Website Kara Solar
About Kara Solar
Kara Solar means “a vision realized” in Achuar. Founded in 2016, Kara Solar has been pioneering the development of solar boats in the Achuar territory of Ecuador. As an organization committed to sustainable innovation, Kara Solar collaborates with indigenous communities across the Amazon to advance clean river mobility solutions. The company works towards integrating manufacturing, capacity-building, and financing to perpetuate its vision of clean energy transitions in the rainforest, which is vital for ecological sustainability. With a diverse team of engineers, communicators, social scientists, and solar technicians based in Quito and the Achuar territory, Kara Solar thrives on intercultural collaboration to achieve its mission.
About this Role
The Development and Communications Director at Kara Solar is a high-impact leadership role responsible for shaping how the organization tells its story and secures critical resources for continued growth and sustenance. This role requires the incumbent to showcase expertise in writing compelling grant proposals and maintaining a coherent communications strategy. The director will connect and foster enduring relationships with donors, partners, and other stakeholders, demonstrating versatility in engaging with diverse audiences — from donor meetings in metropolitan hubs to community assemblies in the Amazon.
Responsibilities
- Identify and steward institutional funders, including foundations, multilateral organizations, and impact investors.
- Write and coordinate grant proposals and donor reports in collaboration with the Executive Director.
- Maintain a funding pipeline and track progress against development goals.
- Lead Kara Solar’s communications strategy across social media, press, and events.
- Steward messaging that reflects our mission and communicates our impact with data and stories.
- Develop public-facing written and visual assets in collaboration with the Creative Coordinator and Territorial Communicator.
- Contribute to organizational strategy and planning with the Executive Director.
- Lead a team of 1-2 communications colleagues in Quito and Achuar territory.
- Manage the communications and development budget.
Requirements
- Outstanding bilingual writing and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish.
- 3+ years of experience in development, fundraising, or communications.
- Track record of leading successful grant applications.
- Background in clean energy, conservation, or Indigenous rights, ideally with direct experience in Amazonian contexts.
- Familiarity with the climate philanthropy landscape in Latin America.
- Excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
- Genuine enthusiasm to join a fast-paced and mission-driven team.
- A results-driven attitude, adaptability, and ability to learn quickly.
- Commitment to intercultural collaboration.
Benefits
- Compensation: USD $1,500 – $2,500/month (excluding IVA) depending on experience and education.
- Private health insurance in Ecuador.
- Hybrid work based in Quito, with occasional field travel to the Amazon.
- 15 days of annual leave and a highly flexible working schedule.
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