Development Strategist
Rosemont, Cook County, Illinois, USA
Listed on 2026-03-05
-
Non-Profit & Social Impact
PR / Communications, Fundraising / Charity
Textile Exchange is a global non-profit drivingbeneficial impact on climate change across the fashion and textile industry. It guides a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production from the very start of the supply chain.
By 2030, its goal is to guide the industry to achieve a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within fiber and raw material production. Its focus is holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve the state of our water, soil health, and biodiversity.
The Development Leadis a dynamic, creative, and organizedindividualwhocanhelpa mission-driven nonprofit thrive and growand who is passionate about sustainability in the fashion,apparel and textile industry. This role willlead the designand implementation of Textile Exchange’s fundraising strategy to support its Climate and Nature Impact activities,while also contributing to the development of broader organizational funding mechanisms.
This position will build and develop prospect and donor relations and articulate
Textile Exchange’sprogramsand valueto prospective and current donors in a compelling and strategic manner;willmaintaina diversified donor portfolio; and willbe responsible for achieving annual revenue targets.
This position reports to the Chief Impact Officer(CIO).
- In partnership with CIO, design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Climate and Nature Impact work.
Primaryfundraisingmechanisms: - Philanthropic Grants from government or foundations with endowments
- Philanthropic Gifts/Donations from foundations with endowments, or individuals
- Corporate Sponsor ships
- In partnership with CIO, CEO, and Senior Leadership Team, explore opportunities to partner with existing grant funding mechanisms to fill current gaps in funding opportunities for tier 4 production systems.
Manageexternal partners to inform fundraising strategy. - In partnership with
CIO, CEO, and Senior Leadership Team, contribute to the development of a longer-term strategy for a Fund to supportcollective action and address barriers at tier 4,ensuring alignment with Textile Exchange’s 5-year strategy, engagement model, and theory of change.
Fundraising & Donor Engagement(in collaboration with the Engagement & Partnerships department where appropriate):
- Cultivate and steward relationships witha portfolio ofmission-aligneddonors, foundations, and corporate partners.
- Partner with theCEO, Chief Impact Officer, and senior leadersinternally and externally to grow and diversify the organization’s philanthropic funding base.
- Track grant cycles, deadlines, and deliverables using
CRM (Salesforce) and project management tools. - Managestewardship activities, donor briefings, and engagement events.
Proposal Development & Reporting:
- Preparecompellinggrantproposals, donor materials, and impact reports, tailored to diversefunderaudiences.
- Collaborate with program teams to gather relevant data, outcomes, and stories for fundraising materials.
- Draft, edit, andsubmitletters of inquiry, grant applications, and donor reports.
- Monitor and evaluate progress against grant deliverables and impact metrics,ensuring transparency and accountability to funders.
Organizational Leadership &
Collaboration:
- Foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports innovation, accountability, and professional growth.
- Contribute to organizational vision and decision-making,providing fundraising perspectives to inform strategic planning.
- Support theCIO in Board engagement and fundraising initiatives.
- Promote alignment and integration with other departments.
- 5-7years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or philanthropy—preferably in a global nonprofit or sustainability-focused organization.
- Proven track recordof securing major gifts, grants, or strategic partnerships with philanthropic stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability tocultivaterelationshipswith donors. - Strong presentation, storytelling, and public speaking skills.
- Strong project management skills, with a keen eye for detail and deadlines.
- Excellent writing, editing, and communication skillsin English.
- Experience working with donor databases and CRM tools(e.g., Salesforce, Hub Spot.)
- Passionate about Textile Exchange’s mission and deeply committed to advancing climate, nature, and livelihoods outcomes.
- Committed to equity, inclusion, and shared leadership, with a proven ability to work across diverse communities and global contexts.
- Full-Time Position, 40 Hours a Week
- Location:
Remote – North America, UK, or EU - Required travel:
Up to 30% - Annual Salary Range: $115,000 – $150,000 USD
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).