Lead, Development

Location: Remote – North America, UK, or EU
Reports to: Chief Impact Officer
Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Travel Requirement: Up to 50%
Salary Range: $115,000 – $150,000 USD

About Textile Exchange

Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving climate and nature-positive impact across the fashion and textile industry. We work with brands, manufacturers, and farmers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fiber and raw material production by 45% by 2030, while also advancing soil health, water stewardship, and biodiversity.

At Textile Exchange, we believe that materials matter. To learn more, visit TextileExchange.org.

Position Summary

The Development Lead will design and implement Textile Exchange’s fundraising strategy to support its Climate and Nature Impact work while contributing to broader organizational funding mechanisms.

This role will cultivate and manage donor relationships, secure grants and philanthropic gifts, and build a diversified funding portfolio. The Development Lead will work closely with senior leadership to advance new funding mechanisms for collective action, particularly at the raw material (Tier 4) production level.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy

• Partner with the CIO to design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy for Climate and Nature Impact activities.

• Drive fundraising through philanthropic grants, donations, and corporate sponsorships.

• Explore partnerships with existing funding mechanisms to address Tier 4 production gaps.

• Contribute to the design of a longer-term fund supporting collective action, aligned with Textile Exchange’s 5-year strategy and theory of change.

• Manage external partners informing the fundraising strategy.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Cultivate, steward, and expand relationships with a portfolio of aligned donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

• Collaborate with the CEO, CIO, and senior leaders to grow and diversify Textile Exchange’s philanthropic base.

• Track grant cycles, deadlines, and deliverables using CRM tools (Salesforce).

• Oversee donor stewardship activities, briefings, and engagement events.

Proposal Development & Reporting

• Prepare compelling grant proposals, donor communications, and impact reports.

• Collaborate with program teams to collect data, outcomes, and impact stories.

• Draft, edit, and submit LOIs, grant applications, and reports.

• Monitor grant progress and ensure accountability to funders.

Organizational Leadership & Collaboration

• Contribute to strategic planning with a fundraising perspective.

• Support CIO in Board engagement and fundraising activities.

• Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that values accountability, growth, and innovation.

• Ensure alignment with other departments to maximize fundraising outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or philanthropy (preferably with global nonprofits or sustainability organizations).

• Proven success securing major gifts, grants, or partnerships.

• Strong interpersonal and donor cultivation skills.

• Excellent presentation, storytelling, and public speaking skills.

• Strong project management skills with attention to detail and deadlines.

• Exceptional writing and editing skills in English.

• Experience with CRM/donor databases (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot).

• Passion for Textile Exchange’s mission and commitment to advancing climate, nature, and livelihoods outcomes.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and shared leadership in global contexts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the fashion, apparel, or textile industry.

• Prior experience in a global, remote-first organization.