Senior Manager, Communications (Individual Giving), Global Development Department

About the Program:

The Global Development Department (GDD) raises all unrestricted and core institutional funding and coordinates program fundraising across WRI seven Global programs (Cities, Climate, Energy, Food, Forests, Water, Ocean), four Centers of Excellence (Business, Economics, Finance, Equity), and 12 International Offices. The GDD is organized into four teams grouped by fundraising sector: corporate, government (bi- and multi-lateral), foundation, and individual philanthropy. These sector teams manage strategy and cultivation (for a select number of donors that are centrally managed by Global Development) or provide support to Programs, Centers, and International Offices with fundraising, funder coordination, relationship management and stewardship, prospect research, strategy development, events, and donor communications. WRI’s Development fundraising model is decentralized, meaning that fundraising is undertaken and managed both in the Global Development department and within WRI’s Programs, Centers, and International Offices.   

Job Highlight:

Now is the time to move from commitments to impact on climate change—WRI is at the forefront of this urgent transition. WRI has the knowledge, convening power and tools to drive change and is now seeking a Senior Communications Manager (Individual Giving) to curate compelling narratives that articulate the urgency of the climate crisis, inspire action and lead to the procurement of funds that will equip and enable us to meet these global challenges.

The Senior Manager, Communications (Individual Giving) is a key member of the development team with responsibility for advancing funder relationships through tailored, compelling funding proposals at the principal gifts level, curated communication and stewardship plans, adaptable content development, press release writing, and compelling storytelling. Reporting to the Director of Principal Gifts, the Senior Manager will be a strong writer, and content creator with the ability to devise and implement a wide array of messaging strategies for cultivation and stewardship of individual donors inspiring action and support for the mission of World Resources Institute.

What you will do:

Content Strategy Development & Implementation (80%)

• Develop compelling proposals at Principal Gift level ($500K+) including distilling complex information into emotionally motivating opportunities for the donor to make a meaningful impact through their partnership with WRI
• Develop compelling content, messages, and calls to action to secure new, renewed, or increased funding from individuals with narrative reports, customized acknowledgments, and complex proposals
• In coordination with Principal & Major Gifts Officers and leadership, plan and execute using a content calendar compelling messages and outreach strategies for engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual donors to establish a pipeline of ultra-high- and high-net worth donors
• Collaborate with programs teams and other stakeholders to proactively curate content; draft narratives that distill complex concepts into succinct messages inspiring action

Administration (20%)

• Develop and manage a content calendar with consistent messaging to donors and prospects that aligns with solicitation and donor-specific stewardship communications
• Ensure accurate, appropriate, and timely reporting incorporating storytelling of impacts achieved and stewardship following philanthropic contributions
• Collaborate with the Global Development Department to establish benchmarks and regular reporting processes to measure results of all donor communications and stewardship activities

What you will need:

• Education: You have a completed Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or another related field.
• Experience: You have 8+ years of experience in communications, donor relations and/or stewardship experience and have developed and executed successful stewardship strategies leading to effective cultivation and solicitation of donors.
  • Experience with distilling research, analysis, and other complex concepts into meaningful messaging for donors and other nontechnical audiences, particularly in principal gifts proposals or campaigns.
  • Experience identifying, crafting, and leveraging organizational stories in the multi-media space in a way that educates, cultivates, and motivates audiences to respond with action.
  • Experience handling multiple projects, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced and complex environment.
• Languages: You have verbal and written English proficiency.
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization.

Potential Salary: Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors. WRI offers a competitive remuneration and benefits package.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume with cover letter by the date of (December 31, 2022).

What we offer:

• A competitive salary.
• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US.
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities.
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work.
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI.
• Long-term commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours.
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure.

About Us: Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions. 

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values: WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence, Respect.

Our culture: WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.