Job Description

Health Effects Institute (HEI)

Director of  Development 

Location: Remote (HQ in Boston, MA, US)

ABOUT HEI
Based in Boston, USA, HEI is a dynamic and growing nonprofit corporation chartered in 1980 as an independent research organization. Supported jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the motor vehicle and the oil and gas industry, and by other domestic and international partners. Through its Air, Energy, and Global programs, HEI provides science to inform key national and international regulatory decisions and other actions directly relevant to improving air quality and public health worldwide. For more than 40 years, HEI has been a source of high-quality, impartial, and peer-reviewed science on the health effects of air pollution and more recently the health impacts of the energy transition. For further information about HEI, please visit www.healtheffects.org.

POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Development is a new role designed to build and lead the HEI development function, collaborate with leadership on strategic fundraising initiatives, and drive growth through diversification of revenue streams. The ideal candidate is highly entrepreneurial, motivated, and has demonstrated fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector, preferably in environmental health, climate, energy, or adjacent fields. The new leader will design and build a development function to support HEI staff and programs, currently with a budget of $15 million and a staff of 33. The successful candidate will work closely with HEI’s leadership,  scientific staff, and partners, expanding the donor base, cultivating relationships, and securing major gifts. HEI is an intellectually engaging and collaborative work environment. The position is full-time, fully remote, and reports to the HEI President. While there are currently no direct reports, the new leader will design and build a team over time.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy

• Design and build the development function for the organization, which has historically relied on and has been successful with large government grants
• In close collaboration with senior leaders, develop and implement strategic fundraising strategies to support HEI’s programs and growth objectives
• Identify new funding opportunities, including major gifts, government grants, individual giving, corporate partnerships, and international fundraising, driving diversification of revenue streams

Donor Cultivation and Engagement 

• In concert with program leaders, Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with current and potential donors, foundations, corporate partners, and stakeholders through research and networking
•  Ensure timely and meaningful acknowledgment and stewardship of donors, providing regular updates on HEI’s impact and initiatives
• Develop personalized solicitation strategies and proposals for major donors

Grant Writing and Proposal Development

• Research, write, and submit grant proposals in collaboration with program teams, submitting to funders including, foundations, government agencies, and grant-making organizations
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar and ensure timely submissions of grant reports and renewals

Data Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the fundraising database
• Analyze donor data to inform fundraising strategies and identify trends

Budget Management

• Collaborate with finance and HEI Directors to develop, manage, and monitor the development budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Monitor expenses and revenue to meet financial targets

Reporting

• Provide regular reports on fundraising activities and progress toward fundraising goals to the HEI President, senior management, and directors

Other Duties

• Participate in meetings and events conducted by HEI and partner organizations
• Participate in advancing HEI’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals
• Stay informed of industry trends, funding opportunities, and best practices, particularly in the environmental health sector
• Additional relevant responsibilities, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a relevant field 
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with a track record of successful donor cultivation and revenue generation with a focus on environmental health or adjacent industries
• Knowledge of the domestic and international philanthropic landscape, especially at the intersection of climate, health, and energy
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
• Proficiency in fundraising software and databases
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices, ethical standards, and legal regulations
• Ability to work independently and as part of local and global teams
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including scientific and leadership staff
• Ability to adapt to a dynamic and evolving work environment with a proactive and solutions-based approach
• A self-starter, able to work independently, within collaborative teams, and across multiple projects
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the Director of Development’s role. It should not be considered an exhaustive list of responsibilities, and duties may evolve as the organization’s needs change. Successful candidates will possess a passion for the organization’s mission and a commitment to fundraising excellence.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary range is $175,000 – $200,000. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. HEI is an equal-opportunity employer that offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a stimulating environment.

LOCATION
Remote. Applicants should be based in the U.S. and must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Health Effects Institute is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity within and across its work and staff. We maintain that staff from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures help us to fulfill our mission and therefore encourage candidates from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, and protected veteran status or other status protected by law to apply for this position. We endeavor to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all at HEI, free from discrimination.

How to Apply

HOW TO APPLY

HEI has retained the LeaderFit executive search firm to lead this search. Applicants will be asked to submit a cover letter and resume via the LeaderFit application portal.

Click HERE to submit your application.

Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until filled. All interviews will be virtual.

Final candidates will be required to complete a writing exercise and provide three references. Candidates will be notified in advance of contacting references.

Job Categories: Air Quality. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: development, environment, and Fundraiser. Salaries: 100,000 and above.

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