Strategic Project Development Coordinator

The Institute for Ecological Civilization (EcoCiv.org), an international nonprofit focused on catalyzing long-term structural change for the wellbeing of people and the planet, seeks to hire a new team member to work with senior management on developing new opportunities in our global work. This is a 20-hour a week, part-time, non-exempt remote position reporting to the President and members of EcoCiv’s Leadership Team. 

EcoCiv currently leads major international projects in the areas of water, wellbeing economics, community building, and global dialogues. The organization is exploring numerous areas for expansion including wildlife economics, human displacement and migration, food systems and food security, and education reform. The Strategic Project Development Coordinator will help to creatively conceptualize new projects in these and similar areas; research and identify strategic opportunities for funding and partnerships; assist or lead in building relationships with possible funders (foundations, businesses, intergovernmental organizations, and high-net-worth individuals); and take a leading role in drafting concept descriptions, LOIs, and grant proposals. 

The Institute for Ecological Civilization works with allies and global leaders to design solutions for the well-being of people and the planet. By convening experts from across the major sectors of society, we have been able to catalyze groundbreaking explorations of the ways that current systems and structures need to be transformed, such as in urban water security, and to support implementation, including wellbeing-focused policy design in Southern California. The successful candidate will aid in our mission by pairing emerging opportunities with new funding possibilities, allowing us to continue advancing civilizational change.

The ideal candidate will have experience in conceiving, funding, and implementing major projects. They will understand and enjoy the process of mediating between the ambitions of a rapidly growing international nonprofit and the funding “market,” including the specific program interests of potential funders. The candidate will be comfortable with consensus-based team dynamics, and they will possess the people skills necessary for working with major donors and program officers. The candidate should be comfortable managing complex processes with different timelines, particularly if there are multiple proposals moving forward at the same time. The ability to write clear and compelling prose and to communicate complex project proposals with precision and accuracy is essential for success in this position.

We seek a candidate with the following skills:

• High energy for formulating new project ideas and concepts
• An ability to balance “dreaming big” with strategic alignment and funding successes 
• A strong ability to take abstract ideas and develop them into project plans
• Experience with managing complex timelines for multiple project proposals at once and the management skills to hold contributing team members to these timelines 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Notable expertise with grant writing, proposal development, and fundraising
• Experience in non-profit work (ideally in environmental and/or international development fields)
• Ability to adapt language and style to the needs of the funder 
• Attention to detail in proposal creation and in written and verbal communications
• Strong interpersonal skills and relationship-building skills; the ability to develop and manage relationships with funding entities

Skills desirable:

• Experience with donor management software (such as Salesforce)

Requirements:

• Bachelor degree (MA or MSc in related field preferred)
• Ability to work across time zones
• Proficiency in Google Doc/Suite, Zoom, MS Office
• Experience using Foundation Directory Online (and other Candid tools), DevEx, and Grants.gov strongly preferred

Compensation: $20-$24/hour

How to apply or for questions: Send a cover letter detailing your qualifications, resume, a grant writing sample (LOI or short proposal), and 2-3 professional references via email to Jessica Mardock, Director of Finance and Human Resources, at jmardock@ecociv.org.