Youth Climate Justice Fund (YCJF) Development Associate 2026 – Remote Job

Application Deadline: March 16, 2026

Applications are now open for the Youth Climate Justice Fund (YCJF) Development Associate 2026 – a fully remote position offering an incredible opportunity to support youth-led climate justice movements worldwide.

In a time when climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, the call for inclusive and youth-centered leadership has never been more urgent. YCJF — a groundbreaking fund dedicated to empowering young changemakers — is inviting emerging professionals to join its mission to redistribute resources, strengthen communities, and champion global equity.

This position isn’t just a traditional development role. It’s a platform to learn, collaborate, and grow while contributing to climate philanthropy that prioritizes justice, care, and youth leadership.

Whether you’re an early-career nonprofit professional or a passionate advocate for climate action, this remote role offers a chance to make meaningful impact from anywhere in the world.

About the Youth Climate Justice Fund (YCJF)

The Youth Climate Justice Fund (YCJF) is an international grantmaking organization founded in 2023 to resource youth-led socio-environmental and climate justice movements through participatory philanthropy. YCJF supports grassroots youth activists who are driving intersectional climate action — from adaptation projects to community resilience and environmental advocacy.

Since its public launch, YCJF has distributed over $4.5 million USD to 115 grantee partners across 50+ countries, positioning itself as one of the fastest-growing youth-led funds for climate justice globally.

What makes YCJF unique is its equity-centered structure: over 90% of its members come from the Global South, and more than 75% identify as women or gender-diverse individuals. This lived representation ensures that decision-making truly reflects the communities most impacted by climate change.

Operating remotely across 21 countries, YCJF is grounded in values of youth leadership, care, and transparency. The team collaborates through a culture of mutual respect, shared learning, and wellbeing — redefining how philanthropy can operate ethically in a global context.

Why This Role Matters

The Development Associate role is central to YCJF’s ability to expand and sustain its mission. Working closely with the Senior Officer for Development and cross-functional teams, the selected candidate will help strengthen donor relationships, coordinate fundraising systems, and craft compelling proposals that connect funders to grassroots impact.

This position is ideal for someone passionate about philanthropy, research, and climate justice — someone eager to learn how equitable resource mobilization works and how youth-led organizations can challenge traditional funding models.

By joining YCJF, you’ll gain first-hand experience in global fundraising and strategic communication, while contributing to the redistribution of resources to youth climate movements that need it most.

Key Responsibilities

As the Development Associate, you’ll play an essential role in driving YCJF’s fundraising and donor engagement strategies.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Grant Reporting & Writing

• Develop and edit grant proposals, concept notes, and donor reports.
• Support financial and narrative reporting to ensure accuracy and donor alignment.
• Track reporting deadlines and maintain organized grant documentation.

2. Donor Research & Pipeline Management

• Identify and analyze potential funders aligned with YCJF’s mission.
• Prepare concise donor briefs summarizing giving history and engagement strategies.
• Maintain a live fundraising pipeline and update internal trackers regularly.

3. Systems Coordination

• Manage development files using tools like Google Drive, Box, and Monday.com.
• Log donor communications and maintain follow-up schedules.
• Support database updates and ensure donor records are current.

4. Donor Engagement & Events

• Help organize virtual and in-person donor meetings or events.
• Prepare background notes, talking points, and post-event summaries.
• Track attendance and monitor engagement outcomes.

Benefits of Working with YCJF

YCJF offers an enriching and equitable work experience that combines professional growth with purpose-driven collaboration.

What You’ll Gain:

•  Annual Salary: USD $40,000 per year (consultancy contract).
• Fully Remote Work: Flexibility to work from anywhere between PST–GMT time zones.
• Diversity & Inclusion: Join a Global South-led team representing 21 countries.
• Professional Growth: Build expertise in development, philanthropy, and fundraising systems.
• Collaborative Environment: Work across teams in a supportive, equity-driven culture.
• Mission-Driven Impact: Directly support youth-led climate justice initiatives around the world.

Who Can Apply — Eligibility Criteria

YCJF welcomes applicants from diverse professional, cultural, and educational backgrounds, especially those with lived experience in frontline or underrepresented communities.

Essential Requirements:

• 1–3 years of experience in nonprofit development, grant writing, research, or philanthropy.
• Excellent writing and communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational and research abilities.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Comfort working remotely across diverse teams and time zones.
• Commitment to the principles of equity, climate justice, and youth leadership.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Monday.com).
• Familiarity with donor databases or fundraising systems.
• Lived experience in communities directly affected by climate or environmental issues.

Application Process & Key Dates

Deadline: Monday, March 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. CET

How to Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience and motivation for joining YCJF.

For inquiries, email hello@ycjf.org.

Tips for a Strong Application

Here are a few ways to make your application stand out:

Emphasize impact: Use concrete examples or data to show your contribution to past projects or fundraising efforts.
✅ Show passion: Explain your personal motivation for climate justice and youth empowerment.
✅ Be concise and authentic: YCJF values clear, heartfelt communication. Avoid jargon and keep your tone natural.
✅ Align with values: Research YCJF’s mission and reflect how your experience aligns with its equity-centered approach.
✅ Apply early: Early applications often receive faster review and higher visibility.

Why You Should Apply

The Youth Climate Justice Fund Development Associate 2026 role is more than a remote job — it’s a doorway into meaningful global work that fuels young people’s leadership in the climate movement.

You’ll not only gain valuable professional experience in fundraising and donor relations but also contribute directly to ensuring that youth-led organizations receive the support they need to thrive.

If you believe in equity, collaboration, and the power of young people to drive climate solutions, this opportunity is for you.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE