Context

At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic, and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature. As the climate crisis and deeply entrenched systemic racism all fuel injustice, we will continue to fight for a bold, transformational agenda that recognizes the interconnectedness between our planet, our humanity, and our future. By recognizing that our destinies are tied, we continue to name that all things are fundamentally connected, and the overlap between ecology, race, gender, and representative government will move to either advance our collective humanity or to oppress it. Sierra Club has close to 800 staff across the country and a network of 64 local chapters that are led and fueled by thousands of volunteers. We are also proud to be a unionized employer, with three labor unions representing more than half of our employees.

Scope

The Sierra Club Fundraising Director plays a pivotal role in scaling the organization's revenue through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and impact-driven investor relationships. This dynamic position is responsible for cultivating mission-aligned funders, building corporate and philanthropic support, and ensuring every engagement furthers Sierra Club’s vision for environmental justice, cultural impact, and a healthier planet.

The Annual Fundraising Goal is $3M+ across corporate sponsorships, brand partnerships, and event-based activations, with multi-year growth targets to expand Sierra Club’s earned and contributed income portfolio. This position reports to the Chief of Green Ventures & Partnerships (GVP) and collaborates closely with the Director of Green Ventures & Partnerships, the Marketing Director, and fundraising consultants to drive revenue for a portfolio of high-profile, mission-aligned events including Trail Blazers Ball, Save the Ales, Sierra Salon, Butterfly & Bee Carnival, and SierraFest.

Job activities include but are not limited to:

Fundraising & Partnership Development
Develop and manage a diverse portfolio of mission-aligned funders including impact investors, corporate sponsors, brand partners, and event supporters.
Design and implement tiered sponsorship pricing frameworks and customized activation packages that deliver measurable value across each major event platform.
Cultivate long-term relationships through strategic outreach, referrals, regular communication, and stewardship practices that foster continued investment.
Create compelling sponsorship proposals, impact reports, and story-driven decks that inspire action and demonstrate shared values.
Relationship Management & Data Systems
Maintain meticulous records of all sponsor activity, communications, and deliverables using Salesforce CRM.
Develop reports and dashboards to monitor outreach effectiveness, sponsorship performance, and overall revenue tracking.
Manage execution of all sponsor deliverables including branded recognition, speaking opportunities, and post-campaign reporting.
Develop internal systems and toolkits to streamline fundraising processes, referrals, and storytelling assets.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with GVP, Marketing, and Events teams to align messaging, talent engagement, and sponsor integration across platforms.
Lead sponsor communications for flagship campaigns and ensure alignment with Sierra Club’s brand, equity values, and environmental mission.
Participate in integrated campaign planning across fundraising, marketing, and advocacy to amplify Sierra Club’s voice and visibility.
Drive culture-based impact through media, arts, and entertainment collaborations that elevate the Sierra Club’s presence and reach new audiences.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

Minimum 5 years of experience in sponsorships, fundraising, or strategic partnerships, ideally in a nonprofit or environmental context or equivalent in a similar role.
Proven track record managing six-figure sponsor relationships and coordinating high-impact campaigns and events.
Strong knowledge of Salesforce CRM, including pipeline management, data entry, reporting, and campaign tracking.
Excellent interpersonal, writing, and storytelling skills with experience creating pitch decks, impact narratives, and fundraising collateral.
Highly collaborative with a “mission-first” mindset and demonstrated success in cross-functional environments.
Proficiency in Google Suite, Salesforce, and Monday.com
Passion for environmental justice, sustainability, and the Sierra Club’s mission
Committed to evolution. You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
Uplifting and additive. You see mistakes as opportunities for growth; problems as catalysts for solutions, and inspire others along the journey. You carry a constructive approach, can-do attitude, a sense of humor, and authentic kindness wherever you go.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

Experience developing sponsorships for community-centered, culturally rich events that integrate entertainment, advocacy, and engagement.
Background in working with marketing, digital, and events teams on integrated brand activations.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $150,000 annually.

The Sierra Club offers a competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan.

This is a category 3, exempt, non-represented, professional position.

Sierra Club values the expertise and talents of foreign nationals. Sierra Club sponsors both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas when certain criteria are met, based on immigration laws and organizational needs. Such sponsorship is at the discretion of the Department Head and Sierra Club People Department in consultation with the employee’s manager. The Sierra Club cannot guarantee the approval of a visa petition. The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce belonging.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and two samples of relevant fundraising or sponsorship materials (e.g., pitch decks, proposals, or reports).

The Sierra Club provides equal employment and advancement opportunities to all staff members. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, lived experience and skills. The Sierra Club does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, immigration status, socioeconomic status, ancestry, age, size, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, familial status, veteran status, disability, AIDS/HIV status, medical condition, prior conviction, arrest history, traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The Sierra Club values applicants who are people that identify as Black, Indigenous, and other minoritized groups; women; queer, transgender, gender non-conforming, and gender fluid people.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.