Director of Development

• Lead proactive identification, research, and qualification of new high-net-worth individual (HNWI) and foundation prospects.
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation plans for top prospects, including briefings, meetings, events, and personalized communications.
• Effectively leverage the networks of ESP’s board and leadership team and deep roster of high-value connectors to identify and access new prospects and funders.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and institutional funders, with an emphasis on first-time and early-stage relationships.
• Identify, write, oversee, and refine high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, and reports that clearly and accurately articulate ESP’s scientific work, theory of change, and impact.
• Partner with the Communications team to translate ESP’s complex, cutting-edge research in AI and animal communication into compelling, funder-ready narratives.

• Ensure thoughtful, high-touch stewardship that builds trust and positions ESP for long-term philanthropic partnerships.

• Lead the development of small in-person fundraising and stewardship events and coordinate and manage those events and subsequent follow-up.

• Develop and maintain a strong working understanding of ESP’s research agenda, methodologies, and long-term scientific goals.
• Partner closely with researchers, program leadership, the Chief Science Officer (CSO), ESP’s co-founder and the CEO to shape funder narratives rooted in scientific rigor and credibility.
• Explore joint fundraising opportunities with scientific and programmatic partners.

• Lead and nurture a small team of fundraising professionals to ensure we have the infrastructure and human resources in place to deliver on our fundraising goals.
• Operate as a productive member of ESP’s leadership team, providing regular reporting to the group on development team functioning
• Act as a role model for organizational culture
• Support the identification and proactive management of organizational risks and opportunities as they relate to development.

You are an experienced development professional with a passion for nature and an innate ability to think strategically and to develop and nurture new relationships. As a small organization that is growing rapidly we value people able to operate at the highest strategic levels while also able to directly implement in their areas of responsibility.

• Proven track record (7+ years) raising $10M+ annually in a nonprofit, university, or research-oriented organization.
• Demonstrated success with developing and implementing effective fundraising strategies for rapidly scaling organizations.
• Deep experience leading high-value individual giving campaigns and diversified fundraising portfolios.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills; comfortable engaging senior donors and board members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication—clear, persuasive, and mission-driven.
• Comfort with and access to high-net-worth individuals, particularly those in technology and financial sectors
• Familiarity with CRM/fundraising tools and data-driven donor analytics.
• Impeccable attention to detail and wizard organizational skills - able to juggle multiple priorities and work independently while also being comfortable with directing or collaborating with others.

• Experience in research-driven organizations, science, technology, conservation, or other mission areas aligned with ESP’s work.
• Existing network of philanthropic contacts interested in science, environment, or transformative technology.
• Experienced and comfortable using AI tools to accelerate work processes.
• Event management experience.

• A passion for the natural world and excited by the prospect of using technology to decode communication of other species and deliver global change
• Precise and detail-oriented while also able to inspire
• Good communicator, writer, and listener
• Flexible, adaptable team player who enjoys collaboration and working with others
• Openness to feedback, willingness to learn, and curiosity
• Comfort with ambiguity and creativity in your approach to problem solving