Director of Development

data.org is building a better future with data, and is looking for creative, results-driven professionals passionate about the potential of data and technology to achieve social impact to join our team.

Launched in January 2020 and building on an initial commitment from The Rockefeller Foundation and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, data.org envisions a world that uses the power of data and AI to help solve society’s greatest challenges and improve lives across the globe. As a platform for partnerships, data.org works alongside social impact organizations, philanthropy, technology firms, and academia to build the field of data and AI for social impact.

data.org has, so far, launched multiple global impact challenges, major programs (Epiverse and the Capacity Accelerator Network), and built a digital platform that hosts content, resources, and services to advance the sector. As it nears its five-year anniversary in 2025, data.org is actively expanding its programmatic efforts, thought leadership, and platform activities, with a keen focus on achieving long-term financial sustainability.  

The Director of Development will be responsible for establishing, coordinating, and driving the implementation of strategies designed to develop current and prospective donors and funders and secure the necessary resources to support data.org’s business interests. The Director of Development, in collaboration with key leaders across the organization, will structure and execute a strategic fundraising plan that aligns fundraising activities with core organizational needs. 

Reporting to the Director of Partnerships, the Director of Development will be part of a partnerships team that contributes to setting organizational strategy, establishing fundraising priorities and securing funding, incubating new projects / programs, and executing projects tied to data.org product and services. The team also includes a Partnerships Coordinator and Manager of Product and Partnerships, who support and execute key functions, including reporting, research, stewardship of core funder relationships, and delivery of data.org products and services.

Both a seasoned fundraiser and an organizational leader, the ideal candidate should be able to make connections between data.org’s work and donors’ and prospects’ interests. They should be able to identify new prospects and strategies for engagement, while ensuring that relationships with current donors are properly managed in close collaboration with partnerships and senior leadership. The Director must be nimble and able to operate in a fast-paced environment, managing changing priorities and taking advantage of all fundraising opportunities. They must be innovative and creative in developing year-over-year fundraising strategies and must be able to work collaboratively to harness the strengths of data.org’s leadership team and its network. 

 This position is a full-time remote role based in the Eastern Standard Time Zone (preferred location East Coast United States).  Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Must be able and willing to travel internationally.  

What you’ll do: 

·      Lead and ensure the success of the fundraising programs through annual operational planning and implementation

·      Work closely with senior leadership and the partnerships team to create and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans that align with data.org’s mission and strategic goals

·      Collaborate with the director of partnerships, senior staff, and board to carry out the necessary cultivation of new and prospective donors, stewardship of current donors, and ensure that the necessary fundraising asks are made for success of the fundraising plan

·      Develop, execute, and manage the engagement strategy for priority donors and prospects, including managing prospect list and executing moves management

·      Be visible and accessible to the donor community; successfully represent data.org by cultivating and deepening relationships throughout the philanthropic community

·      Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization through strong internal relationships

·      Be a trusted partner to the Executive Director, senior staff, and Board, ensuring maximum value from their diverse connections, and effectively utilizing their time and personal participation in fundraising efforts

·      Collaborate with the director of partnerships and communications and marketing team in crafting and executing communications to cultivate and steward donors and prospects

·      Work closely with the partnerships team and senior leadership to donor- / prospect- facing materials, including pitch decks, concept notes, and 

·      Develop, launch, and manage a new corporate partnership program

·      Administer ongoing comprehensive prospect research and donor prospect management system, including prospect identification, prioritization, biographical, and financial research

·      Oversee fundraising tools, including the Salesforce CRM, ensuring that they are used to support efficient relationship management, timely follow-ups, and accurate reporting

·      Support users across all fundraising systems, including training and developing standard operating procedures as needed; Identify gaps that may require future system enhancements, training opportunities, etc.

·      Work closely with finance, partnerships, and other stakeholders to provide operational directions and leadership in support of business needs

·      Other duties as assigned

Qualifications you’ll need

·      Bachelor’s degree

·      7-10 years of related work experience, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, business development, or a similar role within the nonprofit sector, with a proven track record of securing significant funding through various channels (foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, major gifts, etc.)

·      Excellent written and verbal communication skills (including listening skills); ability to write clearly and persuasively across various formats, such as email, concept notes, and proposals

·      Excellent influencing and networking skills paired with stakeholder management experience in a global environment.

·      A demonstrated commitment to data.org’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access) values.

·      Demonstrated ability to develop and manage a strategic plan with multiple projects and deadlines

·      Sound judgement and ability to match the business interests of the organization to opportunities

·      Ability to demonstrate assertiveness and work proactively and effectively with peers and senior leadership to convey ideas, opportunities, and necessary actions, including delegating appropriately

·      Experience with Salesforce CRM preferred; Advanced knowledge of fundraising databases, CRMs, and wealth screening/research tools required

·      Ability to analyze and synthesize complex issues and explain information to a general audience

·      Skilled in providing the highest quality products and services that meet or exceed the needs and requirements of internal and external stakeholders

·      Self-motivated with problem solving skills and ability to manage time and prioritize tasks appropriately in a remote workplace

·      Mission-driven individual with strong judgment, interpersonal skills and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

·      Ability and Flexibility to work across multiple time zones

data.org values facilitating an equitable standard of living across the regions in which it operates. This is a full-time remote position located in the Eastern Time Zone and offers competitive compensation. Details of actual compensation will be discussed during the interview process to ensure compensation is approached comprehensively and equitability. Expected salary range US $120,000-140,000. 

Comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees (and families). Employees are able to enroll in 401k retirement plan and are elgigible for a 3% automoatic contribution and up to a 3% employer match on 401k contributions. Employees are also elgiblie for pre-tax transportation benefits. Employees will receive 200 hours of vacation time, 80 hours of health leave up to 2 days of causual leave, an 20 hours of volunteer leave annually. Employees will also receive 13 paid holidats throughout the calendar year. Employees are elgibille for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave after 90 days of employment.