Director of Development

The mission of the Latino Policy Forum is to build the power, influence, and leadership of the Latino community through collective action to transform public policies that ensure the well-being of its community and society as a whole. Through advocacy and analysis, the Forum builds a foundation for equity, justice, and economic prosperity for the Latino community. By catalyzing policy change, the Forum works to improve education outcomes, advocate for affordable housing, promote just immigration policies and strengthen community leadership.

Position Summary

As a member of the senior leadership team, and in partnership with the President/CEO and the development team, the Director of Development is responsible for leading all fundraising efforts to diversify the Forum’s funding streams and create sustainability for the organization.  This new position with our rapidly growing organization builds on our momentum and provides a rewarding opportunity for a seasoned fundraising professional to establish and pioneer the systems, structure, and relationships that will increase revenue and eventually grow and strengthen our fundraising team.  The role supervises an Associate Director, the Development Coordinator, and a consultant grant-writer. The role will diversify the current funding streams by maintaining philanthropic/foundation investments, increase corporate revenue and further develop a nascent individual donor campaign.

Responsibilities:   

Strategy

• Work with President/CEO and development team to develop and implement an annual development/fundraising plan
• Create a culture of philanthropy among Forum staff and board to make development an organization wide event
• In collaboration with the President/CEO, develop, implement and monitor a comprehensive fundraising strategy to expand philanthropic support for the organization through institutional and individual giving
• Develop an annual fundraising plan based on board and administration priorities that outlines how the department will meet its annual fundraising goals and acquire, retain and move donors (online and direct mail appeals, events, proposals, stewardship plans, etc.)
• In collaboration with the communications department, develop and execute a plan to strengthen organizational brand and fundraising efforts

Fundraising

• Provide oversight to all fundraising efforts to ensure organizational financial goals are met, including annual fundraiser and other events
• Cultivate relationships with board of directors to leverage their influence to attract new prospective donors and develop a donor pipeline
• Research and identify potential institutional and individual donors and implement strategies to foster positive relationships
• Strengthen current donor relationships
• Support and lead strategy development for all phases of the donor cycle, from the identification and cultivation of donor prospects to the solicitation and stewardship of existing donors, while actively pursuing and managing corporate and individual leads
• Implement the Forum’s first junior board
• Develop a plan for donor cultivation events including breakfast meetings, networking activities and other events to attract new prospects.
• Manage distribution of all donor appeals, both electronic and direct mail
• Develop and implement up-to-date donor communications materials for solicitations, and stewardship
• Establish target for and manage a major gifts portfolio of 75 – 100 individuals
• Support President/CEO in the management of her donor portfolio and provide administrative support for her solicitations

Administration

• Assist the President/CEO and the finance department in the preparation of the annual fundraising budget
• Coordinate and oversee the day-to-day management of the Development Department
• Provide oversight to the development team, currently consisting of the Associate Director of Development and Development Coordinator and assess their performance annually
• Create and implement a plan to utilize current CRM fundraising system
• Track performance goals of the Development Department including achievement of fundraising goals, dollars raised, donors acquired, renewals, retention and attrition rates, average gift, increased gifts (donor movement) and other fundraising measures
• Provide monthly development reports to the President/CEO and the board of directors, and manage board Development committee

Qualifications

Passionate about pursing equity for the Latino community. Minimum of five years of fundraising experience. Preference given to candidates who have received CFRE certification. Extensive knowledge of fundraising strategies and principles required. Demonstrated experience in raising gifts of six figures or more and meeting/exceeding fundraising goals in previous positions. Experience working with board of directors. Demonstrated leadership/supervisory skills. Experience in project management, communications, budget/finance/fundraising/database management.  Experience with all Windows/Microsoft Office applications and Salesforce contact management.  Experience working in Latino communities a plus. Superior communication and interpersonal skills. Bilingual a plus.

Core Competencies

Mission Focused: Serve as a catalyst that is committed to mission to create social change and equity for the Latino community.

• Strategic Management: envision, plan, monitor, analyze, assess, evaluate, and implement all development needs to enable the Forum to meet its annual fundraising goals and objectives, and plan.
• Results and detail oriented: Proven track record of exceeding goals, and developing and implementing work streams and plans
• Decision making, problem solving and good judgment:  evidence of the ability to consistently make good decisions, high level of integrity and ethics, and hold confidentiality
• Capacity building: ability to effectively build organization and staff capacity, develop staff, and implement processes that ensure the organization runs smoothly
• Organizational leadership: exceptional capacity for managing and leading people, and building teams
• Collaborative and relational: strong ability to cultivate relationships and work collaboratively
• General Management: fundraising, communications

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily with reasonable accommodation. Work is generally done sitting, talking, hearing, and typing. Visual acuity to use a keyboard, prepare and analyze data and figures; transcribing, viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

Work Environment

Work is regularly performed in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment. This Forum is on a hybrid schedule - three days in the office, two days remote.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary is $99,000, plus additional compensation based on experience and education.  Benefits include health and dental insurance; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; 403(b) retirement plan with a company 2% contribution; flexible spending account; PTO – vacation, personal, sick, and nine holidays; hybrid and flexible work schedules; cell phone and internet reimbursements; transit benefit program; Public Service Loan Forgiveness program employer, and professional development opportunities, including fundraising/development memberships.

To Apply

Send a resume, one-page relevant writing sample and cover letter to armando@somoselpoder.org, subject line: “Latino Policy Forum Director of Development.” Applicants missing any required documents will not be considered.  No calls please.

Deadline to apply: December 10, 2023

The Forum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and actively seeks diversity in its workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, status as an individual with disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. POC are highly encouraged to apply.