Director of Development (Remote) at Earth Species Project | Lead Global Fundraising for AI-Powered Animal Communication Research | Salary USD 160,000–200,000
Shape the Future of Science, AI, and Our Understanding of the Natural World
The Earth Species Project (ESP) is inviting applications for a Director of Development to lead global fundraising efforts for one of the most innovative nonprofit organizations working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, biology, and conservation.
This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced fundraising professional who is passionate about nature, science, and frontier technology—and who is ready to build sustainable revenue streams that support breakthrough research in animal communication.
About Earth Species Project
Earth Species Project is a nonprofit research organization using advanced AI to decode animal communication. The organization believes that modern machine learning can help humanity better understand other species and transform how we relate to the natural world.
ESP collaborates with leading universities, researchers, and global institutions, and is supported by major philanthropic partners in science and technology, including:
- Leading tech philanthropists and foundations
- Environmental and research funding organizations
- Global scientific institutions
The organization is fully philanthropic-funded and is rapidly expanding its research and operational capacity.
Position Overview
Position: Director of Development
Organization: Earth Species Project (ESP)
Location: Remote (global)
Preferred Time Zone: Significant overlap with West Coast US hours
Reporting To: CEO
Team Level: Leadership Team
Salary Range: USD 160,000 – 200,000
Purpose of the Role
The Director of Development will lead ESP’s fundraising strategy and execution, ensuring long-term financial sustainability as the organization scales its AI and scientific research agenda.
This includes building donor pipelines, securing major gifts, strengthening institutional funding relationships, and aligning fundraising strategy with ESP’s long-term scientific vision.
Key Responsibilities
1. Fundraising Strategy and Leadership
The role involves designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy across multiple revenue streams.
Key duties include:
- Developing annual and multi-year fundraising strategies
- Aligning financial planning with organizational growth goals
- Managing CRM systems and donor tracking processes
- Monitoring fundraising performance and revenue pipelines
- Reporting fundraising progress to leadership and the board
- Staying updated on trends in AI, science, and environmental philanthropy
2. Major Gifts and Pipeline Development
The Director will play a central role in identifying and cultivating high-value donors.
Responsibilities include:
- Identifying and qualifying high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and foundations
- Developing personalized donor engagement strategies
- Leveraging board and leadership networks for introductions
- Managing major gift portfolios and donor relationships
- Securing six- and seven-figure contributions
- Writing and refining grant proposals and funding applications
- Translating complex scientific work into compelling donor narratives
3. Donor Engagement and Stewardship
Building long-term relationships with funders is a core part of the role.
Responsibilities include:
- Designing high-touch donor stewardship strategies
- Organizing donor events and engagement opportunities
- Maintaining long-term donor relationships
- Ensuring ongoing communication and trust-building with funders
- Coordinating follow-up engagement after fundraising events
4. Scientific and Programmatic Collaboration
Because ESP operates at the cutting edge of AI research, the role requires strong scientific fluency.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing a strong understanding of ESP’s research agenda
- Working closely with scientists, researchers, and leadership
- Translating technical research into accessible fundraising narratives
- Aligning donor messaging with scientific credibility and impact
- Supporting joint fundraising with research and program teams
5. Leadership and Team Management
The Director of Development will also lead and grow the fundraising team.
Responsibilities include:
- Managing and mentoring a Development Manager
- Building fundraising systems and team capacity
- Contributing to leadership team strategy discussions
- Supporting organizational planning and risk management
- Strengthening internal coordination across departments
Required Qualifications
Ideal candidates will bring:
- 15+ years of fundraising experience
- Proven success raising $10M+ annually
- Strong track record in major gifts and institutional fundraising
- Experience securing six- and seven-figure donations
- Deep knowledge of donor pipelines and CRM systems
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Ability to work with senior stakeholders and board members
- Experience in nonprofit, research, university, or science-based organizations
Preferred Experience
Additional experience that strengthens applications includes:
- Fundraising for AI, science, or technology organizations
- Existing networks in philanthropy or high-net-worth circles
- Experience in environmental or conservation funding
- Familiarity with data-driven fundraising strategies
- Experience with AI tools for productivity and analysis
- Event planning and donor engagement experience
Why Join Earth Species Project?
This role offers a rare opportunity to work at the frontier of science and philanthropy.
Benefits include:
- Competitive salary (USD 160K–200K)
- Fully remote global work flexibility
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage (100% employer-covered in the US)
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match (US-based)
- Home office stipend (USD 2,000)
- Unlimited PTO policy
- International travel opportunities and team retreats
- Exposure to cutting-edge AI and scientific research
Working Environment
ESP is a fully remote organization with a global team. The role requires:
- Availability aligned with West Coast US working hours
- Occasional international travel (less than 20%)
- Participation in virtual and in-person team events
- Collaboration across scientific, technical, and fundraising teams
Diversity and Inclusion
Earth Species Project is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. The organization values diversity, inclusion, and interdisciplinary collaboration, and welcomes candidates with varied lived experiences and perspectives.
Final Thoughts
The Director of Development role at Earth Species Project is a unique leadership opportunity for senior fundraising professionals who want to combine science, technology, and environmental impact. It is ideal for candidates who are motivated by building transformative partnerships and supporting research that could reshape humanity’s understanding of the natural world.
Professionals with strong fundraising expertise, strategic leadership experience, and a passion for frontier science are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
