Fractional Development Director

About Climate XChange Climate XChange (CXC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing equitable, evidence-based climate policy at the state level. Through applied research, policy design, and a national network of advocates, we help shape and accelerate state-level climate solutions that cut emissions, center environmental justice, and support a zero-emissions economy. Our core initiatives include the State Climate Policy Dashboard (Dashboard), the State Climate Policy Network (SCPN), and applied research that bridges the gap between analysis and implementation—offering practical, scalable policy tools for states. CXC is a nimble, mission-driven team committed to impact, collaboration, and powering progress in climate policymaking. Position Summary Climate XChange is seeking a strategic and experienced Fractional Development Director to lead and grow our fundraising efforts. Working in close partnership with the Executive Director and senior staff, the Development Director will drive the organization’s fundraising strategy, cultivate and steward relationships with foundations and individual donors, and ensure strong systems for grant management and reporting. This position is for a part-time staff member working 20 to 25 hours per week. This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic development professional to build upon the growth of a mission-driven climate organization at a pivotal moment. The ideal candidate is a strong storyteller and strategic thinker with a proven track record across institutional and individual fundraising and a solid portfolio of climate or environmental philanthropic connections. They’re someone who brings systems thinking, values alignment, and a deep understanding of how to match mission-driven work with funder priorities.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy
• Lead the development and execution of CXC’s fundraising strategy to meet short- and long-term revenue goals, in collaboration with the Executive Director and program leads.
• Set annual fundraising targets and long-term growth strategies to diversify and expand philanthropic support.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director and Policy & Research Director on organizational growth and funder alignment.
• Participate in strategic planning and budgeting.
• Develop systems and tools to track fundraising performance and report progress to staff and the Board.
• With the Executive Director and program directors and leads, ideate emerging areas of new work and organizational growth that align with the shifting priorities of funders.
• Collaborate with the Communication Director on messaging for external funder audiences and communication materials.
• Fundraising & Funder Engagement
• Manage and grow a pipeline of institutional donors, including identifying and cultivating new foundation leads aligned with the organization's strategy and yearly plans.
• Lead and manage the full lifecycle of grant writing, reporting, and stewardship—collaborating with program staff to develop content and ensuring each deliverable is strategically aligned, cohesive, and submitted on time. Ensure alignment between programmatic needs and development strategy through collaboration with program staff.
• Develop and implement funding streams, including individual donors.
• Support outreach and strategic planning for the organization’s annual fundraiser, an electric vehicle raffle, and leverage the raffle for fundraising from high net worth individuals.
• Partnership Development
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with CXC’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Represent CXC at funder events, philanthropic networks, and other field-building convenings.
• Identify opportunities for CXC program staff to conduct presentations, share timely information, or develop relationships with funder networks.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective funders, including meeting preparation, follow-ups, and ongoing engagement.
• Internal Systems & Capacity Building
• Support the Executive Director in donor engagement, including preparing briefing materials, attending funder meetings, and managing follow-up communications.
• Maintain a fundraising calendar of key deadlines, grant cycles, and reporting requirements.
• Partner with communications, research, and program teams to surface stories, updates, and content for funders.
• Create internal tools and templates to improve proposal quality and team efficiency.
• Works Closely With
• Reports to the Executive Director
• Works closely with the Policy & Research Director and Communications Director.
• Qualifications
• 7+ years of experience in development or fundraising, with d