Writer

We're hiring! Come work on our team at Mongabay News.

I’m looking for a superb writer who’s detail-oriented, passionate about the environment, and wants to work for a growing, global, nonprofit environmental newsroom that values impact as its highest currency.

We’re hiring for a Philanthropy Associate who will work with our development and program teams to help draft grant proposals and reports and communicate what our journalism accomplishes in the world. This position helps keep our journalism funded and our contributors writing the news that catalyzes change for climate, biodiversity and planetary health.

Read more about the position at the link below, and please share with friends who might be a good fit!

Posted by: David Martin, Director of Philanthropy

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Overview

Founded in 1999, Mongabay is an award-winning environmental science and conservation news organization, which publishes original news on a daily basis in an objective (does not advocate), accurate (relies on facts and scientific information) and timely manner to a global audience of conservation scientists, private-sector decision-makers, government policymakers, civil society organizations, journalists in other media outlets, and interested members of the public. Mongabay’s readership on its Global, Latin American, Indonesian, Indian, and African news sites positions the organization as one of the top sources of environmental news, analysis, information, and inspiration on the Internet.

What Does the Philanthropy Associate Do?

Mongabay’s Philanthropy Associate is primarily responsible for producing grant proposals, reports and other donor-related collateral while monitoring grant application processes and donor engagement for our growing portfolio of philanthropic partners. The Philanthropy Associate will collaborate with Mongabay’s program team to ensure timely and accurate completion of all donor communications in accordance with our grant management practices. This position reports directly to the Director of Philanthropy and supports the office of the CEO and program leadership team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Drafts proposals, grant reports and other materials for current and potential funders.
• Collects and analyzes organizational data and supporting information for concept notes, proposals and grant reports.
• Supports other aspects of fundraising, including strategy development, prospect research, and cultivation.
• Works closely with the Vice President of Programs & Executive Editor and Program Officer to fulfill grant reporting requirements.
• Maintains and initiates productive communication with Mongabay’s programs and development teams.
• Helps the development team cultivate and manage higher-level donor relationships.
• Works closely with development team members to identify and qualify leads.
• Organizes and manages fundraising materials in a customer relationship management platform.
• Must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to other Mongabay staffers via email, Asana, Zoom and messaging platforms.
• Provide other support as needed to ensure Mongabay’s high standards of professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability are met.

Experiences, Qualifications & Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree is required. An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
• At least 3 years of related professional experience is required.
• Exceptional fluency (writing and speaking) in English and excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills is required.
• Strong track record of delivering high quality products (e.g., written reports, proposals, analyses) in a time-sensitive manner.
• Familiarity with Google Docs, Google Drive, Microsoft Office, project management software (Asana preferred) and customer relationship management platforms (HubSpot preferred).
• Preference for working in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment is essential.
• Successful record of fundraising accomplishments with major foundations, high net worth individuals.
• Experience working in a virtual organization including knowledge of conservation/environmental issues is a plus.
• Must be willing to commit to a full-time role.
• Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required.

Professional Qualities

This position will play a critical role in securing the financial resources needed to scale up Mongabay’s global impact. Due to our organization’s culture and global work-at-home staff, the most successful staff at Mongabay are adept at working independently and produce consistent high-quality work by taking initiative and thinking creatively about solutions to problems. In this context, this person:

• Is extremely self-directed, motivated, and reliable;
• High energy, goal driven, and responsive;
• Understands and incorporates ethical standards in their work;
• Possesses strong fundraising instincts and interpersonal skills;
• Demonstrates talent in writing and communications;
• Functions independently and produces high quality work with tight deadlines;
• Makes timely decisions and demonstrates good judgment;
• Integrates cross-cultural dynamics into their thinking;
• Maintains a strong sense of professionalism and communication;
• Adaptable and adjusts approaches according to feedback;
• Contributes to the Mongabay team by communicating and working cooperatively with staff, while following through on tasks and delivering results;
• Demonstrates personal integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

Compensation & Location

The work of our organization develops as we continuously seek to have greater impact. All of our team members must be flexible and able to adapt to short and long-term shifts in their job duties. As a globally distributed organization, there is no required location for this position. However, location is a consideration and an ability to coordinate with colleagues working in a diversity of time zones is strongly preferred. Mongabay aims to offer competitive pay rates that will attract, retain, and motivate our full-time staff. Please submit a pay range when applying.

To Apply

Apply online via the link below. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until filled. On the application, you will be asked to fill out basic contact information, pay rate expectations, reference information (2), and to upload the following two documents:

1. Cover letter – please provide specific examples of your experience related to this position, as well as specific examples of your ability to work effectively from home and meet deadlines (1 page)
2. Resume – (1-2 pages)
3. Two references

Applications must be submitted in English. Please note that you do not need to provide letters of recommendation and we will not reach out to references before getting your permission to do so.

Benefits, Holidays, and Paid Time Off

It is important for all staff to step away from work to renew themselves. That is why Mongabay provides generous paid time off (PTO) for professional development, holidays, sick time, rest and relaxation, and vacation including a flexible work schedule.

We observe 11 holidays and support staff who celebrate other personal and religious holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mongabay is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer and provides EEO to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other status prohibited by law.

Questions

If you have questions about this role, please send an email to jobs at mongabay.com and mention the job title in the subject line. Please do not contact other members of staff with job queries as they are not likely involved in the hiring process for this role.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required. All staff are responsible for following applicable Mongabay policies and procedures as defined by their manager and Employment Handbook.