Senior Foundation Fundraising Consultant

Oil Change International is looking for a senior foundation fundraiser with existing relationships among climate and energy funders, for a six-month contract with an extension possible. The contract starts in mid-January 2027, with some flexibility on the start date. This role will work to present proposals to existing funders of our work and will introduce OCI to foundations we don't yet work with and help us secure new foundation funding for our work. We're looking for someone who can start making calls and setting up meetings from their first week. OCI's foundation fundraising strategy is held by the Executive Director and the Managing Director of Organizational Strategy, and this role will work closely with both.
Type: Independent contract. Full time, with part time considered for the right candidate.
Duration: Six months from mid-January 2027, with the option to extend (some flexibility on start date).
Time Zone: Preference for being based in Europe/UK but with the ability to have regular overlap with US Pacific working hours required (up to two days a week)

Travel: No travel is required. There may be funder meetings or convenings worth attending, and agreed travel expenses will be covered.
How to Apply:To apply for this role please send your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are applying for the role and how your experience fits the criteria. Please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document and attach it in the #2 Profile section of the application form.

Responsibilities

Funder Outreach and Relationship Development (40%)

• Introduce OCI to foundations new to us, focusing on European and UK funders of climate and energy work, drawing on your own network and relationships;
• Set up and lead calls and meetings with program officers, bringing in OCI's Executive Director, Managing Director of Organizational Strategy, and Program Directors where their expertise and relationships will help;
• Conduct research on prospective funders and make recommendations on which to prioritize;
• Follow up on conversations to secure invitations to propose, and keep relationships moving between meetings;
• Where it's worthwhile and you're able to, represent OCI at funder meetings and convenings; and
• Track outreach, contacts, and next steps in OCI's Salesforce database.

Materials Development, Proposals and Reporting (20%)

• Work with program staff and the Development team to draft and submit concept notes, letters of inquiry, and proposals to new funders;
• Adapt OCI's existing proposal language, including our general support proposal, for new funders and their priorities; and
• Create materials and collateral for funder meetings;
• Coordinate and submit funding proposals and reports on funder portals as needed.

Working Group Coordination (20%)

• Help coordinate OCI's foundation fundraising working groups, including those focused on EU, UK, US, and other foundations, by setting agendas, following up on next steps, and keeping the groups moving;
• Prepare staff for funder outreach by leading check-in calls ahead of key meetings;
• Coordinate outreach with OCI staff who hold existing funder relationships; and
• Help keep a calendar of funder deadlines and in-person opportunities for staff outreach.

Foundation Strategy Support (15%)

• Support the Executive Director and Managing Director of Organizational Strategy in developing and refining OCI's foundation fundraising strategy;
• Advise on the European and UK funding landscape, including which funders, priorities, and timelines fit OCI's work;
• Make recommendations on how OCI can more systematically cultivate program officers and keep them updated on our work; and
• Help track progress against foundation fundraising goals, and flag gaps and opportunities early.

Administration (5%)

• Participate constructively in Development team meetings and check-ins; and
• Respond to administrative requests in a timely and courteous manner, including submitting invoices and expense reports by established deadlines.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• At least eight years of experience in foundation fundraising, with a track record of securing significant grants;
• Existing relationships with foundations outside the US, preferably including Europe and the UK, that fund climate and energy work;
• Experience opening new funder relationships and turning first conversations into asks, proposals and grants;
• Excellent writing and editing in English, and strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and get started quickly with little ramp-up time;
• Commitment to the mission of Oil Change International and a collaborative, team-oriented work style; and
• Sensitivity to issues of privilege, class, and race, and dedication to incorporating principles of justice into organizational work and alignment with OCI's values.

Desired Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with US foundations would be a plus;
• Experience working at a climate, environment, or social justice oriented non-profit;
• Familiarity with climate and energy policy, specifically supply-side fossil fuel policy;
• Experience with Salesforce or a similar CRM; and
• Preference for being based in Europe or the UK.

Originally posted on Himalayas