Funder Engagement & Deal-Closing Consultant

The Opportunity

Just Beginnings Collaborative (JBC) is seeking a seasoned fundraising consultant to serve as a strategic partner in helping us close the next chapter of transformative philanthropic support. This is not a broad development strategy role—we’re looking for a closer.

JBC has built strong relationships with aligned funders and philanthropic partners. With narrative and marketing support already in place, we’re now seeking a senior-level fundraising consultant who can help us close high-potential funder conversations, provide coaching and thought partnership, and offer targeted strategic support to move from interest to investment.

This is not a broad development strategy role. We’re looking for someone who can help us:

• Refine and tailor asks
• Support and coach JBC’s Executive Director through high-stakes conversations
• Step in when needed to move a funder from "maybe" to "yes"

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will work closely with JBC’s Executive Director to:

• Refine the Ask + Coach the Close
  • Help shape and sharpen funder asks for six- and seven-figure multi-year commitments
  • Coach JBC leadership through real-time cultivation, negotiation, and follow-up
  • Join or prep for select funder meetings (as needed) to support live asks
• Targeted Funder Engagement Strategy
  • Provide guidance on sequencing and strategy for 8–10 top-priority funders
  • Help manage a high-touch follow-up plan that sustains momentum and strengthens relationships
  • Track key moves and offer light-touch CRM or system support if helpful
• Leverage Existing Story + Materials
  • Collaborate with JBC’s marketing team (already in place) to ensure messages are aligned and effective
  • Suggest light edits to decks, one-pagers, or proposals to tailor materials to funder priorities

Deliverables

• Refine and tailor 3–5 six- and seven-figure asks for priority funders
• Coach JBC leadership through 1–2 high-stakes funder meetings per month
• Provide strategic guidance for follow-up with 5–7 active funder prospects
• Light-touch support on updating decks, language, and messaging for proposals

Project Fee & Expectations

• 3-month contract, preferred start late May or early June
• Estimated Time Commitment: 10–12 hours/month (flexible depending on active funder conversations and scheduling)

Compensation:

• Hourly Rate: $350/hour (negotiable within $325–$375 range based on experience)
• Estimated Total Budget: $10,000–$13,000 over 3 months

We are seeking a senior-level fundraiser with deep philanthropic relationships and experience securing major multi-year investments. Proposals should include a clear compensation model and rationale based on your approach and availability.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal consultant brings:

• A strong track record of closing major philanthropic investments (six and seven figures)
• Experience with intermediaries, pooled funds, or movement-aligned organizations
• Confidence and warmth in coaching executive leaders through high-stakes asks
• Deep alignment with JBC’s values and familiarity with survivor-centered, abolitionist, or community-led safety approaches
• A nimble, results-oriented approach to supporting a small, highly committed team

Fiscal Sponsorship & Commitment to Equity

JBC is fiscally sponsored by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA).

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors celebrates the uniqueness of our staff, our partners, and the communities we serve. We are committed to inclusion with the goal of cultivating a culture of belonging and acceptance. We strive to embed this value in our philanthropic work to advance a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.