Development Manager Position

HISTORY: 

GRIOT Circle was founded in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1996 by LGBTQ elders of color in order to respond to 

the social and psychological fragmentation caused by ageism, racism, sexism, homophobia and 

poverty in the lives of LGBTQ elders of color. GRIOT (Gay Reunion in Our Time) - meaning storyteller 

and keeper of oral history in West African culture – is officially recognized as a nonprofit 501(c) (3) 

and remains the only staffed organization in the country exclusively dedicated to serving the needs 

of LGBTQ elders of color. The mission is to respond to and eliminate all forms of oppression, 

including: ageism, racism, sexism, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia, poverty, xenophobia, and 

their intersections. We achieve this by providing health, wellness, advocacy, and leadership activities 

to remove isolation and fear, build community, as well as honor racial and ethnic traditions. 

The Development Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all of 

GRIOT Circle’s fundraising and development efforts, The ideal candidate brings strong 

experience in foundation and individual donor fundraising, grant writing and reporting, 

event planning, budgeting and financial management. The Development Manager works 

closely with The Executive Director, the Board of Directors, and the GRIOT staff team.

Responsibilities

• Writing compelling grant proposals and reports - ensuring that the organizational 

data, mission, and goals of GRIOT Circle are communicated persuasively.

• Proactively identify and cultivate prospects for fundraising activities including 

individuals and corporate donors.

• Develop an annual development plan in consultation with the ED and Board 

Fundraising Committee.

• Meet with prospective donors and supporters on a continual basis and work with 

ED to cultivate relationships with government officials.

• Grow individual gifts program.

• Coordinate fund raising special events.

• Managing grants portfolio and calendar - ensuring that letters of intent, proposals, 

and reports are submitted in advance of deadlines.

• Staff Board Development Committee meetings

• Oversee fundraising database and tracking systems and analyze data for regular 

reports and updates on outcomes.

• Work with communication staff to create publications that support fund raising and 

program activities.

• Collaborate with the ED to ensure successful logging and tracking of gifts received 

and sending of proper donation acknowledgments.

• All other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Qualifications and Skills

• 5 years minimum fundraising experience. 

• Knowledge of LGBTQ, and/or seniors and/or communities of color.

• Have demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and grant writing experience

• Have knowledge and experience in fund raising with individuals.

Possess the skills to work with and motivate staff, Board members, and volunteer work 

well in a team atmosphere

Please send resume/CV, cover letter, and a technical writing sample (not to exceed 5 pages) 

to Executive Director, Aundaray Guess, at aundaray@griotcircle.org. Applications will be 

considered on a rolling basis. Please write Development Manager in the subject line. No 

phone calls, please – only applicants being considered for interviews will be contacted.