Board Relations and Development Manager

For five decades, the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) has played a pivotal role in shaping the fields of environmental law, policy, and management, both domestically and internationally.

ELI is hiring a Board Relations and Development Manager to build a robust individual giving program and support the Board of Directors to contribute to ELI’s overall mission. Major areas of focus will be on raising the restricted and unrestricted funds for the operation of the Institute, coordinating Board of Directors communications and meetings, and ensuring donor communication and engagement activities run smoothly. This role requires a candidate who thrives in a collaborative environment and possesses a proactive approach to supporting organizational goals.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Individual Giving

• Manage a small portfolio of donors, focusing on qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting Leadership Council-level gifts ($5,000 ).
• Collaborate closely with finance staff to reconcile fundraising revenue and ensure accurate reporting for budgeting purposes.
• Support the Event Coordinator with ELI’s signature annual event and other donor engagement events as needed.

Donor Communication

• Work alongside the Vice President for Development and the communications team to craft and execute donor communications, including:
• Appeals
• Acknowledgments
• Impact reports and proposals
• The annual report
• Maintain and manage the donor database and analyze data to provide strategic direction on best practices on donor engagement.

Board and Leadership Council Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison for the Board of Directors and Leadership Council, fostering strong relationships and effective communication.
• Prepare and distribute materials for Board and Committee meetings, ensuring timely updates and accurate records, utilizing ELI’s new portal.
• Record and disseminate meeting minutes to support transparency and follow-up on action items.
• Assist the executive leadership team in developing and implementing strategic management plans for Board and Committee engagement.

The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is an environmental law, science, and policy center that makes law work for people, places, and the planet. We envision a healthy environment, prosperous economies, and vibrant communities founded on the rule of law. Our mission is to foster innovative, just, and practical law and policy solutions to enable leaders across borders and sectors to make environmental, economic, and social progress.

ELI’s experts develop innovative legal and governance solutions to challenges in areas such as climate change; environmental justice; natural resource management; land conservation and smart growth; biodiversity loss and habitat destruction; and air, water, and soil pollution. Together, ELI’s staff aims to:

• Build the skills and capacity of tomorrow’s leaders and institutions
• Research and analyze complex and pressing environmental challenges
• Promote and disseminate the best thinking through print and electronic media
• Work with partners to develop and implement laws, policies, and other means to protect the environment and society
• Convene people with diverse perspectives to build understanding through robust dialogue

For more information on ELI’s programs, visit https://www.eli.org/programs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and Experience:

• Proven experience in fundraising, donor stewardship, events management, customer service, communications, and board relations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and presentation software.

Core Competencies:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a focus on interpersonal relationships.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills , with a meticulous attention to detail.

Demonstrated Abilities:

• Successfully manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Collaborate seamlessly with team members and other departments. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree
• Years of experience: 5 or more years in fundraising, customer relations or administration
• Basic training in CRMs and databases such as Raiser’s Edge and Salesforce or similar a plus, along with a knowledge of invoicing and finance reconciliation
• Proficiency in internet research and problem-solving.
• Accurate and reliable data entry skills to ensure database integrity.
• A willingness and ability to learn new skills and adapt to evolving responsibilities.

COMPENSATION

The annual salary range for this position is $60,649 - $80,866 and is commensurate with experience. ELI’s total compensation includes excellent benefits including:

• Health/Dental/Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employer-paid life insurance & disability insurance
• Long Term Care insurance
• Pre-tax transportation benefit
• Wellness Incentive
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Account with employer match
• Paid time off

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, submit an application package via ELI's online application system at https://www.eli.org/employment. Note that your submission must contain the following uploaded documents (Word or PDF format), as follows:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• 3 professional references

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You must use ELI’s online application system; ELI cannot accept applications submitted by email, USPS or other shipping service, or hand delivery. This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact opportunities@eli.org to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

ELI is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to achieving an inclusive workforce that values every individual. We firmly believe that hiring individuals with varying perspectives and backgrounds contributes to our success as an organization, and we strive to create an environment that fosters inclusion and belonging.