Lead, Development

Textile Exchange•New York, NY

2d•$115,000 - $150,000•Remote

About The Position

The Development Lead is a dynamic, creative, and organized individual who can help a mission-driven nonprofit thrive and grow and who is passionate about sustainability in the fashion, apparel and textile industry. This role will lead the design and implementation of Textile Exchange’s fundraising strategy to support its Climate and Nature Impact activities, while also contributing to the development of broader organizational funding mechanisms. This position will build and develop prospect and donor relations and articulate Textile Exchange’s programs and value to prospective and current donors in a compelling and strategic manner; will maintain a diversified donor portfolio; and will be responsible for achieving annual revenue targets. This position reports to the Chief Impact Officer (CIO).

Requirements

5-7 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or philanthropy—preferably in a global nonprofit or sustainability-focused organization.
Proven track record of securing major gifts, grants, or strategic partnerships with philanthropic stakeholders. Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to cultivate relationships with donors.
Strong presentation, storytelling, and public speaking skills.
Strong project management skills, with a keen eye for detail and deadlines.
Excellent writing, editing, and communication skills in English.
Experience working with donor databases and CRM tools (e.g. Salesforce, HubSpot.)
Passionate about Textile Exchange’s mission and deeply committed to advancing climate, nature, and livelihoods outcomes.
Committed to equity, inclusion, and shared leadership, with a proven ability to work across diverse communities and global contexts.

Responsibilities

In partnership with CIO, design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Climate and Nature Impact work. Primary fundraising mechanisms: Philanthropic Grants from government or foundations with endowments
Philanthropic Gifts/Donations from foundations with endowments, or individuals
Corporate Sponsorships
In partnership with CIO, CEO, and Senior Leadership Team, explore opportunities to partner with existing grant funding mechanisms to fill current gaps in funding opportunities for tier 4 production systems. Manage external partners to inform fundraising strategy.
In partnership with CIO, CEO, and Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the development of a longer-term strategy for a Fund to support collective action and address barriers at tier 4, ensuring alignment with Textile Exchange’s 5-year strategy, engagement model, and theory of change.
Cultivate and steward relationships with a portfolio of mission-aligned donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
Partner with the CEO, Chief Impact Officer, and senior leaders internally and externally to grow and diversify the organization’s philanthropic funding base.
Track grant cycles, deadlines, and deliverables using CRM (Salesforce) and project management tools.
Manage stewardship activities, donor briefings, and engagement events.
Prepare compelling grant proposals, donor materials, and impact reports, tailored to diverse funder audiences.
Collaborate with program teams to gather relevant data, outcomes, and stories for fundraising materials.
Draft, edit, and submit letters of inquiry, grant applications, and donor reports.
Monitor and evaluate progress against grant deliverables and impact metrics, ensuring transparency and accountability to funders.
Foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
Contribute to organizational vision and decision-making, providing fundraising perspectives to inform strategic planning.
Support the CIO in Board engagement and fundraising initiatives.
Promote alignment and integration with other departments.