Development (Fundraising) Manager

ABOUT DJDS

Designing Justice + Designing Spaces (DJDS) is the only nonprofit architecture and real estate development firm in the country that innovates in and around the built environment to address the root causes of mass incarceration. With a focus on restorative justice and restorative economics, we partner with and serve low-income communities of color across the country. Our work counters the societal inequities evident in the dominant architectural models of justice — courthouses, jails, prisons, etc. — by designing and developing new prototypes such as peacemaking centers, mobile classrooms, and re-entry housing for formerly-incarcerated men and women. To achieve the mission and continue our ethos, the team is comprised of architects, designers, real estate developers, operations/events production staff, and community organizers; and projects often involve community members and systems-impacted individuals as experts, consultants, and contractors. Our work is founded on restoration and we incorporate it into our company culture and operations. We engage with our communities and partners with trauma-informed processes and patience. We value — and practice — self-awareness and personal growth in order for all staff members to be able to bridge the communities in which we work, from philanthropy to elected officials to those incarcerated and their communities of care.

JOB SUMMARY

We are thrilled to add the role of Development (Fundraising) Manager to the DJDS team. The main objectives for this role are to keep the team accountable for all fundraising activities, from individual giving to grant research, while following and contributing to the DJDS fundraising strategies and making adjustments to the strategies as-needed in consultation with the Chief of Finance and Operations. The Development Manager will keep the pulse of our grant pipeline, conduct individual donor research with online tools, support the creation of new processes and systems of individual giving, and manage the cross-disciplinary team for all tasks associated with meeting our annual fundraising goals.

This full-time position will keep abreast of all projects in the pipeline as well as the day-to-day philanthropic fundraising efforts of DJDS’ grants portfolio. The Development Manager will work closely with the Chief of Finance and Operations and the Executive Director, with the support of another team member with development expertise. Working closely with the development and finance teams, the Development Manager will contribute to the continued development and growth of DJDS, in the Bay Area and nationally, by contributing to a strategy that targets prospects in the geographic area of our projects in addition to national funders. This position is an opportunity to learn about innovative real estate and architectural solutions in the social justice sector. It will include partnerships with for-profit and non-profit developers, public agencies, and philanthropic institutions that address the root causes of mass incarceration. The Development Manager will report to our main office in Oakland, California; however, the role may include travel time for up to 10% of the job.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and implement the organization’s donor stewardship process, including acknowledgment letters and donor engagement activities
• Participate in solicitation meetings/calls with foundations and corporations
• Manage the grants calendar. Prepare and update all grant proposals and attachments and ensure that all proposals, reports, and supplemental materials are submitted early.
• Conduct monthly prospect research and manage an individual, corporate, and foundation pipeline
• Manage the creation of engaging content and marketing materials, including an annual report and annual appeals. Draft or otherwise contribute to the copy for all these materials.
• Lead planning for all fundraising events and donor cultivation events
• Manage an individual donor portfolio as designated by the Executive Director
• Maintain a donor database system (currently Little Green Light), and research and implement other fundraising systems and workflows to support the department’s efficiency and success
• Support the Executive Director in Board cultivation and fundraising efforts
• Monitor progress to goals on a monthly basis and prepare compelling and accurate reports for the Executive Director and Board
• Serve as an ambassador of DJDS to the general public, attending and speaking at relevant conferences, events, and professional convenings
• Manage the submission of and contribute content for a high volume of grant proposals, in the $50K – $1M range, to government, foundations, corporations, and private funders
• Monitor and report on the performance of the portfolio of funded grants to funders and other audiences
• Cultivate and steward institutional relationships, including scheduling and coordinating meetings, site visits, and other engagement opportunities
• Conduct geographic research in coordination with DJDS projects and leadership travel
• Coordinate meetings to coincide with leadership travel and follow up accordingly to maintain relationships

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• High degree of independence, initiative, responsibility, and capability in managing projects. Can manage and coordinate with multiple stakeholders, partners, and staff, ensuring their buy-in, participation, and ability to deliver on commitments
• Strong self-awareness, with cultural competency for a diverse range of cultures, communities, and lived experiences
• Superior verbal and written communication skills —- you know what the audience is looking for and you can write compelling stories!
• Can see a grant application from concept to submittal with minimal direction from the Directors
• Can manage multiple grant applications, reports, deadlines, and other responsibilities of varying complexity and importance at any given time
• Ability to work on multiple projects and maintain effective communication and quality control
• Strong ability to plan, schedule, and direct the work of self and others
• Advanced understanding and proficiency using the following software:
  • Microsoft Office
  • Google Apps
  • Asana project management software (preferred)
  • Little Green Light or other donor management software
  • Donor research software (e.g., Wealth Engine) (preferred)
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and a high level of discretion
• Exceptional skills in cross-disciplinary collaborative team work
• Ability to travel (up to approximately 10% of the job)
• Commitment to DJDS’ mission and goals, as well as an interest in criminal justice reform
• Ability to write compelling government grants, including local, state, and federal grants, preferred

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE

• Five years minimum experience fundraising for a mission-driven nonprofit or social justice organization, in some combination of grant-writing, individual giving, institutional giving, and/or data management roles
• Experience in developing and executing fundraising and/or communications strategies and measuring results
• Two to three years of experience in grant-writing (or writing of similar documents)
• Experience in researching, cultivation, and stewardship of individual donors (preferred)
• Experience in researching and prioritizing institutional giving opportunities (preferred)
• Background in communications a plus
• Knowledge of and networks in the fields of architecture, design, restorative justice, and/or criminal justice reform (preferred)

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

• Healthcare benefits with options for medical insurance under the company group plan. Employer contributions are determined by the chosen healthcare plan and covers employee premiums only.
• Compensation for this role will not exceed $75,000

TO APPLY

Please send the following, in pdf form, to info@designingjustice.org, with the subject line “Development (Fundraising) Manager”:

• Cover letter (in your cover letter, please include your definition of Restorative Justice and Trauma-Informed Practice in 4 sentences)
• Resume

Please, no phone calls or recruiters. All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.