The Head of Development will cultivate a thriving fundraising operation as a member of the iNaturalist Leadership Team.

About iNaturalist

iNaturalist is a unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit improving millions of people’s lives by strengthening connections with nature and protecting the natural world by generating millions of critical biodiversity records for science and conservation each month. We do this by engaging a global community of over a million people each month in nature exploration and citizen science on the iNaturalist website and mobile apps. iNaturalist is the most current source of open data for most of the world's species. We have ambitious plans to grow our reach and impact.

You will report to the Executive Director and be a member of the Leadership Team.  You must be able to initiate long-term plans for growth while initially starting without any direct reports. You will be responsible for comprehensive strategic leadership and hands-on implementation of fundraising for major gifts, foundations, other grants, corporate gifts, and legacy gifts. You’ll collaborate closely with the Head of Engagement, who will be responsible for a robust community donation program. This is an excellent opportunity for a broadly experienced development professional to be directly involved and build out a robust development program. 

• $10M grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to support investment in long-term sustainability

• 16 years of organic, global community growth (3M+ unique contributors, 7M+ accounts) 

• Community fundraising for 5 years (13k unique donors)

• Operating as an independent nonprofit since July 2023

• Small, governance-focused board of directors

• Broad experience with demonstrated success across nonprofit fundraising (major donors, foundations, federal grants, corporate gifts, planned giving)

• Excellent verbal and written communication in English

• Interest in nature

• Experience building and retaining a team

• Strong prioritization and organizational skills 

• Comfort and familiarity with technology and online communities

• Scalability mindset

• Collaborate closely with the Head of Engagement on stewardship, communications, and prospects

• Craft and execute strategic and operational plans for the identification, qualification, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals, as well as aligned corporate and foundation funders.

• Develop a strategy for 2025 and beyond for major donors, grants, corporate, and legacy giving

• Secure major gifts and grants in collaboration with the Executive Director and Head of Engagement

• Quickly learn about iNaturalist and be able to articulate the mission and need with donors

• Leverage FreeWill to grow a community of legacy donors

• Meet with major donors and prospects both virtually and in person

• Advise major donors and prospects on potential giving strategies (e.g. non-cash gifts, DAFs, planned giving, etc.)

• Recommend practical changes to improve the efficiency and scalability of our development-related systems and processes

• Develop and submit grant proposals in collaboration with leadership

• Proactively pursue relationships with mission-aligned foundations and companies

• Travel to attend a nature-filled retreat with the distributed iNaturalist team

Salary and Benefits

• $172,350 per year, non-negotiable

• Fully remote with one-time $200 office setup and $100/mo cell & internet offset stipends

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance

• 401k plan with a 5% match

• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for health & dependent care

• Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HRA) for mental health and major medical expenses

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Your choice of preferred work computer

• Minimum 3 weeks vacation plus 10 US holidays

• Generous family leave (12 weeks paid, 18 weeks unpaid)

• Professional development funds