Director of Development

Location: Flexible, United States Eastern Time Zone preferred
Reports to: Director of Partnerships
Hours per week (average): 40
Overtime Status: Exempt

Who we are

data.org is building a better future with data and is looking for creative, results-driven professionals passionate about the potential of data and technology to achieve social impact to join our team.

Launched in January 2020 and building on an initial commitment from The Rockefeller Foundation and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, data.org envisions a world that uses the power of data and AI to help solve society’s greatest challenges and improve lives across the globe. As a platform for partnerships, data.org works alongside social impact organizations, philanthropy, technology firms, and academia to build the field of data and AI for social impact.

About the position

The Director of Development will be responsible for establishing, coordinating, and driving the implementation of strategies designed to develop current and prospective donors and funders and secure the necessary resources to support data.org’s business interests. The Director of Development, in collaboration with key leaders across the organization, will structure and execute a strategic fundraising plan that aligns fundraising activities with core organizational needs.

Reporting to the Director of Partnerships, the Director of Development will be part of a partnerships team that contributes to setting organizational strategy, establishing fundraising priorities and securing funding, incubating new projects/programs, and executing projects tied to data.org products and services. The team also includes a Partnerships Coordinator and Manager of Product and Partnerships, who support and execute key functions, including reporting, research, stewardship of core funder relationships, and delivery of data.org products and services.

Both a seasoned fundraiser and an organizational leader, the ideal candidate should be able to make connections between data.org’s work and donors’ and prospects’ interests. They should be able to identify new prospects and strategies for engagement while ensuring that relationships with current donors are properly managed in close collaboration with partnerships and senior leadership. The Director must be nimble and able to operate in a fast-paced remote environment, managing changing priorities and taking advantage of all fundraising opportunities. They must be innovative and creative in developing year-over-year fundraising strategies and must be able to work collaboratively to harness the strengths of data.org’s leadership team and its network.

This position is a full-time remote role with a preferred location of the United States Eastern Time Zone preferred. Relocation assistance is not available for this position. Must be able and willing to travel internationally.

What you’ll do

Lead and ensure the success of the fundraising programs through annual operational planning and implementation
Work closely with senior leadership and the partnerships team to create and implement annual and multi-year fundraising plans that align with data.org’s mission and strategic goals
Collaborate with the director of partnerships, senior staff, and board to carry out the necessary cultivation of new and prospective donors, stewardship of current donors, and ensure that the necessary fundraising asks are made for the success of the fundraising plan
Develop, execute, and manage the engagement strategy for priority donors and prospects, including managing the prospect list and executing moves management
Be visible and accessible to the donor community; successfully represent data.org by cultivating and deepening relationships throughout the philanthropic community
Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization through strong internal relationships
Be a trusted partner to the Executive Director, senior staff, and Board, ensuring maximum value from their diverse connections, and effectively utilizing their time and personal participation in fundraising efforts
Collaborate with the director of partnerships and communications and marketing team in crafting and executing communications to cultivate and steward donors and prospects
Work closely with the partnerships team and senior leadership on donor-/prospect-facing materials, including pitch decks, concept notes, and
Develop, launch, and manage a new corporate partnership program
Administer ongoing comprehensive prospect research and donor prospect management system, including prospect identification, prioritization, biographical, and financial research
Oversee fundraising tools, including the Salesforce CRM, ensuring that they are used to support efficient relationship management, timely follow-ups, and accurate reporting
Support users across all fundraising systems, including training and developing standard operating procedures as needed; Identify gaps that may require future system enhancements, training opportunities, etc.
Work closely with finance, partnerships, and other stakeholders to provide operational directions and leadership in support of business needs
Other duties as assigned

Qualifications you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree
7-10 years of related work experience, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, business development, or a similar role within the nonprofit sector, with a proven track record of securing significant funding through various channels (foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, major gifts, etc.)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (including listening skills); ability to write clearly and persuasively across various formats, such as email, concept notes, and proposals
Excellent influencing and networking skills paired with stakeholder management experience in a global environment.
A demonstrated commitment to data.org’s IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access) values.
Demonstrated ability to develop and manage a strategic plan with multiple projects and deadlines
Sound judgment and ability to match the business interests of the organization to opportunities
Ability to demonstrate assertiveness and work proactively and effectively with peers and senior leadership to convey ideas, opportunities, and necessary actions, including delegating appropriately
Experience with Salesforce CRM preferred; Advanced knowledge of fundraising databases, CRMs, and wealth screening/research tools required
Ability to analyze and synthesize complex issues and explain information to a general audience
Skilled in providing the highest quality products and services that meet or exceed the needs and requirements of internal and external stakeholders
Self-motivated with problem-solving skills and the ability to manage time and prioritize tasks appropriately in a remote workplace
A mission-driven individual with strong judgment, interpersonal skills, and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment
Ability and Flexibility to work across multiple time zones

data.org values facilitating an equitable standard of living across the regions in which it operates. This is a full-time remote position located in the Eastern Time Zone and offers competitive compensation. Details of actual compensation will be discussed during the interview process to ensure compensation is approached comprehensively and equitability. Expected salary range US $120,000-140,000.

Comprehensive benefits package that includes 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees (and families). Employees are able to enroll in 401k retirement plan and are eligible for a 3% automatic contribution and up to a 3% employer match on 401k contributions. Employees are also eligible for pre-tax transportation benefits. Employees will receive 200 hours of vacation time, 80 hours of health leave up to 2 days of casual leave, and 20 hours of volunteer leave annually. Employees will also receive 13 paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Employees are eligible for 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave after 90 days of employment.

Hiring statement

data.org, the Data Science for Social Impact Collaborative is a project of the New Venture Fund (NVF), a 501(c)(3) public charity that incubates new and innovative public-interest projects and grant-making programs. NVF is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, and rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. NVF’s work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume (referencing Director of Development in the subject field) to jobs@data.org.

NVF participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employees’ Form I-9 information to confirm authorization to work in the United States. Job candidates and employees authorized to work may not be discriminated against on the basis of national origin or citizenship status.

Apply Now

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume (referencing Director of Development in the subject field) to jobs@data.org