Development Director

Overview

POSITION: Development Director with Vital Impacts

COMPENSATION: $120,000 annually for an 80% time commitment (equivalent to a $150,000 full-time role)

LOCATION: Remote (U.S.)

REPORTS TO: Founder and Executive Director

About Vital Impacts

Vital Impacts was founded as a women-led nonprofit to raise funds for grassroots conservation efforts through the power of fine art photography. Today, we are a globally recognized organization harnessing visual storytelling to inspire action for a more resilient and equitable world.

Through innovative print sales that support both photographers and conservation organizations, grantmaking and mentorship for environmental storytellers, and a national youth speaker program, Vital Impacts mobilizes resources to protect ecosystems, amplify solutions-driven environmental reporting, and accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.

At the heart of our work is support for environmental storytellers. Through mentorship and grants, we have empowered more than 1,000 journalists across 87 countries to report on environmental issues with depth, rigor, and a solutions-oriented perspective. Their stories elevate local challenges, celebrate the creativity of conservationists, and connect global audiences to the people and ecosystems most at risk.

This storytelling network is closely paired with place-based conservation efforts. Through strategic partnerships, Vital Impacts has raised over $3.5 million for community-led conservation initiatives, directly protecting critical habitats and supporting the people who care for them.

We also cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders. Our in-person youth programs have reached over 30,000 students, inspiring them to see themselves as active participants in shaping a healthier, more compassionate world.

Vital Impacts is a small, founder-led organization with significant momentum and an ambitious vision. As we enter our next phase of growth, we are seeking our first senior development leader to help build a sustainable fundraising strategy that matches both the scale of our impact and the urgency of the environmental challenges we face.

Vital Impacts is seeking a Development Director to lead and execute our fundraising strategy during a pivotal growth phase. This is a hands-on, entrepreneurial role for an experienced fundraiser who thrives in early-stage environments, loves building systems from scratch, and is excited to grow major individual and corporate support.

This role will steward an existing base of committed supporters while also playing a key role in expanding Vital Impacts’ donor community. While there is a strong foundation to build on, this is not a role with a large, fully built donor pipeline or a heavily fundraising-oriented board. The Development Director will be expected to actively grow new relationships and help shape how the organization expands its funding base over time.

The Development Director will partner closely with our Founder/Executive Director, who brings deep relationships, strong visibility, and a compelling public presence. This role will take ownership of day-to-day development operations, donor stewardship, and revenue growth — helping move Vital Impacts from a small grassroots organization to a more professional, scalable operation.

This is not a role for someone who needs a highly structured, large-organization environment. It is a role for a go-getter who sees the vision, isn’t afraid of an evolving organization, and wants to help build something meaningful.

Major Gifts & Corporate Partnerships (35%)

• Lead corporate outreach, pitches, and deal-closing with mission-aligned brands (e.g., creative, technology, youth education sectors)
• Build, manage, and grow a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals and major donors
• Develop tailored sponsorship opportunities tied to Vital Impacts’ programs
• Create compelling proposals, pitches, and donor materials in collaboration with leadership and marketing support

Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management (35%)

• Take ownership of donor communications and stewardship, ensuring timely, thoughtful, and personalized…