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Position: Global Development Director
Reports to: President
Employee Classification: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Remote, Flexible (Monthly travel as needed)
Starting salary: $105,000 - $130,000 (commensurate with experience)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Marine Conservation Institute seeks a strategic and entrepreneurial Global Development Director to lead the organization’s revenue growth strategy and personally cultivate transformational funding relationships. Reporting directly to the President this individual will be a key member of our leadership team, responsible for designing and executing a fundraising plan that positions the organization to double annual revenue by 2030.

The ideal candidate will combine the passion and vision of a senior leader with the hands-on skills of a frontline fundraiser. The Global Development Director brings an existing network of high-capacity donors, institutional funders, and corporate partners. They will be equally adept at securing six-figure gifts, shaping global partnership strategies, and serving as a compelling ambassador for our mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Fundraising & Revenue Growth

  • Partner with the President to design a multi-year global fundraising strategy to grow revenue from ~$1.5M to $3M+ annually by 2030.
  • Lead the integration of major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, planned giving, and high-impact events into a unified growth plan.
  • Identify and develop new funding streams, including international opportunities, cross-sector partnerships, and innovative philanthropic models.
  • Lead the design and execution of high-impact fundraising campaigns, including annual appeals, targeted major gift initiatives, and special projects, ensuring each campaign is measurable, scalable, and aligned with our strategic priorities.

High-Level Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

  • Personally manage a portfolio of top-tier donors and prospects, focusing on six- and seven-figure gifts.
  • Build deep, long-term relationships with high-net-worth individuals, philanthropists, and institutional funders.
  • Create and execute personalized cultivation and stewardship strategies that align donor passions with Marine Conservation Institute’s highest-impact initiatives.
  • Oversee the planning and execution of donor events and intimate cultivation gatherings, working with the President and Board to maximize donor engagement and return on investment.

Board & Leadership Engagement

  • Collaborate with the President and Board to identify, cultivate, and recruit high-net-worth and globally connected donors and board members.
  • Activate Board members and their networks to expand major gift and institutional funding opportunities.
  • Provide the Board with regular, data-informed updates on fundraising performance and opportunities.

Global Partnerships & Market Expansion

  • Develop and nurture relationships with global NGOs, corporate sustainability leaders, and philanthropists.
  • Represent Marine Conservation Institute at high-profile events, conferences, and donor gatherings worldwide.

Fundraising Operations

  • Actively manage CRM, donor database, and prospect research tools to manage donor pipelines, and track performance metrics.
  • Ensure accurate and timely reporting to the President, Board, and funders.
  • Work closely with the Communications Manager and staff to craft compelling cases for support, fundraising-related print materials, digital engagement and web content, as well as oversee annual Impact Report, e-newsletter and campaign messaging.
  • When needed, recruit and coordinate short-term staff, consultants, or interns to support specific fundraising campaigns or events, providing clear direction and ensuring high-quality results.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Proven track record of securing six-figure gifts in a nonprofit environment, ideally in conservation, science, or global causes.
  • At least 5 years of experience in development.
  • Ability to design and deliver successful multi-year strategies.
  • Exceptional relationship builder with existing network of high-capacity donors and/or institutional funders.
  • Global perspective and experience cultivating donors in multiple regions.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
  • Entrepreneurial self-starter who thrives in a lean, hands-on environment.
  • Strong organizational skills.
  • Tech-savvy regarding virtual office environment.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

The salary for this position starts between $105,000-$130,000. Starting pay may vary with job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. At present, our compensation package includes employer paid medical, dental, and vision, 401k retirement plan (with 5% employer match), 15 days of paid time off, 12 paid holidays, and 10 days sick leave. Please note that Marine Conservation Institute, at its discretion, may make changes to its benefits programs.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please email the following materials to jobs@marine-conservation.org and include the position title (Global Development Director) and your name in the subject line:

  • A cover letter detailing your interests, relevant experience, goals and availability
  • A résumé, including relevant coursework, previous projects and experience

Applicant review will begin September 29 and continue until the position is filled. The ideal candidate will be able to join the organization by December 2025. Please, no calls regarding this opportunity.

 

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ABOUT MARINE CONSERVATION INSTITUTE

Marine Conservation Institute is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the world's ocean and the incredible diversity of marine life it supports. Through a blend of cutting-edge science, advocacy, and awareness campaigns, we strive to create and strengthen marine protected areas globally. Our key initiatives are the Blue Parks program which incentivizes the creation of effective marine reserves and the Marine Protection Atlas (MPAtlas), a comprehensive online database tracking the progress of marine protection worldwide. We are committed to securing protection for at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 working collaboratively with scientists, community leaders, politicians, governments, and other organizations.

Learn more at marine-conservation.org at:

  • Website: marine-conservation.org
  • Instagram: @savingoceans
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/marine-conservation-institute

Marine Conservation Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search. You can read more about our commitment here.