Director of Development & Communications

Director of Development & Communications

Full-Time | Hybrid | Candidates must be based in the Portland metropolitan area to support in-person events and community engagement.

Salary Range: $87,000- $91,000, depending on experience

About VertueLab

VertueLab is a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurs growing climate-focused businesses in the Pacific Northwest. We co-build alongside partners and entrepreneurs by providing funding, business development, and mentorship. By scaling climate technology businesses, we optimize for the improved well-being and prosperity of communities in our region.

What You'll Help Us Achieve

The Director of Communications & Development will lead and execute VertueLab's fundraising and development strategies while overseeing communications to advance its mission, visibility, and strategic priorities. Working within a small team, this position will cultivate and steward funders and donors, activate relationships across Oregon's philanthropic, corporate, climate and clean energy sectors, and work closely with the communications team to provide strategic direction and oversight. Drawing on knowledge of Oregon's fundraising landscape, this leadership position will strengthen VertueLab's funding base and guide staff in aligning communications with organizational and fundraising goals.

Development (70%)

• Lead and execute VertueLab's fundraising strategy, annual goals, and activities in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Lead grant development, including identifying opportunities, writing submitting proposals, and completing reports aligned with organizational goals and funder requirements.
• Partner with the Executive Director to develop the major donor program, sharing responsibility for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Diversify funding streams by cultivating corporate partnerships and other revenue opportunities, phasing expansion alongside core fundraising priorities and organizational capacity.
• Partner with the Executive Director to monitor fundraising performance and refine strategies to meet revenue goals, strengthen financial resilience, and align priorities with available capacity.

Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement (20%)

• Activate and expand Oregon's philanthropic, corporate, and climate technology networks, cultivating donors, stewarding foundation relationships, and developing partnerships to sustain funding.
• Apply deep knowledge of Oregon's fundraising landscape to prioritize prospects and align funding strategies with emerging trends.
• Represent VertueLab alongside the Executive Director at local and regional events and meetings to strengthen organizational visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Communications (10%)

• Oversee the development and implementation of integrated messaging and communications strategies aligned with VertueLab's priorities and funding goals.
• Guide organizational messaging and thought-leadership content that strengthens VertueLab's visibility and climate technology leadership.

Must-Have Skills & Experience

• Five or more years of nonprofit management experience, including staff supervision, budget development, and donor development.
• Experience in the innovation sector is preferred; familiarity with climate and energy technologies is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, public relations, or equivalent professional experience in fundraising and strategic communications.
• An established network of donors, funders, corporate partners, and philanthropic leaders across Oregon that can be activated to advance VertueLab's fundraising and partnership goals.
• Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, project management, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing strategies that drive organizational growth and impact.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including executive communications and high-stakes messaging.

You Will Thrive Here If You Are

• Exceptional verbal communication and relationship-building skills across diverse audiences and senior-level stakeholders.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster collaboration in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Advanced proficiency with software platforms like Salesforce, HubSpot and DonorBox.
• Strong strategic judgment, adaptability, and comfort navigating ambiguity and changing priorities.

What Sets Us Apart

VertueLab is a remote-first organization with a collaborative, mission-driven culture, empowering our team to work from anywhere while staying connected to our purpose. Since 2007, we've been at the forefront of supporting climate innovation and making a real impact in the industry. Our remote-first model is complemented by occasional in-person travel for team retreats, events, and meetings, allowing us to cultivate both autonomy and a cohesive team culture.

Cell phone: Monthly reimbursement for your mobile plan

Retirement: 401(k) plan with employer matching

Health and Dental Insurance: Employer paid medical and dental plans

Time off: Paid vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave

More About VertueLab

VertueLab is committed to building a culturally diverse organization and strongly encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply, especially those from historically marginalized and underrepresented communities. We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified candidates without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Ready to Apply?

Your online application for the position includes a few basic, voluntary demographic questions included as part of our commitment to ensuring that we have a diverse pool of applicants for this position, plus two fields for uploading supporting materials including a cover letter and resume.

We ask that in your cover letter you address the following:

• How your experience and skills make you a great candidate for this position and would set you up for success in this role.
• Share an example of how you've worked collaboratively on a team. What strengths do you bring to team environments
• How do you align your work with organizational values or mission?

We will begin reviewing applications on November 11, 2026.

In your resume, please identify two references. We will notify you prior to our contacting any reference.

Questions? Please feel free to contact Jacqueline Harvey at jacqueline.bharvey@vertuelab.org.