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About Earth Species Project Earth Species Project (ESP) is a non-profit dedicated to using AI to solve these questions. We believe the exponential progress we’re seeing in AI offers new ways of looking at the world and expanding the ability of human beings to learn from other species. Our hope is that this will make a significant contribution to altering human perspective on how we relate to the rest of nature. ESP partners with biologists and machine learning researchers at leading universities and institutions around the world, and we are honored to be supported by many forward-looking philanthropists and groups, including Reid Hoffman, Waverley Street Foundation, Allen Family Philanthropies, McGovern Foundation and the National Geographic Society. ESP’s work is scaling rapidly and we are seeking a talented fundraiser and relationship builder to join our team and lead the development of sustainable revenue streams with a major focus on major gifts, foundations and exploring government grants. Purpose of Role Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Development will lead ESP’s fundraising strategy and implementation, significantly expanding our donor base and revenue streams to support ESP’s long-term growth and sustainability. ESP is currently 100% philanthropic funded.  In 2025 ESP’s budget was approximately $8M and in 2026 will grow to approximately $13M. Continued future growth to support our research agenda is anticipated. The Director will supervise an existing Development Manager and make recommendations on the expansion of the team commensurate with ESP’s fundraising needs. Key Responsibilities Fundraising strategy  Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising strategy in support of organizational sustainability, with consideration given to funding from foundations, HNW individuals, in-kind donations and government and research grants. Work closely with the CEO and Operations teams to ensure we have a clear long-term view of financial resource requirements for the organization and are planning accordingly. Work closely with the Development Manager to ensure ESP’s existing systems, processes and metrics are being fully leveraged to support scalable prospecting and relationship management, including CRM optimization and portfolio tracking. Monitor pipeline health, conversion rates, and revenue projections; regularly report progress and insights to leadership and to ESP’s board. Stay current on trends in philanthropy across science, AI, environment, and frontier research to inform prospecting and positioning. Prospect Identification & Pipeline Development Lead proactive identification, research, and qualification of new high-net-worth individual (HNWI) and foundation prospects. Develop and execute individualized cultivation plans for top prospects, including briefings, meetings, events, and personalized communications. Effectively leverage the networks of ESP’s board and leadership team and deep roster of high-value connectors to identify and access new prospects and funders. Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and institutional funders, with an emphasis on first-time and early-stage relationships. Identify, write, oversee, and refine high-quality grant proposals, concept notes, and reports that clearly and accurately articulate ESP’s scientific work, theory of change, and impact. Partner with the Communications team to translate ESP’s complex, cutting-edge research in AI and animal communication into compelling, funder-ready narratives. Donor Engagement & Stewardship Ensure thoughtful, high-touch stewardship that builds trust and positions ESP for long-term philanthropic partnerships. Lead the development of small in-person fundraising and stewardship events and coordinate and manage those events and subsequent follow-up. Maintain Scientific & Programmatic Fluency Develop and maintain a strong working understanding of ESP’s r