James Tolbert
Richmond,VA
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in nonprofit leadership, specializing in policy development and organizational strategic planning. Excelled in building partnerships and advancing clean energy initiatives, achieving over 150% revenue growth at Counterspark. Skilled in people management and campaign strategy, demonstrating exceptional verbal and written communication.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director, Power
US Energy Foundation
08.2024 - Current
- Developed and refreshed five campaign strategies to advance clean energy in the power sector through collaboration with EF staff, advocates, and philanthropic partners.
- Developed strong relationships with key philanthropic partners, fostering greater collaboration and new funding opportunities.
- Led cross-functional teams to successfully launch new fundraising initiatives.
President
Counterspark
12.2022 - 08.2024
- Hired and managed staff to launch the organization and build a list of 35,000 activist in the first six months and more than 70,000 activists in two years.
- Increased year over year revenue for the organization's electoral activity by 100% and for public purpose activity by more than 150% in a two year span.
- Enhanced performance by building organizational strategic plan and overseeing daily operations.
Vice-President
Advanced Energy United
12.2014 - 08.2024
- Built the organization's state engagement strategy, leading to deep engagement in legislative, regulatory, and political arenas in more than 20 states.
- Developed new policy initiatives by identifying clean energy market barriers and opportunities and crafting strategies to maximize impact. Fully fundraised for new candidate education and political programs as part of this work.
- Managed financial planning and budgeting processes, ensuring fiscal responsibility and maximizing return on member and philanthropic investments.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clean energy industry leaders, legislators, regulators, and philanthropy to promote collaboration and long-term success.
Executive Director
National Caucus of Environmental Legislators
12.2011 - 11.2014
- Oversaw financial management, growing revenue from $250,000 to $1 million annually, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Collaborated with external organizations including non-profits, businesses and government agencies to create an advocacy and educational agenda that reached more than 1400 state legislators annually.
- Established organizational goals and objectives that aligned with the mission of creating bipartisan solutions to environmental challenges.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Auburn University
Auburn, AL08.2001
Skills
- Organizational Strategic Planning
- Policy development
- Fundraising
- Campaign Strategy
- Strong verbal and written communication
- People management
Timeline
Senior Director, Power
US Energy Foundation
08.2024 - Current
President
Counterspark
12.2022 - 08.2024
Vice-President
Advanced Energy United
12.2014 - 08.2024
Executive Director
National Caucus of Environmental Legislators
12.2011 - 11.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Auburn University
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