The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has announced a new opportunity for experienced fundraising and development professionals with the opening of applications for a Senior Development Officer position. The full-time role offers the opportunity to contribute to global environmental justice, human rights, and sustainable development efforts while working remotely in eligible locations across the United States or from Geneva, Switzerland.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration given to candidates who apply by 6 July 2026.

About the Center for International Environmental Law

For more than three decades, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has leveraged the power of law to protect the environment, advance human rights, and promote a just and sustainable future. The organization works across borders and sectors, partnering with communities, advocates, policymakers, and legal experts to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

CIEL’s work focuses on the intersection of environmental protection and human rights, helping communities defend their right to a healthy environment while advocating for stronger environmental governance and accountability worldwide.

Senior Development Officer Role

The Senior Development Officer will play a key role in advancing CIEL’s fundraising strategy and expanding institutional support for the organization’s programs and initiatives.

Reporting within the Development Department, the successful candidate will be responsible for cultivating relationships with foundation and government funders, developing grant proposals and reports, managing donor portfolios, and supporting long-term fundraising growth.

The position requires a strategic thinker with exceptional writing abilities, strong project management skills, and experience navigating complex grant processes.

Key Responsibilities

The role combines grant writing, donor stewardship, portfolio management, and organizational coordination.

Grant Writing and Proposal Development

Approximately 60% of the role will focus on grant development activities, including:

Writing compelling grant proposals and donor reports.
Developing project narratives aligned with organizational priorities.
Collaborating with program and finance teams on budgets and reporting.
Coordinating proposal review processes.
Ensuring compliance with donor requirements and deadlines.
Producing high-quality, persuasive funding applications.

The successful candidate will be responsible for communicating CIEL’s impact effectively to both existing and prospective funders.

Portfolio Management

Around 35% of the position will involve managing institutional donor relationships and expanding funding opportunities.

Responsibilities include:

Maintaining a portfolio of foundation and institutional funders.
Identifying new donor prospects.
Developing engagement and cultivation strategies.
Supporting grant renewals and funding expansions.
Tracking donor requirements and deadlines.
Managing donor information through CRM systems.
Organizing grant documentation and records.

The position will require balancing multiple funding opportunities while maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.

Administrative Responsibilities

Additional duties include:

Participating in team meetings.
Completing required reporting and timesheets.
Contributing to annual performance review processes.
Supporting development team operations.

Qualifications and Experience Required

CIEL is seeking candidates with significant experience in institutional fundraising and grant management.

Minimum qualifications include:

At least five years of professional experience in fundraising or institutional development.
Demonstrated success securing grants in the mid- to upper-six-figure range.
Experience managing multiple grants with competing deadlines.
Strong grant writing and reporting expertise.
Ability to interpret and work with grant budgets.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management abilities.
Experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
Ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team.

Preferred Qualifications

Candidates with the following experience will be particularly competitive:

CRM management experience, including platforms such as Blackbaud.
Experience working in organizations with international offices.
Familiarity with remote work environments.
Experience leading strategic discussions across teams.
Knowledge of Google Workspace applications.
Experience using project management platforms such as Asana.
Advanced project management expertise.

Ideal Candidate Profile

CIEL is looking for professionals who demonstrate:

Strategic thinking and initiative.
Adaptability and continuous learning.
Strong communication and storytelling abilities.
Collaborative leadership skills.
Resourcefulness in complex environments.
Commitment to environmental justice and human rights.

The organization values individuals who can manage multiple priorities while maintaining high-quality work under pressure.

Location and Working Arrangements

The position is available in:

Geneva, Switzerland
Washington, DC
Eligible remote locations across selected U.S. states

Applicants must already possess legal authorization to work in either the United States or Switzerland, as CIEL does not sponsor visas for this position.

Because the organization operates globally, employees are expected to maintain overlapping working hours with teams based in Washington, DC, and Geneva.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for the Senior Development Officer position is:

USD $75,000 – $90,000 annually
Employees based in Switzerland receive an additional 12.5% salary adjustment

CIEL offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Health, dental, and vision coverage for U.S.-based employees.
Paid vacation and sick leave.
Paid parental leave.
Retirement contributions.
Professional development funding.
Relocation support.
Paid sabbatical opportunities after seven years of service.

Application Process

Interested candidates are required to submit:

A current résumé.
A one-page cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation for applying.

Applicants will also be asked to respond to two questions:

Describe your experience developing relationships with foundation funders.
Share an example of a grant you successfully secured and your role in obtaining it.

Application Deadline

The priority review deadline for applications is 6 July 2026, although applications may continue to be accepted until the position is filled.

Professionals with a passion for environmental advocacy, human rights, and strategic fundraising are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to contribute to a globally respected environmental law organization.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, 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