Director of Development

About Earth Species Project

Earth Species Project (ESP) is a non-profit dedicated to using AI to solve these questions. We believe the exponential progress we’re seeing in AI offers new ways of looking at the world and expanding the ability of human beings to learn from other species. Our hope is that this will make a significant contribution to altering human perspective on how we relate to the rest of nature.

ESP partners with biologists and machine learning researchers at leading universities and institutions around the world, and we are honored to be supported by many forward-looking philanthropists and groups, including Reid Hoffman, Waverley Street Foundation, Allen Family Philanthropies, McGovern Foundation and the National Geographic Society. ESP’s work is scaling rapidly and we are seeking a talented fundraiser and relationship builder to join our team and lead the development of sustainable revenue streams with a major focus on major gifts, foundations and exploring government grants.

Purpose of Role

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Development will lead ESP’s fundraising strategy and implementation, significantly expanding our donor base and revenue streams to support ESP’s long-term growth and sustainability. ESP is currently 100% philanthropic funded.  In 2025 ESP’s budget was approximately $8M and in 2026 will grow to approximately $13M. Continued future growth to support our research agenda is anticipated. The Director will supervise an existing Development Manager and make recommendations on the expansion of the team commensurate with ESP’s fundraising needs.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising strategy 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy in support of organizational sustainability, with consideration given to funding from foundations, HNW individuals, in-kind donations and government and research grants. Work closely with the CEO and Operations teams to ensure we have a clear long-term view of financial resource requirements for the organization and are planning accordingly.
• Work closely with the Development Manager to ensure ESP’s existing systems, processes and metrics are being fully leveraged to support scalable prospecting and relationship management, including CRM optimization and portfolio tracking.
• Monitor pipeline health, conversion rates, and revenue projections; regularly report progress and insights to leadership and to ESP’s board.
• Stay current on trends in philanthropy across science, AI, environment, and frontier research to inform prospecting and positioning.

Prospect Identification & Pipeline 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.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• 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.

Maintain Scientific & Programmatic Fluency

• 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.

Management and Cross-Functional Leadership

• 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.

Qualifications & Skills

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.

You will bring

• 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.

Preferred

• 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.

Essential Qualities

• 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

Benefits

• Equivalent of USD160K to 200K depending on geography and experience
• Medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance - ESP covers 100% of the premium
• 401k plan with match (if based in the United States)
• 2,000 USD home office stipend
• Unlimited paid time off, with a recommended minimum of three weeks per year
• Flexible working hours
• Regular team retreats around the world

We are a fully remote team, and you can be located anywhere in the world, but will ideally be willing to work West Coast U.S. working hours, with expectations to occasionally participate in virtual meetings outside your typical working hours.  Additionally, you must have the willingness to travel internationally (<20%) for events and in-person team gatherings.

ESP is committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, and criminal history, consistent with legal requirements. We encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.

If you require any accommodations, please email us at jobs@earthspecies.org, and we’ll work with you to meet your accessibility needs.