About FirstPrinciples:FirstPrinciples is a non-profit organization building an autonomous AI Physicist designed to advance humanity's understanding of the fundamental laws of nature. Our goal for the AI Physicist is to achieve a breakthrough that unifies quantum field theory general relativity and to explain the deepest unresolved phenomena in our universe by 2035. To do this, we're pioneering a new approach to scientific discovery by creating an intelligent system that can explore theoretical frameworks, reason across disciplines, and generate novel insights. We're a non-profit that operates like a tech start-up by moving quickly and continuously iterating to accelerate scientific progress. By combining AI, symbolic reasoning, and autonomous research capabilities, we're developing a platform that goes beyond analyzing existing knowledge to actively contribute to physics research.
Job Description:We're seeking a driven development fundraising professional with the hustle, relationship-building skills, and closing ability to help secure the resources needed to revolutionize scientific discovery. As a Development Manager, you'll be an individual contributor responsible for identifying prospects, cultivating relationships, and closing deals with philanthropists, foundations, and institutional funders. This is a hands-on role perfect for someone who thrives in an account executive-style position and has a track record of personally closing significant funding commitments.
Key Responsibilities:
Donor Prospecting Pipeline Management:
- Research and identify high-potential funding prospects including HNW/UHNW individuals, family offices, science foundations, and institutional donors.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of qualified prospects with clear stages and next steps.
- Track all donor interactions, meetings, and progress in CRM systems (Salesforce Asana).
- Execute outreach campaigns to engage new prospects and generate funding conversation.
Relationship Building Cultivation:
- Personally manage relationships with a portfolio of donors and institutional funders.
- Conduct discovery meetings to understand donor interests and align them with FirstPrinciples' mission.
- Schedule and facilitate donor meetings, product demos and engagement opportunities.
- Develop tailored cultivation strategies for each prospect based on their interests and capacity.
Deal Closing Stewardship:
- Lead funding conversations from initial contact through commitment and closing.
- Create compelling funding proposals and pitch materials customized to each prospect.
- Structure and negotiate gift terms, agreements commitments that align donor incentives with FirstPrinciples’ mission to accelerate scientific discovery.
- Maintain ongoing stewardship relationships with donors post-commitment.
- Develop impact reports showing how donor contributions directly accelerate specific scientific discoveries.
Grant Writing Institutional Funding:
- Research foundation and government funding opportunities aligned with FirstPrinciples' work.
- Write and submit grant applications to foundations, research institutions, and government agencies.
- Respond to requests for proposals (RFPs) and funding competitions.
- Manage grant reporting requirements and funder communication.
Collaboration Execution:
- Work closely with FirstPrinciples' leadership to communicate scientific progress and impact to funders.
- Translate complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
- Collaborate with the team to create impact reports, donor updates, and presentation materials.
- Support donor events, fundraising campaigns, and special initiatives as needed.
Qualifications:
- 3-5+ years of experience in sales, business development, account management, or fundraising with a proven track record of personally closing deals.
- Proven success in meeting or exceeding revenue/fundraising targets in a quota-carrying or goal-driven role, ideally with experience in high-growth startups, deep-tech, or scientific/AI-related industries.
- Experience managing a full sales/fundraising cycle from prospecting to close.
- Track record of closing large, complex deals (multi-million, multi-year commitments) with urgency and persistence.
- Strong existing network of funders, science philanthropists, and AI/physics research investors.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to build rapport quickly.
- Self-starter mentality with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with research institutions, scientific discoveries, and the AI funding landscape.
- Demonstrated passion for physics and for making scientific knowledge accessible and impactful.
Application Process:
- Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their qualifications and vision for the role, and references. Please include "Development Manager" in the cover letter.
Join us at FirstPrinciples and be a part of a transformative journey where science drives progress and unlocks the potential of humanity.
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