Location: Remote. SF Bay Area, Sacramento, Portland, Seattle, or Denver
Reports to: Managing Director of External Affairs
Salary: $100,000 - $120,000, depending on experience
Employment Status: One year fixed-term contract, (40 hours per week). This contract has the potential of being extended following the 1-year term.
Travel: 20% time
Preferred Start Date: April 28th, 2025
About Blue Forest
Blue Forest is a conservation finance non-profit founded in 2015 that is focused on advancing ecosystem restoration through scientific research, financial innovation, and collaborative partnerships. Since 2018, Blue Forest has managed investor capital through its flagship financial product, the Forest Resilience Bond (FRB), which deploys private capital to finance forest restoration projects to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. More recently, Blue Forest has also established Blue Forest Asset Management (BFAM), an investment management platform connecting investors to compelling, mission-aligned opportunities in a broader set of asset classes beyond FRB projects, such as private equity and private credit investments.
Blue Forest is made up of an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, foresters, finance, and communications professionals committed to the mission: “To accelerate ecological restoration through conservation finance, enabling climate resilience for ecosystems and communities”. Employees at Blue Forest are:
- Committed to Continuous Learning
- Driven by Collaboration
- Thoughtful Innovators for Impact
- Grounded in Science
- Passionate about Restoring Earth’s Ecosystems
As we grow and develop new financial solutions to pressing environmental problems, we are seeking to amplify and collaborate with those historically excluded in conservation finance. We recognize that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization is not only vital but also a key driver of strength, resilience, and success.
Position Summary
Blue Forest is seeking a passionate and resourceful Senior Manager of Development to lead our growing development efforts. The Senior Manager of Development reports to the Managing Director of External Affairs and works in close collaboration with the Chief of Staff and the CEO. This pivotal role will develop and execute our fundraising strategy, build relationships with funders, design and execute on fundraising events, and work closely with leadership to amplify Blue Forest’s mission. This is an exciting opportunity to join in the inaugural fundraising role, with an organization that is targeting annual raises of $5+ million. This position is best suited for someone who has experience crafting and implementing a development strategy.
Responsibilities:
Craft Blue Forest’s Development Strategy - 35%
- Work with the management team to meet annual revenue goals and reserve targets by identifying preferred funding targets, and approaches.
- Conduct research and prospecting for development opportunities; develop concept notes and proposals across a portfolio of funders.
- Collaborate with senior leaders, board of directors, and other stakeholders to integrate fundraising efforts with the organization’s mission and objectives. Provide leadership and guidance to staff involved in fundraising.
- Identify funder networks for Blue Forest participation.
- Develop and implement strategies for soliciting major gifts, as well as planned gifts such as bequests, trusts, and gift annuities.
Design and Manage Fundraising Events - 25%
- Design in-person fundraising events, such as roundtables and funder meetings, to demonstrate Blue Forest and partner organizations thought leadership in conservation finance and forest restoration, and drive capital contributions to Blue Forest.
- Coordinate Blue Forest site visits with investors and donors to locations primarily in the Western United States, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience including collaborating with the project development and the finance teams to showcase the impact of Blue Forest initiatives during the site visit.