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The Development Manager is a full time position with RightRides for Women's Safety (RRWS) a growing grassroots organization whose mission is to build safer communities by eliminating gender-based harassment and sexual assault. RRWS is in its fifth year of operation, and the incoming Development Manager will be instrumental in growing a small nonprofit with a successful fundraising record to its next stage.

RRWS seeks a candidate with at least two years of work experience in a nonprofit fundraising environment and knowledge of the women’s rights, anti-violence and LGBTQ sector(s), particularly in New York City. This staff member will direct all aspects of the organization's fundraising activities, including grant writing and grants management, individual appeals, corporate, government and foundation relations, and oversee specific fundraising events. In addition, they will support the Executive Director in providing guidance in the identification and development of grant opportunities, developing strategic partnerships, cultivating important donor relationships, and public outreach.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategy: In partnership with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, create strategy to identify and secure corporate, foundation, individual and government partnerships. Understand the marketing and business needs of corporations and foundations and develop and implement a revenue generation strategy that addresses these needs.

Corporate, Government and Foundation Management: Manage relationships and communications with current corporate, government and foundation funders. Manage the identification and cultivation of new corporate, government and foundation partnerships, as well as the grant proposal and reporting processes for corporate, government and foundation funders. Build RRWS sponsorship process, which includes identifying and securing program sponsors and engaging them in ongoing service opportunities.

Major Gift Donor Management: Assisting the Executive Director, identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of current and future major donors. Identify major donors' philanthropic interests and provide them with an opportunity to realize an outstanding philanthropic experience through their charitable investment of time, advocacy and financial support to RRWS.

Fundraising Events: Leverage sponsor and donor participation in existing and future RRWS events, such as the Annual Springtime Cocktail Fundraiser, the Friends of RightRides Social, and other select gatherings, to raise awareness of RRWS, fundraise and engage high net worth individuals, foundations and corporations. Collaborate with Board of Directors, consultants and key volunteers for primary events.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Communicate reporting requirements to appropriate program staff and work collaboratively to track grant goals against accomplishments. Act as liaison to bookkeeper and accountant and provide detailed reports on outstanding government contracts and foundation funds. Work effectively with varied constituencies, including Board members, staff, consultants, prospective donors, volunteers, and institutional funders to reach fundraising benchmarks.

Public Relations: Prepare Annual Report along with other marketing and fundraising materials, in collaboration with Executive Director and graphic design consultant as needed. Represent the organization to key community networks, alliances, civic groups, public speaking engagements, along with other relevant settings such as fundraising events and to the general public, in order to promote RRWS, fundraise and other strategic goals.

Administrative duties as needed: Communicate with Executive Director regarding activities with a weekly check-in meeting, plus prepare monthly and quarterly narrative and database driven reports, both written and presented. Conduct related tasks such as creating and maintaining grant tracking databases, ensure timely acknowledgment of gifts, assemble required attachments and other materials for proposal submission, recommend fundraising policies, procedures to Executive Director and document changes in existing policies and procedures as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Candidates must have a B.A./B.S. and two years’ or more experience in the development field in a progressively responsible capacity. Master’s degree preferred.

Familiarity with the New York City fundraising environment, particularly foundation, corporate and government grants, is required, as well as familiarity with the New York City community development, community services or community organizing landscape specific to marginalized populations such as low-income, women, LGBTQ, communities of color and/or similar groups. Demonstrated success in shaping, implementing and leading programs that have increased support from major donors, corporations, government and foundations must be shown.

Superior writing with excellent editing and persuasive communications skills; ability to present and interpret program goals to staff and potential donors is required, as are strong computer skills in Microsoft Office. Must be detail-oriented, accurate, highly organized and demonstrate discretion, initiative, and follow-through. Must demonstrate interest in furthering the organization’s mission and program objectives.

Willingness to work additional hours, nights and/or weekends as requested by Executive Director.

Benefits

RightRides for Women’s Safety offers comprehensive insurance including health, dental and vision coverage. Employees have the option of participating in TransitCheck, Flex Spending for health care and much more.

This position requires a self-starter, with creative approaches to fundraising, donor cultivation and community/corporate sponsorships. There is ample room for growth for the right candidate.

We seek leaders who are comfortable taking independent initiative, exhibit strong work ethic and time management skills, demonstrate ability to manage objectives and with initiative to self-identify, start and complete tasks to meet deadlines.

Submit ALL of the following: cover letter expressing your interest and experience in development and fundraising, a resume, salary history, two writing samples (grant proposals or other fundraising documents preferred) and 3 professional references to:

Oraia Reid, Executive Director
RightRides for Women's Safety
26 Court Street Ste. 505
Brooklyn, NY 11242

Or via email to:
jobs@rightrides.org with the subject: “Development Manager”.

Please note only .doc and .pdf attachments will be accepted. Prior to hire, selection candidates must complete up to two interviews and a writing test, revising current funding materials. Please inform us within a reasonable time period prior to administration of the interview or skills test of any reasonable accommodation needed.

Deadline to apply is Friday, December 11th, 2009. Please no phone calls or faxes. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted, please do not inquire about the status of your application.

RightRides For Women’s Safety, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. LGBTQ individuals and people of color and are strongly encouraged to apply.