ABOUT THIS ROLE The Senior Manager, Development & External Partnerships plays a key role in advancing the Aspen Institute Energy & Environment Program by driving fundraising efforts and cultivating strategic relationships that support the program's priorities and long-term goals.
The Senior Manager is responsible for managing all stages of the fundraising cycle, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and ongoing funder engagement. The role also supports the development of external partnerships, helping secure the resources and relationships necessary to sustain and expand EEP's programs and impact.
Working closely with the Senior Director & Chief of Staff, the Director of Programs & Impact, the Executive Director, and other EEP colleagues, the Senior Manager helps develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with EEP's mission and strategic objectives.
The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $120,000. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Senior Manager is expected to work in-person with colleagues a minimum of 40% of the time while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance. In-person consists of meaningful connections with colleagues in an office, traveling to a different office or location to meet fellow staff members, at an Aspen event, at a meeting outside the office or other opportunities to meet in person with teammates and colleagues.
WHAT YOU WILL DO Fundraising Strategy, Pipeline, and Reporting
- Develop and execute EEP's fundraising strategy in partnership with the Executive Director, Director of Programs and Impact, and the Senior Director of Development & External Partnerships, translating program priorities and funding needs into clear goals, prospect strategies, and solicitation plans.
- Build and advance a fundraising pipeline sufficient to meet annual revenue goals, identifying new prospects, assessing opportunities, and moving relationships toward concrete funding commitments.
- Partner with the Associate, Development & Partnerships to maintain accurate pipeline information, track next steps and commitments, and use donor research and reporting to guide fundraising decisions.
- Regularly assess progress against fundraising goals and provide EEP leadership with revenue projections, updates on priority opportunities, and recommendations to address funding gaps.
Funding Opportunities and Fundraising Coordination
- Work with the Director of Programs and Impact and program staff to shape compelling funding opportunities that connect EEP's work and intended impact with donor interests.
- Prepare and support EEP leadership for donor engagement, developing relationship strategies, meeting objectives, talking points, and recommended asks; ensure timely follow-through.
- Lead the development of proposals, sponsorship packages, and other fundraising materials, coordinating input from program staff and ensuring a clear case for support.
- Coordinate donor relationships and solicitation plans across EEP and with Institute development colleagues, aligning outreach, clarifying relationship ownership, and identifying opportunities for shared engagement.
Donor Engagement, Stewardship, and Strategic Partnerships
- Lead a portfolio of current and prospective donors and partners, managing cultivation, solicitation, renewal, and stewardship efforts with individuals, foundations, corporations, and other funders.
- Facilitate fundraising conversations and make direct asks, independently as well as alongside EEP leadership, securing support for program initiatives, public convenings, and broader program needs.
- Develop strategic partnerships that bring financial support, expertise, networks, and other resources to EEP while maintaining alignment with the program's mission and priorities.
- Lead donor renewal and stewardship strategies, ensuring funders receive meaningful updates on progress and impact and identifying opportunities to deepen or expand their support.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE - Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience.
- Ability to successfully manage many projects simultaneously, master workflow details, and self-prioritize.
- Ability to manage time effectively.
- Ability to work autonomously.
- Strong work ethic with the ability to sometimes work long hours when necessary to complete tasks.
- Strong verbal, writing, and editing skills.
- Strong professional and diplomatic interpersonal skills.
- Strong external relations orientation.
- Excellent computer skills, particularly Microsoft Suite.
- Willingness and ability to travel, as much as 25% certain times of the year.
- A "Yes, and" attitude.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONThe Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.
