Senior Foundation Fundraising Consultant

Oil Change International•Washington, DC

16h•€65 - €115

About The Position

Oil Change International seeks a senior foundation fundraiser with existing relationships among climate and energy funders for a six-month independent contract, with a possible extension. The contract is expected to begin in mid-January 2027, with some flexibility on the start date. The consultant will present proposals to existing funders, introduce OCI to new foundations, and help secure new foundation funding. OCI expects the successful candidate to be ready to make calls and arrange meetings from their first week. The role works closely with the Executive Director and the Managing Director of Organizational Strategy, who hold OCI's foundation fundraising strategy. It is full-time, though part-time may be considered for the right candidate. Preference is for a person based in Europe or the UK who can regularly overlap with US Pacific working hours, up to two days per week. No travel is required, though the consultant may attend funder meetings or convenings, with agreed travel expenses covered.

Requirements

At least eight years of experience in foundation fundraising, with a track record of securing significant grants.
Existing relationships with foundations outside the US, preferably including European and UK funders of climate and energy work.
Experience opening new funder relationships and turning first conversations into asks, proposals, and grants.
Excellent English writing and editing skills, and strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and get started quickly with little ramp-up time.
Commitment to Oil Change International’s mission and a collaborative, team-oriented work style.
Sensitivity to issues of privilege, class, and race; dedication to incorporating principles of justice into organizational work; and alignment with OCI’s values.

Nice To Haves

Experience with US foundations.
Experience working at a climate-, environment-, or social-justice-oriented nonprofit.
Familiarity with climate and energy policy, specifically supply-side fossil fuel policy.
Experience with Salesforce or a similar CRM.
Based in Europe or the UK.

Responsibilities

Introduce OCI to new foundations, particularly European and UK funders of climate and energy work, using the consultant’s network and relationships.
Arrange and lead calls and meetings with program officers, involving OCI leadership and Program Directors when their expertise or relationships would help.
Research prospective funders and recommend which to prioritize.
Follow up on conversations to secure invitations to submit proposals and maintain funder relationships between meetings.
Represent OCI at funder meetings and convenings where appropriate and feasible.
Track outreach, contacts, and next steps in OCI’s Salesforce database.
Work with program staff and the Development team to draft and submit concept notes, letters of inquiry, and proposals to new funders.
Adapt OCI’s existing proposal language, including its general support proposal, for new funders and their priorities.
Create materials and collateral for funder meetings.
Coordinate and submit funding proposals and reports through funder portals as needed.
Coordinate foundation fundraising working groups focused on EU, UK, US, and other foundations, including setting agendas, following up on next steps, and maintaining progress.
Prepare staff for funder outreach by leading check-in calls before key meetings.
Coordinate outreach with OCI staff who have existing funder relationships.
Help maintain a calendar of funder deadlines and in-person outreach opportunities.
Support the Executive Director and Managing Director of Organizational Strategy in developing and refining OCI’s foundation fundraising strategy.
Advise on the European and UK funding landscape, including relevant funders, priorities, and timelines.
Recommend ways to systematically cultivate program officers and keep them updated on OCI’s work.
Help track progress toward foundation fundraising goals and flag gaps and opportunities early.
Participate constructively in Development team meetings and check-ins.
Respond to administrative requests in a timely and courteous manner, including submitting invoices and expense reports by established deadlines.