Development Director

Development Director

Job Description

Forward Majority

State legislatures are at the forefront of the fight for democracy. Since 2017, Forward Majority has been at the frontline of the fight to accelerate Democratic power in state legislatures. To date, we’ve mobilized over $120M to advance our mission..

The Role

As our organization prepares for the mid-term elections, Forward Majority seeks a Development Director as an essential member of our team. This role will report directly to the CEO, with a focus on managing and building a pipeline to retain current donors and attract new donors to the organization. The Development Director will be an integral leader of the organization's fundraising strategy, collaborating with the voter registration and campaigns teams to develop a cohesive approach. This position will work closely with the Chief of Staff and members of the programs team. Forward Majority is a hybrid remote organization with an office in New York City. This position can be remote; however, there is a preference for candidates based in New York City or Washington, D.C. There would be an expectation of travel for donor meetings and events.

Responsibilities include:

• Team Leadership & Project Management: Proactively leading day-to-day development processes, including managing our Development & Engagement Associate to ensure systems are in place for tracking, outreach, contributions, and acknowledgements. This role will also lead the execution of Forward Majority’s finance plan, including managing fundraising consultants and managing up to the CEO, the principal fundraiser for the organization. Lastly, this role will serve as an essential interface with our program teams to understand insights, timelines, cash flow requirements, and other relevant components of our programs.
• Fundraising Strategy: Working with the CEO and the team to refine organization’s fundraising strategy in this changing political environment. Be an idea generator with a strategic lens, or what will work with political donors.
• Donor Communication & Stewardship: Managing donor communication, including individual meetings, virtual briefings, in-person events, and investor updates, etc. Refining and developing pitch materials for funder cultivation and development, including messaging and positioning based on feedback and input, and executing a funder outreach and renewal plan, managing grant proposals and reporting processes, and supporting and executing a donor maintenance strategy. Travel will be required for donor meetings and events. This role supports the grassroots digital fundraising program as well.
• Prospecting: Supporting the Development team and consultants in prospect research and building a consistent major donor prospect pipeline.

The ideal candidate will have:

• An entrepreneurial and growth mindset with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in development with a preference towards political fundraising. Familiarity raising five- and six-figure gifts in the political or nonprofit sector is a plus.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including experience writing donor materials.
• Experience in project management and managing junior staff is required.
• Experience staffing a principal and communicating with mid to high-range donors.
• A history of working effectively in a fast-paced environment and the ability to work both. autonomously, leading strategy, internal meetings, while also working in collaboration with team members.
• Enthusiasm to meaningfully contribute to the future of democracy.

Salary range for this position is $145,000 to $160,000 and commensurate with experience and skill.

To Apply: Please send a Resume, cover letter and sample fundraising writing sample to jobs@forwardmajority.org with “Development Director” in the subject line. We appreciate your interest and will be in touch with candidates whose qualifications meet the needs of this position.

Forward Majority offers a full benefits package that includes healthcare (100% premium coverage for employees), a 401k plan with an employer match, a flexible work environment, unlimited PTO policy, and much more.

Forward Majority is a political organization and equal opportunity employer. Women, people of color, those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly urged to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status or medical condition.

Conducting in-person activities for this role is required. Please contact jobs@forwardmajority.org for accommodations and exemptions.