Founders First is hiring for a National Development Officer - ESG & CRA to help guide our strategy, coordination, and execution of our environmental, social, and governance contract opportunities as well as traditional nonprofit funding opportunities that are crucial to the organization. This professional will drive ESG initiative coordination at the enterprise level while supporting Founders First fundraising strategies to meet our annual goals.  We are seeking a professional who is experienced in the field of ESG & CRA initiatives and programs, and who can act as a trusted thought leader and partner for Founders First and community partners to engage in our work. 

We’re looking for someone to join our growing team who is excited to provide strategic ESG issue-based support to current and potential new business clients and support multiple projects and team members. In this role you will conduct extensive research and pull-out crucial insights that help develop ESG strategies, programs, and collateral for Fortune 500 companies. 

The National Development Officer – ESG & CRA will have an entrepreneurial mindset and will identify opportunities and direct revenue growth efforts within our current client base as well as originate business from new accounts.

Key Accountabilities: 

• Work with executive team to develop and implement strategy for growth within this sector that aligns with growth vision for Founders First.

• Responsible for growing and managing internal accounts and external market research and setting growth goals for this sector with the highest potential.

• Responsible for new client origination: identify, qualify, and generate new business opportunities within new accounts as well as cross-sell all other Founders First service offering.

• Provide strategic leadership and expert knowledge in embedding ESG across the organization including functional, business unit, and departmental level strategies aimed to empower colleagues, deliver client success, and engage in our communities.

• Responsible for existing client service expansion: identify, qualify and generate ESG opportunities within existing accounts.

• Create, maintain, and update key prospect list and develop a customer database using Bloomerang & Salesforce CRM software.

• Manage bid opportunity and generate proposals for sales opportunities.

• Close sales and meet monthly sales goals in accordance with development plan.

• Lead the development and implementation of the company's enterprise wide ESG strategy as an output of our materiality assessment which will include a short-term business plan and a long-term ESG vision and goals.

• Serve as liaison between client needs and in-house technical capabilities, understanding the service offerings of the company, and facilitating success of the technical team through clear communication and well-written contracts.

• Assess trends, risks, opportunities, and best practices, engage internal and external stakeholders, and determine strategic direction.

• Support senior leaders and colleagues in understanding emerging ESG trends, risks, and opportunities. Inform enterprise strategy and demonstrate gaps and opportunities to leverage Founders First unique ESG programs and approach.

• Oversee performance, strategy, and convey recommendations to a variety of audiences ranging from leadership to colleagues. Use data to inform the organization's commitments, communication, and reporting process (internal and external).

• Develop professional development opportunities for employees and business units to optimize to grow ESG acumen, thought leadership and business capabilities.

• Serve as a point of contact for clients and handle day-to-day activities of the account team, client projects and account management to ensure exceptional service to our clients.

• Assist with new business development and proposals; and actively participate in team brainstorms and staff meetings.

• Exemplify the Founders First qualities of being positive, proactive, and professional always.

Qualifications: 

• Minimum 3 years of sales experience with large national accounts. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Public Policy, Environmental Governance, Public Affairs, International Business, or a sustainability-related field.

• Strong sustainability/ESG experience in public or private sector.

• Experience supporting the development of fundraising & multi-sector partnership strategies (including conducting comprehensive research in the ESG space).

• Strong nonprofit business development experience and/or grant writing experience.

• Experience writing and supporting the development of grant proposals.

• Knowledge of industry standards and background related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

• Strong project management and client relationship skills.

• Strong communications skills both oral and written, including editing skills with attention to detail.

• Experience in developing Awards & Rankings submissions, including strategy, researching, and writing submissions.

• Experience supporting the development of stakeholder engagement strategies

• Sales and goal oriented.

• Competitive attitude with demonstrated achievements in growing business.

• Professional, high energy, and self-starter.

• Exemplary customer service and relationship management skills.

• Ability to remain detail-oriented while working at a fast pace.

• Proven ability to proactively develop client relationships utilizing cold call and outside selling techniques.

Salary: $75,000 to $90,000 

Location: Hybrid, monthly in office for team meeting

COVID Policy: All employees must be fully vaccinated per company policy. 

Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply! For more information please see: www.FoundersFirstCapitalPartners.com

Founders First CDC is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.