SVP Growth & Development (Non-profit, Cleantech Incubator)

About LACI

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a nonprofit organization creating an inclusive green economy. We create impact in Los Angeles and nationwide by working with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies; transforming markets through catalytic partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders in zero emission transportation, clean energy, and sustainable cities; and enhancing communities through workforce development, pilots, and other programs. Originally founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), LACI is recognized as one of the most innovative business incubators in the world. Since 2011, LACI has helped 500+ portfolio companies raise over $1.5 billion in funding, generate $477 million in revenue, deploy $60M+ in pilot funding, and create more than 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, with a long-term economic impact of more than $733 million. Learn more at laci.org.

Position Summary:

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Growth and Development is a critical leadership role responsible for driving and executing LACI’s development and fundraising strategy to support the organization’s growth. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and partnering closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the SVP will align development initiatives across the organization as we work to scale our impact throughout the Los Angeles region and beyond via our growing national programming (BATWorks in NYC, City Climate Innovation Challenge, LACI Cleantech Debt Fund, National Coalition of Clean Energy Incubators).

The ideal candidate is a sophisticated strategist who has successfully led organizations through similar inflection points. Leveraging our strong financial health (current $25M–$30M budget) and existing funding base, you will optimize current institutional models and build sustainable corporate partnerships, unlock high-net-worth individual donors, and diversify and expand our reach. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee the Development Team and serve as a vital external ambassador.

What You’ll Do:

• Fundraising Strategy and Execution: Collaborate with the CEO and COO to establish annual and multi-year fundraising goals, related strategies, and assignment of responsibilities for targets, follow up, etc. Design and implement comprehensive strategies to increase funding to support growth and diversify revenue streams, including government grants, corporate sponsorships, philanthropic foundations, and high-net-worth individual support.
• Relationship Management and Campaigns/Events: Develop a dynamic donor cultivation system, including a relationship management system to enhance organizational alignment and ensure effective engagement with current and prospective supporters. Support and coordinate investment-oriented capital for LACI funds and financing initiatives. Lead annual and multi-year fundraising campaigns, events, and special initiatives. Partner with the Marketing and Communications Team to ensure cohesive messaging that highlights fundraising goals and organizational impact.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Work closely with the CEO and COO on fundraising progress, strategic opportunities, and challenges, along with regular reporting. Work across LACI’s matrixed organizational structure and strategy by coordinating with Leadership Team members to align funding opportunities with LACI’s strategic organizational priorities. Create and manage the Development Team budget and resources. Supervise, mentor, and support Development Team staff, establishing clear performance metrics and professional development paths. Manage external consultants as required.
• Grant Management and Development: Collaborate with the Senior Director, Grants Development to oversee the full lifecycle of grant applications—from identification and proposal writing to submission and reporting—ensuring full compliance with city, state, and federal requirements. Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with grant officers and government funding agencies.
• Data Management and Reporting: Oversee the maintenance of accurate donor records and fundraising activities using donor management software. Monitor, analyze, and report on fundraising outcomes, including grant performance, donation trends, and financial impact. Ensure all fundraising and reporting activities adhere to the highest legal and ethical standards.

Why You’re Right for the Job:

• You are a strategic thinker: You have a proven ability to analyze complex situations, set goals, solve problems, and lead with clarity through changing variables.
• You're a strong communicator. You know how to craft clear and compelling messages and are excited to apply that skill to story-telling that advances an inclusive green economy.
• You're collaborative and relationship-focused. You enjoy working alongside colleagues and contribute to a positive team environment.
• You take ownership of your work. Whether managing complex projects or routine tasks, you approach your work with care and accountability. You're comfortable working independently while also knowing when to seek input or support.
• People trust you. You are honest, trustworthy and have the ability to maintain discretion in handling sensitive information.
• You are adaptable: You are comfortable navigating ambiguity and working in agile environments to achieve project goals.

Requirements:

Basically, we want to know you can get the job done. This means you have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strategic, results-oriented relationship builder with a deep commitment to LACI’s mission.
• Minimum of 10 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role overseeing growth and development strategies at the regional and national levels.
• Fluency in corporate, government and philanthropic fundraising, including complex giving vehicles.
• Ability to understand how market and policy shifts affect funding, and adapt strategies.
• Expert interpersonal and communication skills (verbal, writing, editing), with an ability to thrive in a highly collaborative, cross-functional environment.
• Robust existing network within the philanthropic, corporate, donor-advised fund, and investor communities.
• Strong understanding of competitive grant development and ability to guide high-quality proposals, donor materials, and investment/funder communications.
• Proven track record developing and securing significant institutional, philanthropic, public-sector, and/or investment-oriented funding commitments.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Experience advancing equity & inclusion in diverse work environments.
• Proven success managing a high-performing Development team.
• Proficiency with donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce).

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience working in the fields of climate, environment, energy, and/or cleantech startups.
• Experience and understanding of capital formation for blended finance tools, with an understanding of the fund capitalization and investor cultivation process.

Work Requirements

• This role is hybrid, working onsite at our downtown Los Angeles office at least 3 days per week. Additional days onsite may be required depending on work responsibilities, events, and other factors.
• Availability to work occasional weekends and/or evening hours or events related to funder cultivation and relationship building.
• Some travel may be required, including local and national.

Position Details:

This is a full-time position, starting immediately. LACI operates out of the La Kretz Innovation Campus, in the bustling Downtown LA Arts District. Since we are rapidly growing, you will be getting in on the ground floor at LACI, with the opportunity to evolve with us and shape your future here.

Salary Range: SVP Range $180-215k commensurate with experience, education, skills, etc and total compensation package including health benefits, 401k match, professional development, commuter benefits and more.

In addition to working on a campus with other innovators, we offer industry competitive benefits including: paid holidays, vacation/sick time, health benefits, 401(k) plan, professional development, and paid parking. We also support alternative transportation with a metro pass for every employee.