Senior Development Officer

POSITION TITLE

Senior Development Officer

LOCATION

Remote (USA); specific states: Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington (state). Washington DC office and Geneva, Switzerland office. Valid work authorization required.

SALARY RANGE

$75,000–$90,000 annually (12.5% increase applies in Switzerland).

DEADLINE

Apply by July 6, 2026.

SUMMARY

The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) uses the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society. The Senior Development Officer advances CIEL’s ambitious fundraising agenda by building relationships with foundation and government funders, composing grant proposals and reports, and working with program and finance staff to advance fundraising strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Grant Writing (60%) Develop and write compelling, substantive, outcomes‑oriented grant proposals and reports, collaborating across programs to develop project narratives, objectives, and deliverables aligned with CIEL’s mission and strategic priorities. Coordinate with finance to meet grant budgeting and reporting deadlines. Collaborate with relevant staff to align donor interest with grant deliverables, distill relevant material for proposals and reports, coordinate drafting processes and review loops, and deliver high‑quality, timely final products to foundation and government funders. Ensure compliance with all relevant internal and external deadlines and standards. Portfolio Management (35%) Maintain a portfolio of institutional donors, working with Leadership and program staff to grow relationships and maximize funding potential. Identify new prospects and create engagement strategies to cultivate foundations and secure additional support. Ensure timely submission of proposal, renewal, and reporting requirements for current and potential grants. Contribute to and support processes that improve the efficiency of the development team and its interactions with the rest of the organization. Update records and information within the CRM system. Organize all grant files according to established protocols. Administration (5%) Maintain timesheets and submit them on time. Meet periodically as requested with supervisor and other team members. Participate in weekly staff and team meetings and other organizational activities, including an annual staff performance evaluation.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications At least 5 years of professional experience in an institutional development/fundraising role. Proven experience securing grants in the mid‑ to upper six‑figure range and managing a portfolio of grants with competing deadlines. Strong grant writing skills, including past experience with project and general operating support grants. Ability to understand and interpret grant budgets. Exceptional communication skills and attention to detail, articulating complex subject matter clearly in writing and verbally. Ability to manage multiple priorities concurrently, with strong planning and organizational skills and work well under pressure. Ability to work and communicate effectively with people of different backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles. Sound judgment in handling confidential donor information. Ability to work both independently and in close coordination with a team. Desired Qualifications Experience with CRM maintenance and use, such as Blackbaud products. Experience in a multi‑country organization. Past experience in a remote work environment. Comfort leading meetings to discuss complex strategies and impact with managers across teams. Experience with Google Suite and Asana project management software. Project management experience. Competencies Action‑Oriented: Makes things happen, takes on opportunities and tough goals with curiosity, proactivity, and constructiveness. Nimble Learning: Approaches unfamiliar tasks proactively, with an open mind, and quickly adapts to new situations. Effective Communication: Delivers messages in a clear, compelling, and concise manner; actively listens and adjusts content for stakeholders. Collaborates: Brings people together to achieve a common purpose, creating synergy for greater results. Resourcefulness: Makes the best of limited resources; finds ways to get things done even when odds are against. Employment Information This position is included in the CIEL staff unit of the Washington Baltimore News Guild union. Location & Working Hours Works from Geneva office, Washington, DC office, or remotely from eligible U.S. states. Core overlap hours with U.S. Eastern Time (9 am – 12 pm) and Central European Time (3 pm – 6 pm). Standard 40‑hour work week with occasional overtime, compensated with time off. Benefits US employees receive employer‑subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance; paid vacation, sick, and parental leave; 5% contribution of gross annual salary into a 403(b) retirement account; relocation stipend; dedicated professional development funding; and paid sabbatical leave after 7 years. Eligible for the US Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. CIEL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit; full‑time employees qualify for benefits. EEO Statement CIEL is actively committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and building an organization as diverse as the communities we serve worldwide. Qualified applicants with various backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and (dis)abilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodation or assistance requested, contact Human Resources at jobs[at]ciel.org. #J-18808-Ljbffr cielorg