long-term fundraising strategy.

The Director of Development will report directly to the CEO, be a key member of the senior management team and help lead the strategic direction of the organization. Working with the CEO and other senior staff, the Director of Development will be responsible for all fundraising and development activities, including forging new relationships to build VCS's visibility, impact, and financial resources, helping to grow the budget through the solicitation of major gifts, government grants, and foundation support, and expanding and diversifying VCS’ donor base. It is expected that the amount raised by VCS will increase in future years as the Director of Development systematically and effectively strengthens the organization's overall fundraising capacity.

Job Description

The Director of Development’s main responsibility will be to develop and implement an integrated fundraising strategy that will include a number of tasks and responsibilities, as follows:

1)     Work with CEO and senior management to assess the fundraising possibilities of a number of distinct initiatives already being considered by VCS.

2)     Develop and execute an integrated fundraising strategy that will include targets, timelines and a proposed budget.

3)     Build a fundraising team over time, including staff to oversee successful grant applications.

4)     Develop fundraising materials (eg, slide deck) that will be used to present the organization to potential funders.

5)     Take primary responsibility for developing and submitting all proposals, tracking them, and maintaining an archive of proposals submitted.

6)     Work with senior staff to incorporate fundraising into all aspects of the organization.

7)     Work closely with members of the VCS Board of Directors as they take on a more active fundraising role.

8)     Reach out to and establish relationships with target donors. This will include making introductions for other VCS staff and VCS Board Members (eg, CEO, Chairman of Board) where appropriate.

9)     Prepare regular reports on the progress of the fundraising strategy.

10)  Research funding sources and trends to help position VCS ahead of major funding changes or trends;

Required Knowledge, Experience and Skills

1)     At least ten years of relevant work experience and successful track record (eg, grants obtained, relationships with donors established), preferably in the non-profit and/or political fundraising arena.

2)     Experience developing and implementing fundraising plans, including having established and cultivated relationships with donors.

3)     Master’s degree in Business, Communications, Psychology, Economics, Public Policy or a related field would be considered an asset.

4)     Experience in voluntary carbon markets would be considered an asset.

5)     Excellent written and oral communications skills.

6)     Fluency in English is essential; fluency in another UN official language would be considered an asset.

7)     Strong familiarly with Microsoft Office software is essential.

Terms and Conditions

A competitive salary is available and other terms and conditions will be discussed during the application process. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. In order to streamline the application process, applicants are requested to submit the following documents:

1)     Cover letter (not to exceed one page).

2)     Resume/CV (not to exceed two pages).

All documents must be submitted to employment@v-c-s.org by 30 March, 2014.