Development Manager

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.