Development Officer

Position:         Development Officer (Corporates and Foundations)

Location:        Remote in approved US states  

Reporting to:  Managing Director, US

 

About Us

World Bicycle Relief mobilizes communities in rural regions around the world to thrive with life-changing bicycles. We partner with communities to expand access to education, markets, healthcare and other essential services. With our purpose-designed Buffalo Bicycles, individuals in low-income regions are a force for change, unlocking pathways to new opportunities for themselves, their families and entire communities.

 

We are a mission-driven, global non-profit social enterprise that manages a highly refined bicycle supply chain from design through final distribution. World Bicycle Relief uses an innovative business model to create sustainable bicycle ecosystems. Through World Bicycle Relief's 501(c)3, we provide transport solutions to those who cannot afford them, and through Buffalo Bicycle Ltd, we sell the rugged Buffalo Bicycle and spare parts. Buffalo Bicycle Ltd also offers users repair and maintenance services via a retail network of shops and local mechanics. World Bicycle Relief has distributed over 1,000,000 fit-for-purpose bicycles and trained 4,000+ community-based mechanics. Girls with Buffalo Bicycles are 19% less likely to drop out of school; business owners see 53% more revenue; and health workers serve 63% more households.

Purpose of the Position

 

The Development Officer plays a critical role in driving World Bicycle Relief’s revenue growth by building and advancing high-impact partnerships with corporate and foundation funders. This role owns a portfolio of partners and is responsible for identifying, securing, and growing funding opportunities that fuel WBR’s global mobility solutions.

 

Blending strategic prospecting with disciplined execution, the Development Officer develops compelling, evidence-based proposals and cultivates long-term partnerships that translate into sustained investment and impact. Success in this role requires strong relationship instincts, sharp storytelling, and the ability to convert opportunity into revenue.

 

Working across a global organization, the Development Officer strengthens WBR’s institutional funding pipeline while ensuring high-quality stewardship, clear communication of impact, and rigorous tracking of performance within CRM systems.

 

Job Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy

• Execute corporate and foundation fundraising strategies aligned with WBR’s revenue goals and growth priorities.
• Own and grow a portfolio of corporate and foundation partners, with responsibility for revenue generation and pipeline expansion.
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new funding opportunities aligned with WBR’s strategic priorities.
• Develop compelling partnership opportunities, including corporate sponsorships and strategic engagement initiatives.
• Partner with Development and Marketing & Communications leadership to support integrated fundraising campaigns.
• Contribute to the continued growth and diversification of WBR’s institutional funding base.

Partnership Development & Stewardship

• Build and manage strong, long-term relationships with corporate and foundation partners.
• Lead proactive outreach and engagement through meetings, events, and site visits.
• Develop and submit high-quality grant proposals, LOIs, and funding requests that clearly articulate WBR’s impact.
• Translate WBR’s evidence and mobility solutions into compelling narratives that resonate with funders.
• Steward partners through thoughtful reporting, recognition, and engagement that drives retention and growth.
• Serve as a trusted ambassador for WBR, communicating our mission, impact, and strategic vision.

 

Pipeline & Development Operations

• Maintain a disciplined approach to pipeline management, tracking progress and partner engagement in Salesforce.
• Ensure timely submission of grant applications, reports, and compliance deliverables.
• Manage grant documentation and reporting schedules with a high level of accuracy and accountability.
• Contribute to internal reporting and forecasting on fundraising performance.
• Uphold data integrity and consistency across fundraising systems and processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Finance and Partnerships & Business Development to develop grant budgets and partnership models.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to produce high-quality fundraising materials and donor communications.
• Work closely with global teams to ensure proposals and reports accurately reflect WBR’s mobility solutions and impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or partnership management.
• Demonstrated success securing funding from corporations and foundations.
• Strong understanding of the institutional funding landscape and grant-making processes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships that lead to revenue growth.
• Experience with CRM systems, preferably Salesforce.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a global, cross-functional team.

 

Work Location

 

Remote in Arkansas, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Tennessee, Virginia, or Washington D.C.

 

WBR is a registered not-for profit in the USA (501c3), Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia. We have supported programs in 20 countries, and have country offices, staff, and assembly facilities in Colombia, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. WBR is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.