Deputy Chief Development Officer

Environmental Defense Fund•San Francisco, DC

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Deputy Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President (SVP) drives the organization’s revenue growth and sustainability, reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and EVP for Global Development. The role leads revenue-generating teams spanning principal and major gifts, institutional giving, planned giving, membership, and mid-level giving, and serves on the Development Leadership Team (DLT) and Organizational Leadership Team (OLT). The Deputy works closely with Development Operations teams overseen by the CDO and, in partnership with the CDO, provides strategic vision and leadership for EDF’s philanthropic efforts. The position serves as a potential successor to the CDO and oversees approximately 80 staff in the United States and around the world. This is a regular, full-time position with full benefits. It is hybrid, with preferred locations in New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, or San Francisco; there is flexibility for the right candidate. The role requires travel 15% of the time, mostly within the United States. The stated salary range is $338,000–$350,000 USD. EDF offers competitive compensation, robust benefits, and professional development opportunities.

Requirements

Significant experience in nonprofit development, including direct donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Bachelor’s degree required.
Extensive experience leading large, complex, high-performing teams.
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and attain ambitious but achievable revenue goals.
Strong track record of building trusted relationships with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
Collaborative and strategic mindset, with strong judgment and decision-making skills.
Problem-solving ability and capacity to develop creative solutions.
Excellent communication skills, including navigating and articulating differing viewpoints effectively.
Experience leading through change and influencing organizational direction.
Strong analytical and quantitative skills and a data-driven approach.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in fast-paced environments.
Integrity, sound judgment, and consensus-building ability.
Cultural competency, self-awareness, inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across cultures and backgrounds.
Ability to travel 15% of the time, mostly within the United States.

Nice To Haves

Prior Chief Development Officer experience.
Experience in environmental, climate, or related sectors; knowledge of the climate funding space is strongly preferred.
Experience in diverse, international settings and global or matrixed organizations.
Master’s degree in a relevant field, which may substitute for up to two years of relevant experience.
Fresh ideas, networks, and demonstrated ability to build donor relationships in a global context.
Deep knowledge of major donor and institutional fundraising.
Proven ability to build partnerships, market mission-driven organizations, and grow restricted and unrestricted revenue.

Responsibilities

Partner with DLT colleagues to develop and execute a revenue growth strategy aligned with EDF’s mission priorities and including diversified resources.
Identify and respond to shifts in the philanthropic landscape, including opportunities such as climate donor collaboratives.
Leverage the Board of Directors to expand donor networks and prospects.
Lead the development of innovative short- and long-term fundraising strategies in collaboration with mission teams.
Set priorities, goals, and metrics across revenue areas; monitor progress and proactively address challenges.
Foster a strong, donor-centered culture that drives engagement, retention, and new donor acquisition.
Oversee budgets and workforce planning to support revenue growth.
Mentor and develop staff, promoting performance and professional growth.
Lead special projects as requested by the CDO.
Serve as proxy for the CDO when needed, ensuring timely decisions with appropriate stakeholder input.
Contribute to DLT and OLT priorities and organizational effectiveness.
Support change management across Global Development and EDF.
Advance EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, helping people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered in alignment with EDF values.