Environmental Defense Fund Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA
Environmental Defense Fund is a leading environmental nonprofit known for attracting mission-driven professionals with specialized expertise in science, policy, and economics. For international job seekers, EDF offers a genuine pathway into the U.S. environmental sector, with a history of sponsoring skilled workers through multiple visa types.
Find Environmental Defense Fund JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 4+ Environmental Defense Fund Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA
See all Environmental Defense Fund Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental Defense Fund Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA.
Get Access To All JobsLocation
Hybrid from New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, or San Francisco
Duration
This is a regular full-time position with full benefits.
Application Instructions
Please include a cover letter with your application.
OVERALL FUNCTION
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and EVP for Global Development, the Deputy Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President (SVP) is responsible for driving the organization’s revenue growth and sustainability.
The Deputy leads all high-functioning revenue-generating teams, including principal and major gifts, institutional giving, planned giving, membership, and mid-level giving. They serve on both the Development Leadership Team (DLT) and Organizational Leadership Team (OLT). They work closely with the Development Operations teams that are directly overseen by the CDO.
In partnership with the CDO, the Deputy provides strategic vision and leadership for EDF’s philanthropic efforts, bringing fresh ideas, networks, and a demonstrated ability to build donor relationships in a global context. This role serves as the potential successor to the Chief Development Officer.
The ideal candidate has experience in diverse, international settings; deep knowledge of major donor and institutional fundraising; and a proven ability to build partnerships, market mission-driven organizations, and grow restricted and unrestricted revenue. Knowledge of the climate funding space is strongly preferred.
The Deputy oversees ~80 staff in the United States and around the world. Preferred locations listed above, with flexibility for the right candidate.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partner with DLT colleagues to develop and execute a revenue growth strategy that includes diversifying resources and that is aligned with EDF’s mission priorities.
- Identify and respond to shifts in the philanthropic landscape, including opportunities such as donor collaboratives in climate.
- Leverage the Board of Directors to expand donor networks and prospects.
- Lead development of innovative short- and long-term fundraising strategies in collaboration with mission teams.
- Set clear priorities, goals, and metrics across revenue areas; monitor progress and address challenges proactively.
- Foster a strong, donor-centered culture that drives engagement, retention, and new donor acquisition.
- Oversee budgets and workforce planning to support revenue growth.
- Mentor and develop staff, promoting a culture of performance and professional growth.
- Lead special projects as requested by the CDO.
- Serve as proxy for the CDO when needed, ensuring timely decisions with appropriate stakeholder input.
- Contribute actively to DLT and OLT priorities and organizational effectiveness.
- Support change management efforts across Global Development and EDF.
- Participate in advancing EDF organizational effectiveness and culture goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
- Significant experience in nonprofit development, including direct donor engagement (cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in relevant field may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience.
- Prior Chief Development Officer experience preferred.
- Experience in environmental, climate, or related sectors preferred.
- Ability to travel 15% of the time, mostly within the United States.
- Extensive experience leading large, complex, and high-performing teams; global or matrixed experience a plus.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and attain ambitious but achievable revenue goals.
- Strong track record of building trusted relationships with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
- Collaborative, strategic mindset with strong judgment and decision-making skills.
- Problem-solving mindset with ability to develop creative solutions.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to navigate and articulate differing viewpoints effectively.
- Experience leading through change and influencing organizational direction.
- Data-driven with strong analytical and quantitative skills.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and consensus-building ability.
- Inspiring, innovative, and mission-driven leader with strong cultural competency and commitment to inclusion.
- Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
Location
Hybrid from New York, Washington, D.C., Boston, or San Francisco
Duration
This is a regular full-time position with full benefits.
Application Instructions
Please include a cover letter with your application.
OVERALL FUNCTION
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and EVP for Global Development, the Deputy Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President (SVP) is responsible for driving the organization’s revenue growth and sustainability.
The Deputy leads all high-functioning revenue-generating teams, including principal and major gifts, institutional giving, planned giving, membership, and mid-level giving. They serve on both the Development Leadership Team (DLT) and Organizational Leadership Team (OLT). They work closely with the Development Operations teams that are directly overseen by the CDO.
In partnership with the CDO, the Deputy provides strategic vision and leadership for EDF’s philanthropic efforts, bringing fresh ideas, networks, and a demonstrated ability to build donor relationships in a global context. This role serves as the potential successor to the Chief Development Officer.
The ideal candidate has experience in diverse, international settings; deep knowledge of major donor and institutional fundraising; and a proven ability to build partnerships, market mission-driven organizations, and grow restricted and unrestricted revenue. Knowledge of the climate funding space is strongly preferred.
The Deputy oversees ~80 staff in the United States and around the world. Preferred locations listed above, with flexibility for the right candidate.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partner with DLT colleagues to develop and execute a revenue growth strategy that includes diversifying resources and that is aligned with EDF’s mission priorities.
- Identify and respond to shifts in the philanthropic landscape, including opportunities such as donor collaboratives in climate.
- Leverage the Board of Directors to expand donor networks and prospects.
- Lead development of innovative short- and long-term fundraising strategies in collaboration with mission teams.
- Set clear priorities, goals, and metrics across revenue areas; monitor progress and address challenges proactively.
- Foster a strong, donor-centered culture that drives engagement, retention, and new donor acquisition.
- Oversee budgets and workforce planning to support revenue growth.
- Mentor and develop staff, promoting a culture of performance and professional growth.
- Lead special projects as requested by the CDO.
- Serve as proxy for the CDO when needed, ensuring timely decisions with appropriate stakeholder input.
- Contribute actively to DLT and OLT priorities and organizational effectiveness.
- Support change management efforts across Global Development and EDF.
- Participate in advancing EDF organizational effectiveness and culture goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
- Significant experience in nonprofit development, including direct donor engagement (cultivation, solicitation, stewardship).
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree in relevant field may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience.
- Prior Chief Development Officer experience preferred.
- Experience in environmental, climate, or related sectors preferred.
- Ability to travel 15% of the time, mostly within the United States.
- Extensive experience leading large, complex, and high-performing teams; global or matrixed experience a plus.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and attain ambitious but achievable revenue goals.
- Strong track record of building trusted relationships with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
- Collaborative, strategic mindset with strong judgment and decision-making skills.
- Problem-solving mindset with ability to develop creative solutions.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to navigate and articulate differing viewpoints effectively.
- Experience leading through change and influencing organizational direction.
- Data-driven with strong analytical and quantitative skills.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrates integrity, sound judgment, and consensus-building ability.
- Inspiring, innovative, and mission-driven leader with strong cultural competency and commitment to inclusion.
- Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
Job Roles at Environmental Defense Fund
See all Environmental Defense Fund Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental Defense Fund roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Environmental Defense Fund Visa Sponsorship Jobs USA
Target roles that align with your technical background
EDF prioritizes candidates with deep expertise in environmental science, economics, or policy. International applicants with specialized graduate-level qualifications are better positioned for sponsorship consideration, as these roles are harder to fill domestically and stronger candidates for H-1B support.
Understand that sponsorship decisions are role-specific
Not every position at EDF will come with visa sponsorship. Focus your search on research, analytics, and program roles where specialized skills are explicitly required. Migrate Mate surfaces verified sponsors so you can filter by real sponsorship history and target the right opportunities.
Explore OPT and CPT as entry points
EDF sponsors F-1 OPT and CPT, which can be a strategic way to build a relationship with the organization before pursuing long-term sponsorship. Students in environmental science, data analysis, or public policy programs are particularly well-positioned for these placements.
Highlight mission alignment in your application
Nonprofits like EDF weigh cultural and mission fit heavily alongside technical qualifications. Demonstrating a genuine commitment to environmental advocacy in your cover letter and interviews can meaningfully strengthen your case, especially when sponsorship requires internal justification from hiring managers.
Check TN eligibility if you're Canadian or Mexican
EDF sponsors TN visas, which is a faster and simpler pathway for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying professions. If your role falls under a TN-eligible category such as economist, scientist, or engineer, this route avoids the H-1B lottery entirely.
Apply early and expect a deliberate hiring process
Nonprofit hiring at EDF tends to move thoughtfully rather than quickly. International applicants should apply as early as possible, since sponsorship adds internal coordination steps. Factor in extra lead time if your current work authorization has an upcoming expiration date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Environmental Defense Fund sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, Environmental Defense Fund sponsors H-1B visas. EDF has a documented track record of supporting international professionals in specialized roles, particularly in environmental science, economics, climate policy, and data-driven research. Sponsorship tends to be concentrated in technical and programmatic positions where the required expertise is highly specific, making a strong case for the specialty occupation standard that H-1B requires.
Which visa types does Environmental Defense Fund sponsor?
EDF sponsors H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 CPT, TN visa, and J-1 visas. This range makes EDF accessible to a relatively broad set of international candidates, from current students on F-1 status to professionals entering on TN visa or H-1B. The mix of visa types reflects an organization willing to engage international talent at multiple career stages.
Which departments or roles at Environmental Defense Fund are most likely to offer visa sponsorship?
Sponsorship at EDF is most commonly associated with technical and research-oriented roles, including environmental economists, data scientists, climate analysts, and policy researchers. Program and strategy roles that require advanced academic credentials also tend to attract sponsorship consideration. Administrative and communications positions are less likely to involve visa support, though exceptions exist depending on the candidate's qualifications.
How do I find open roles at Environmental Defense Fund that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is the most efficient way to find visa-sponsoring roles at EDF and similar organizations. It aggregates open positions from verified sponsors, letting you filter specifically for companies with a real sponsorship history rather than relying on job listings that may not disclose sponsorship status upfront. Pairing that with EDF's own careers page gives you the most complete picture of available opportunities.
How do I approach the application process at Environmental Defense Fund as an international candidate?
Be upfront about your visa status early in the process, ideally in your cover letter. EDF's hiring teams are familiar with sponsorship, but they need adequate lead time to coordinate internally. Emphasize the specialized skills that make your profile difficult to replicate domestically, connect your experience to EDF's mission areas, and apply with enough time before any work authorization deadline to allow for a thorough review process.